"EXTRA" HOST MARIO LOPEZ TO CO-HOST THE 134TH WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW ON USA NETWORK

NEW YORK, NEW YORK � January 06, 2010 � USA Network announced today that Mario Lopez, popular television actor and host of the hit entertainment magazine show "Extra," will join David Frei as co-host of the 134th WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW, presented by Pedigree. The foremost dog show in the world and the second longest continuously held sporting event in the United States (second only to the Kentucky Derby) saunters its way into Madison Square Garden on Monday, February 15 and Tuesday, February 16, 2010.

Lopez will be co-hosting the event with David Frei in the latter's 21st consecutive year as host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. "I am really excited to be a host of the 2010 Westminster Dog Show," said Lopez. "I've been doing my research and checking out some of the world's top dog shows, so I'm well prepared on show day. I can't wait to be a part of the Super Bowl for canines!"

"We're thrilled to have Mario join Westminster this year. His charismatic persona and extensive experience as a popular TV host make him a terrific asset to the show," said Chris McCumber, executive vice president, marketing, digital and brand strategy.

Lopez danced his way into the hearts of America on the third season of ABC's hit "Dancing with the Stars," followed by his Broadway debut in the hit musical A CHORUS LINE as the much loved character �Zach. Committed to fitness and an avid sports fan, Lopez adds keen insight as a recurring commentator on "HBO Boxing," and he also released a bestselling fitness guide called "Mario Lopez's Knockout Fitness." In 2009, Lopez hosted MTV's #1 program "America's Best Dance Crew," reincarnated his guest starring role as Dr. Mike Hamoui on the F/X network's popular show Nip/Tuck, co-authored a children's book, Mudd Taco, with his sister Marissa, and starred in the highly rated ABC Family holiday movie "The Dog that Saved Christmas." Lopez began his career in the 1984 series "A.KA. Pablo," and became one of the best known faces on television as the iconic A.C. Slater on NBC's "Saved by the Bell."

The Westminster Kennel Club is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. Established in 1877, Westminster's influence has been felt for more than a century through its famous all breed, benched dog show held every year at New York's Madison Square Garden. The show is America's second longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby. For additional information, log on to www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 98.5 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.