College sports initiative to launch in March 2005
Just when you might have thought it was safe to turn off your television, now comes the latest ESPN offspring. You can (sort of) go to college without ever leaving the comfort and safety of your couch. Yes, as long as the battery in your remote control holds out, you’re good to go. The only things missing are the drunken frat parties.
ESPN will launch a new multimedia college sports initiative in March 2005 that includes a new 24-hour television network and content from ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine.
ESPNU will also include information from ESPN Radio, ESPN Mobile (wireless) and ESPN Broadband, George Bodenheimer, the president of ESPN and ABC Sports, said in making the announcement Tuesday.
Tuesday was also the 25th anniversary of the launch of ESPN.
“The college sports fan and ESPN have built a passionate bond that’s 25 years strong,” Bodenheimer said. “ESPNU will offer a broad variety of ESPN-branded college product across all of our entities, which will enhance our relationship with fans and colleges, and provide value to our affiliates and advertisers.”
The highest-profile facet of the new initiative will be the ESPNU television network, which will carry approximately 300 games live — primarily Division I football and men’s and women’s basketball — in the first year. The network will also cover baseball, softball, volleyball, lacrosse, hockey, wrestling, spring football and select high school football games.
OK, so it’s not going to be exactly like going to college, but why quibble over the details? Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy all of that old college excitement without the annoying reality of having to actually get dressed and go to class.
Who knows…before long, you’ll be able to attend an ESPNU frat party with your official “ESPN The Beer Bong” or “ESPN Hot Oil Wrestling”. Hmm…methinks that perhaps I went to college 25 years too late.
