Fixture announcement

The SPL today announced the first batch of live matches for 2009/10 following the recent television deal with Sky Sports and ESPN.

The new Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign will begin with a fascinating clash between Aberdeen and Celtic on Saturday August 15 - Sky Sports at 12.45pm. ESPN’s first selection is the intriguing Tannadice encounter between Dundee United and Hearts on Monday August 17.

Today’s announcement covers the first eight fixture rounds up to October 17 - a total of 11 matches. Selections beyond that will be made at the end of August following the European draws.

Barney Francis, Sky Sports’ Managing Director said:  "We open the season with Aberdeen v Celtic on 15 August - two teams with new managers relishing the challenges of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. We are relishing the prospect of 30 live games from the SPL this season - all in HD - including each of the Old Firm matches. We hope our viewers are too."

Lynne Frank, Managing Director, ESPN for Europe, Middle East and Africa said: "We're very excited to kick off ESPN's coverage with Hearts’ trip to Tannadice to play Dundee United on Monday 17 August. As the season progresses we'll feature all the Clydesdale Bank Premier League teams, giving Scottish football fans the chance to see their favourite club in standard and high definition."

CLYDESDALE BANK PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE GAMES WEEKS 1-8

Saturday August 15 - Aberdeen v Celtic
Live on Sky Sports, kick-off 12.45pm

Monday August 17 - Dundee United v Hearts
Live on ESPN, kick-off 7.45pm

Saturday August 22 - Falkirk v Hibernian
Live on ESPN, kick-off 12.30pm

Sunday August 23 - Hearts v Rangers
Live on Sky Sports, kick-off 12.45pm

Sunday August 30 - Hibernian v Celtic
Live on ESPN, kick-off 12.30pm

Saturday September 12 - Motherwell v Rangers
Live on Sky Sports, kick-off 12.15pm

Monday September 14 - Falkirk v Aberdeen
Live on ESPN, kick-off 7.45pm

Saturday September 19 - Kilmarnock v Rangers
Live on ESPN, kick-off 12.30pm

Saturday September 26 - St Mirren v Celtic
Live on ESPN, kick-off 12.30pm

Sunday October 4 - Rangers v Celtic
Live on Sky Sports, kick-off 12.30pm

Saturday October 17 - St Johnstone v Rangers
Live on ESPN, kick-off 12.30pm