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People and Pop Culture

Weekend Plans With Univision Senior VP Eric Conrad: NBA All-Star Game & El Super Clasico

Univision Senior VP/Sports Programming & Acquisitions ERIC CONRAD is headed to The Big Easy this weekend for the NBA All-Star Game, and while he is excited to see JOHN WALL after growing up a Wizards fan, he will also be keeping a close eye on Saturday’s “El Super Clasico” featuring heated Liga MX rivals Chivas and Club America. Conrad: “It’s our biggest regular-season soccer match of the year. Usually I’m at that match, but we’re also content partners with the NBA so that brings me down to New Orleans this year.” The weekend represents a homecoming of sorts for Conrad, who used to work in the NBA’s international department before his career took him to Univision. While Saturday’s soccer match means Conrad will miss the NBA’s 3-Point and Slam Dunk contests, he is able to compartmentalize and appreciate the significance of each event. Conrad: “It’s a bit of a ‘too many sports, too little time’ issue, but hey, that’s a good problem to have.”

BUSINESS & PLEASURE
: I’m flying into New Orleans Saturday morning, so getting there a little bit on the latter part of the festivities but at least it’s not my first NBA All-Star Game. I’ll spend the afternoon getting ready for a formal meeting we have with the NBA itself on Sunday ahead of the game. Then it’ll really be nice to relax, connect with some former colleagues and enjoy the atmosphere because I’m a huge NBA guy. I’ll take in the game itself with the league’s media department and my Univision associates.

NO LOVE LOST: Saturday night Univision is having a small watch party at a local restaurant for the Clasico. It should be pretty rowdy as the Chivas-Club America rivalry is one of the most intense in sports. For those who don’t know, a lot of it is based on the deep history of success for both clubs, as in they’re the two winningest clubs in Mexican soccer history. It’s a natural rivalry that’s developed over decades. Chivas is thought of as a traditional Mexican club, as they only feature Mexican-heritage players. So there’s a bit of this “We are the true Mexican club” attitude versus Club America which is okay with bringing in players from different countries and spending big money. That adds a significant layer to it. They’re playing in Guadalajara at Estadio Omnilife and it’s a must win for Club America. I’m jealous I won’t be there this year because to witness the match in person is just incredible, but rest assured I’ll be watching. Our watch party will be about 10-15 people ready to chill out, have a few beers and watch the game. Hopefully I won’t be on the phone too much. I’ll DVR the Dunk Contest and watch it later.

FUTBOL FAMILY: Most weekends I’m up early on Saturdays and helping coach my son MAXIMO’s soccer team. My daughter JULIANNA is just tough as nails. She’s only 6 but playing on a 9-year old soccer team, totally taking advantage of her brother beating her up over the years. If I have some free time after their games, I usually take a long run to clear the mind and just escape for a little bit. Saturday night is date night with my wife KASEY. We’ll go out to dinner and appreciate the peace and quiet. A typical Sunday night has us watching something together on Netflix before I take the last maybe 30 minutes of the night to map out my week.

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