The Big Ten Network, launched on August 30, 2007, has been a brilliant creation.
Not only does the network provide each school with millions of dollars for their athletic budget, but also provides an outlet for Big Ten schools to showcase their university and athletics.
Last season, schools received about $6.498 million from the BTN and that number will only grow.
Currently, the Big Ten Network reaches over 40 million households nationwide and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year highlighting both classic and current sports.
I have had the pleasure of calling multiple games on the network as part of the networks Student U initiative providing quality experience for both student announcers and production personnel.
And it’s not limited to just basketball. I’ve had the chance to call both soccer and field hockey.
Friday my second basketball game of the year hit the network as I called Indiana’s women’s basketball game against Miami (Oh). And it’s certainly tougher than it looks.
The thing most viewers don’t understand is the effort behind the scenes to put on a broadcast. The crew arrives hours before the game to set up cameras, run wires and test equipment.
As a play-by-play guy, I spend a couple days preparing for each game. My preparations include making my team roster sheet with player information, statistics and notes. I also read over each teams’ game notes, previous game outcomes and articles written about the matchup. Next I talk to the coaches. I interview both coaches over the phone to get my questions answered and to get a feel for each team. Finally on the day of the game, I arrive at least two hours before the game to talk with both sports information directors and read over my notes for the final time.
The Student U production isn’t perfect, but it continues to improve. Both the production crew and I are receiving terrific professional experience and it comes to fruition watching the final production showcased on the Big Ten Network.