Bowling Green State University Athletics
Ask The AD -- Oct. 2, 2007
October 02, 2007 | General
Oct. 2, 2007
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (BGSUFalcons.com) -
Each week, Bowling Green State University Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Greg Christopher answers a few of the many questions that have been submitted to BGSUFalcons.com. Here is the latest installment ...
Q: Is the athletic department planning another golf outing next spring similar to the one that Urban Meyer spoke at this year? If so, is the date set? I was unable to attend last year due to a scheduling conflict so I want to get it on my calendar.
Jeff in Mentor
A: Yes, Falcon Bash II is set for Friday, June 20, 2008 here in Bowling Green. We are also planning another round of the BGSU Barnstorming Tour, with stops throughout Northwest Ohio. Those dates and sites will be publicized as soon as they are finalized.
Q: How much longer is the MAC committed to ESPN and the TV contract that has us playing so many weeknight games?
Aaron in Toledo
A: The MAC's current television contract with ESPN runs through the 2009 basketball season. The new syndicated football package added this year (BGSU's game vs. Temple was part of the package) is a one-year trial for both sides. Under the existing contract, ESPN televises a set number of mid-week football games, plus the conference championships in football and men's basketball. I know that the conference office and ESPN have had some initial discussions about an extended agreement, but nothing detailed at this point. Regarding mid-week college football, the genie is out of the bottle on this one - for better or for worse. The landscape has changed and mid-week football will likely be with us long-term. TV exposure is an important element for our alumni and athletic teams, but it's also a balancing act with student-athlete welfare, campus atmosphere and fans all in the mix.
