Theater Sports Network (TSN) and ESPN are joining forces to bring more Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) games to movie theaters across the country. This new distribution agreement is an expansion of ESPN’s previous partnership with Cinemark for the College Football Playoff. The agreement includes approximately 75 ACC games, which will be eligible for theatrical play in the away teams’ markets or both home and away markets for neutral-site games. With local theaters setting ticket prices, fans will have the opportunity to experience the excitement of ACC football on the big screen.
The ACC is one of college football’s Power Five conferences, featuring esteemed teams like Clemson, Florida State, Boston College, Syracuse, and North Carolina. Adding further strength to its reputation, the ACC is considering adding Stanford, Cal, and Southern Methodist University to its roster. This move could solidify the conference’s position as a dominant force in college football while also providing a lifeline for universities left uncertain by the Pac-12’s demise.
Salt Lake City-based Theater Sports Network specializes in collaborating with theater owners and rights holders to bring live sports events to the big screen. Through its flexible model, TSN sets up screenings that cater to the interests of sports enthusiasts. Fans can sign up on TSN’s website to receive notifications about upcoming ACC games in their local area, starting this coming Saturday.
The distribution agreement between TSN and ESPN not only covers the regular season but also includes the highly anticipated “New Year’s Six” bowl games, including the College Football Playoff semifinals and the national championship. Fans can now experience these marquee matchups in the theater, creating a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, theater owners were exploring alternative programming to movies. Technological advancements have made it easier to distribute a wide range of content, including academic classes, conferences, concerts, and fine arts events. This expansion into live sports broadcasts aligns with the demand for unique and immersive experiences. College football and the NFL have demonstrated a consistent viewership, bucking the trend of overall declines in live TV viewership. The theatrical setting also appeals to fans who enjoy watching games in a communal setting, whether at bars, restaurants, or organized viewing parties.
A New Frontier for Sports Broadcasting
Scott Daw, the President and COO of Theater Sports Network, believes that movie theaters are the next frontier for live sporting events. The partnership with ESPN opens up this exciting opportunity for ACC football fans to gather and cheer for their favorite teams in a stadium-like atmosphere. The ambition extends beyond the ACC, as TSN hopes to bring games from other college football conferences and various live sporting events to the big screen.
To ensure a seamless streaming experience, Theater Sports Network is collaborating with MetaMedia, a cloud-based delivery platform for cinemas, drive-ins, and other out-of-home venues. MetaMedia has a significant network of over 5,000 screens in the United States and Canada, including key markets. This partnership guarantees that fans can enjoy the ACC games in high-quality resolution and with reliable streaming technology.
The partnership between Theater Sports Network and ESPN marks an exciting new chapter for college football fans. By bringing ACC games to movie theaters, both away team markets and neutral-site games can experience the thrill of the game on the big screen. With the potential for additional conferences to join, theater owners, sports enthusiasts, and general fans can look forward to the convergence of sports and cinema. The surge in alternative programming within theaters reflects the evolving interests of audiences and the desire for unique experiences that bridge the gap between different forms of entertainment.
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