Fresno State Athletics
New TV Deal for Dogs
8/31/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 31, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - Marking a move to broaden television exposure for its nine member schools, the Western Athletic Conference and its multimedia rights partner Learfield Sports announced today the debut of the WAC Sports Network (WSN) on Sept. 18, 2010, when Utah State hosts Fresno State at Romney Stadium.
"Fresno State is pleased to work with the conference and its member schools and Learfield to develop a network that will promote and enhance all involved," said Associate Athletic Director of External Relations Paul Ladwig. "To be able to tell the student-athlete and team stories and bring WAC fans more games in more markets is the key. We are glad to lend our expertise and direction to this effort"
The regional network will allow for WAC football and basketball games to be produced and distributed to media outlets in the respective school markets. Learfield Sports' locally based WAC Sports Properties team has oversight of the operation through Learfield Sports' extensive conference partnership.
The WSN will encompass affiliates in 15 different markets in the WAC members' reach. In addition to the Sept. 18 Utah State/Fresno State match up at 6 p.m. MST, games already scheduled for broadcast are Idaho at Western Michigan on Oct. 2 (noon MST) and Boise State at New Mexico State on Oct. 2 (6 p.m. MST). The WAC Sports Network will release the remaining schedule of games at a later date, pending ESPN national broadcast selections.
"The WAC Sports Network provides another outstanding opportunity not only to showcase our football programs but also to promote the Conference in a positive manner," said WAC Commissioner Karl Benson. "We are very appreciative of Learfield's effort to put this together for the 2010-11 season and know that it will benefit all concerned."
According to Learfield Sports' Vice President Eric Buchanan, WSN will be an excellent addition to the WAC member schools and is designed to complement existing local and regional television agreements.
"WSN will help broaden visibility for the league's member schools and create a simplistic way to distribute games to fans through the various media outlets," added Buchanan. "We've enjoyed teaming with Karl and his entire staff in seeing this idea become a reality. We feel certain the schools and their fan base will like the added television element WSN will bring."
"We truly value our relationship with the WAC, its member schools and especially Commissioner Karl Benson. He has been a terrific leader for the conference, and we think the WSN is one more example of that leadership," said Andy Rawlings, Learfield's executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Learfield Sports' league relationship with the WAC is a natural fit as the company represents seven member schools - Boise State, Fresno State, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, San Jose State and Utah State. Overall, Learfield Sports manages multimedia rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions and associations, including the Big Ten, Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) and Missouri Valley Conference, and is title partner for the acclaimed Learfield Sports Directors' Cup. WAC Sports Properties specifically focuses on the league's corporate partnership program and selling title sponsorships for championship events, as well as other conference events.
Tickets Sales Remain Steady
Tickets sales for Saturday's season opener against Cincinnati continue to go well. More than 30,000 tickets have been sold for the game. Among the tickets remaining are student season tickets. Students can get their tickets outside the Kennel Bookstore or at the Bulldog Ticket Office. There are several season ticket packages and mini-plans available for the seven home games. The Bulldog Ticket Office will beopen until 6 p.m. each day this week and will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Fans can purchase on line by clicking the tickets icon at the top of the page and use the convenient print from home technology to avoid standing in lines.
Boeh's Response to BYU's Departure of the Mountain West Conference
BYU announced today its intention of leaving the Mountain West Conference and become an independent in football and will join the West Coast Conference in other sports. Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Thomas Boeh made the following statement:
"We will continue to seek a swift resolution of matters with the Western Athletic Conference. BYU's decision to leave the Mountain West Conference was not unexpected and does not alter the viewpoint that Fresno State's decision to join the Mountain West is the very best course of action toward the long-term development of our athletics program," Fresno State Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh.
Saunders Rejoins the Team
Head football coach Pat Hill welcomed freshman receiver Jalen Saunders back to practice after eight days away. Saunders was sitting out because his paperwork to join the team was incomplete. All of the paperwork was completed today, allowing him to rejoin the team. Saunders impressed coaches early in fall camp and is expected to play this season a true freshman.
"Jalen missed a lot and has some catching up to do," said Hill. "But he's a great talent and I hope he will be able to make up what he's missed. We plan to use him this season."
Red Wave - RISE UP! T-Shirts Available
The Bulldog Shop's hottest new item for the 2010 season is the Red Wave - RISE UP! T-shirt. They are available at the Bulldog Shop for $15 each. The Bulldog Shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Follow the Fresno State Bulldog Shop on Facebook to get the latest information on specials and new Bulldog gear.
"We Are Your Team!" The Dogs open their season on Saturday, September 4, against defending Big East Champion Cincinnati. Don't miss any of the Bulldog football action. Ticket packages, includes season tickets for all seven home games are available now by clicking the tickets icon at the top of the page.
