Announced this morning, Longhorn Network gets its first major cable provider pickup just a day before it officially launches on Friday. Verizon FiOS TV announces that it will distribute nationwide the ESPN-backed regional sports network devoted totally to the University of Texas. Before today, Longhorn Network had been picked up by a couple of smaller provider in the State of Texas. Now, ESPN, the University of Texas and Longhorn Network can crow which is what all three parties are doing right now. Not quite champagne-popping news, but pretty close in ESPN’s eyes.
We have the press release for you from the offices of ESPN.
Verizon FiOS TV to Add Longhorn Network
Verizon Is Largest Video Service Provider to Add University of Texas Longhorn Network to Channel Lineup — in Time for Football Team’s Sept. 3 Opener
IRVING, Texas – Joining a growing lineup of regional and national collegiate sports networks on FiOS TV, the Longhorn Network has arrived on FiOS just in time for the start of the college football season. The Longhorn Network is a channel devoted to athletic programming and related activities at the University of Texas.
Verizon is the largest video service provider to date to announce the addition of the Longhorn Network to its channel lineup.
“The Longhorns have a huge presence in Texas, with a passionate fan base that extends across the country,” said David Preschlack, executive vice president, Disney and ESPN Media Networks. “Verizon’s early commitment to this network speaks to the university’s popularity and the consumer demand for this content.”
Terry Denson, vice president of content strategy and acquisition for Verizon, said, “We know Texas Longhorn fans are among the most loyal and enthusiastic in college sports, so we’re pleased to add the Longhorn Network to our already robust sports lineup on FiOS TV. The addition of this groundbreaking collegiate sports channel adds to Verizon’s commitment to bring the best in sports and entertainment and overall video content to our customers.”
The national distribution agreement with the Longhorn Network will allow fans of FiOS and the Longhorns to start watching the network on Sept. 1. FiOS TV Ultimate HD subscribers outside of Texas can watch LHN on Channel 320. In Texas, FiOS TV Prime HD, Extreme HD and Ultimate HD subscribers can watch LHN on Channels 79 (standard definition) and 579 (high definition).
In the near future, the Longhorn Network also will be available online, on tablets and on smartphones for fans with a Verizon FiOS TV plan, making UT athletics and other programming easily available anywhere, anytime.
‘Game Plan With Mack Brown’ and ‘Texas GameDay’ Featured for Season Opener
On Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. CT, “Game Plan with Mack Brown” will look at what Texas must do to beat Rice in the Longhorns’ season opener on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. At 5 p.m., the two-hour “Texas GameDay” — the only pre-game show broadcast exclusively from inside the stadium — will give fans all the insights, analysis and excitement they’ve come to know from ESPN’s “College GameDay” pre-game show. Immediately after the game, Longhorn fans will see the debut of “Texas GameDay Final” – a two-hour dedicated post-game show televised exclusively from the field.Additionally, on Monday (Sept. 5) at 7 p.m., and each following Monday at that time throughout the football season, “Rewind with Mack Brown” will break down all the plays of the previous Saturday’s game. And each Tuesday at 8 p.m. “Texas Football Overdrive” will present the game in an enhanced format featuring interviews, sound and analysis that bring viewers an inside look at the game.
That’s all for this post.
