Battle of the Sexes Preparations and Celebrity Warm-Up (1973)

Duration: 1:44

Year Published: 1973

Sound: sound

Description: This news segment for Houston’s KPRC-TV, broadcast on September 20, 1973, shows television news crews setting up for the exhibition tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs later that day at the Astrodome. It also includes outtakes of celebrities including Glen Campbell, Andy Williams, and Merv Griffin warming up for the celebrity game that aired before King and Riggs took the court. Dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes,” the televised match drew an estimated audience of 90 million viewers worldwide. Another 30,000 filled the famed stadium—including stars like Rod Steiger and Janet Leigh, seen here. King beat Riggs in three sets, 6–4, 6–3, 6–3.