BTN strikes again: No TV on Saturday

[skoalvikings]

How the heck is this game not on TV? I understand road games not being on, but home games? I thought that was the point of the BTN? Not only do we get the world's worst announcing teams, but now we can't even watch the games? I see that two more nonconference games are on ESPNU, which very few of us get. What an absolute joke.

[From the Barn]

Road games would be more likely to be on TV. You can always buy a ticket if you really want to see the Gophers.

And shouldn't it be ESPNU strikes again?

[freshtrout]

ESPN has first dibs ... but putting (or DUMPING) the game to ESPN 360 is a really lame move. Mr Delany has already been sent an email. How the BTN negtiated the rights to ESPN which allows these types of moves to be made needs to be continually questioned. Give me back Midwest Sports Channel!! (in HD of course -:)

[Hates Monikers]

I'm beginning to wonder if the BTN is going to survive more than a few years. Obviously, it's a great money-maker for the schools for now. But can it continue (or start) to bring in the money that it needs to pay out? The on-air talent and shows that aren't games are awful and the network is creating havoc with game scheduling. The talent may get better and we all may become more comfortable with scheduling (if games actually begin to air more frequently). But the biggest question I have is how long it will take for fans from outside Big Ten country to begin watching regularly.

ESPN has become the place that sports fans go to casually see if there's a game on. That is habit, and habits can change. But not many people will leave ESPN's college highlights (and see promotions for upcoming games) to watch the BTN's version. And if you're from SEC-land surfing around to find a basketball game on a Saturday afternoon, if you happen to check out BTN you're just as likely to see a replay of a women's soccer game. The more that happens, the less likely they are to return. Right now, the only reason to watch the BTN is if you know there's a specific game on you want to see -- you have to be a fan of one of the teams. I don't really see that changing anytime soon, and that's not a recipe for long-term success.

[grunkiejr]

I for one love BTN. BTT is a great show and I like watching it. I agree though, the women's soccer, field hockey, etc is a joke. BTN is always going to have problems competing with ESPN for viewer interest because there are only 11 teams in the conference so there are only so many hours that you can show live games.

Yes, BTN needs to renegotiate with ESPN to give ESPN first dibs if it is on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2. But nobody has ESPN 360 or ESPNU so BTN gets priority over those channels.

And for football games I could go in to the 700's (on Comcast) and choose between the games to watch a non featured game. For instance, in the non-conference games I could choose to watch Illinois choking against Louisiana Lafayette instead of watching Michigan lose Utah when Mich./Utah game was the featured game on BTN. It functioned the same as ESPN college game day does which was awesome. Why don't they use those channels for basketball so that we can choose our game?

[skoalvikings]

Road games would be more likely to be on TV. You can always buy a ticket if you really want to see the Gophers.

And shouldn't it be ESPNU strikes again?

Incorrect--the home team controls the TV, so a nonconference road game (see CSU) might end up on a channel you can't get.

All we've heard is how the BTN is going to allow all the games to be on TV--ESPN360 doesn't count as TV, ESPNU barely counts.

[Gopher Teeth]

I disagree. The trend is actually more specialized programming. How many cooking, diy, and science channels are there now? Technology has changed the game, production of content is becoming less expensive and the middle men (broadcast networks) are getting cut out. This is allowing the content providers to grab more of the revenue and control. The future will be one without broadcast networks with content providers being able to go directly to the public. Its happening in music to the record compaines now. Look on the web people are broadcasting out of their homes (lifecasting), content providers are starting to experiment with tidal tv, etc.. Companies that controlled the limited transmission vehicles, thus having leverage and control are being gone around due to the web. Look at newspapers, phone companies, all exerted control due to control of the expensive delivery networks required. . .they are all being destroyed. The BTN will change, but the concept is correct. They are a content provider and should look to cut out the middle man and get directly to the people. It won't be long and TV's will stream their content directly from the web and it will interact much like TV's act today. Meaning you won't have to find a web page click on things and then the stream goes to the TV. . . .the TV will know where the streaming is and you can flip through streams like you are flipping through channels. I actually see the BTN main focus will be through internet broadcasting through a subscription basis.

[From the Barn]

If tickets are available, and you live within 2 hours, go to the game, or your complaints don't resonate very well.

[skoalvikings]

I've got tickets, but someone else is using them on Saturday--the point is that we were told BTN will help get games on TV, and it really isn't happening.

[tjgopher]

If tickets are available, and you live within 2 hours, go to the game, or your complaints don't resonate very well.

Sure, unless you're on a fixed income and can't afford the $60 it will cost to buy the tickets, the $20 it will cost for gas, the $30 it will cost to eat, and the four hours of driving time it will take to get to and from. Or, maybe you're an elderly person who can't drive. Or, maybe you're a single parent with two kids at home. Or, maybe you're a shut-in. Or, maybe you're a high school student and your parents won't let you go. Or, maybe you have to work until 7pm at night and can't make it to the game.

The Big Ten Network promised when it was created that EVERY home football and men's basketball game would be on TV somewhere (ESPN/ESPN2/ABC/CBS/BTN). They clearly broke that promise this year, as this will be the fifth time we're on an internet-stream only. I love the BTN, watch it a lot, but I don't like them breaking their promises this early in their existence.

[From the Barn]

If by that standard they broke it last year. They said it would be on an ESPN network, and it is.

And those are all valid reasons for the game, but giving away tickets and the complaining you can't see the game isnt. And if you need $20 for gas and $30 for food, god help ya.

[tjgopher]

If by that standard they broke it last year. They said it would be on an ESPN network, and it is.

And those are all valid reasons for the game, but giving away tickets and the complaining you can't see the game isnt. And if you need $20 for gas and $30 for food, god help ya.

No, they said all home games would be on TV. Saturday's is not on TV. It is only on the internet. That goes with the other five games (exh included) earlier this year that were internet-only.

And, if you're two hours away - as you're scenario suggests, then you're talking about 240 miles of driving. At 25 miles per gallon, you'd be using just short of 10 gallons of gas. At $1.70 per gallon, that's $17 (okay not quite $20, but close). $30 to eat is $15 per person. I don't think that's out of line. Even so, the point still stands. In today's economy, there are literally thousands of people who simply can't afford to spend over $100 for one night of Gopher hoops.

It must be nice for you to be a young guy with little to no responsibility (I remember those days myself). But, many, many Gopher fans have commitments that don't allow them to always get to the Barn. It is nice to have the luxury of watching on TV, particularly after we were promised all home games would be on TV.

[From the Barn]

Gopher basketball is a right?

And all the games weren't on TV last year either.

And you actually know nothing about my life, but thanks for playing.

[Dr.Don]

From the Barn: FYI, I live 5 hours from the Barn. Fixed income, still work parttime to make ends meet. Would like to relax with a Gopher basketball game when they play, be it HeGophers or SheGophers, but have to try follow the best I can on the net. No BTN, but plenty of FSN, ESPN, ESPN2 to watch, but hardly ever the Gophers. FSN could help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not all of us were born with silver spoons in our mouths.

[TruthTeller]

If by that standard they broke it last year. They said it would be on an ESPN network, and it is.

And those are all valid reasons for the game, but giving away tickets and the complaining you can't see the game isnt. And if you need $20 for gas and $30 for food, god help ya.

Have you ever been unemployed? With a family? And a mortgage? Car payment?

You, without question, need a whole lot of perspective.

[From the Barn]

You've already decided what sort of life I have led, so does it matter?

[tjgopher]

Gopher basketball is a right?

Reading comprehension, man. I specifically called it a "luxury." However, I might add, that there is a sense of entitlement when you are promised something, which we were.


And all the games weren't on TV last year either.

Every home game was on TV last year (except exhibitions). This is the FOURTH regular season home game that is on internet-only this season.


And you actually know nothing about my life, but thanks for playing.

Yet, you were the one suggesting it should be no problem for everyone to get to the game if they lived as far away as two hours, all the while knowing nothing about their live's, either.

[From the Barn]

Speaking of reading comprehension, my point was if you can go to the game, then go. You will notice that the person to whom my comment was directed had tickets, game them away, and then complained that they weren't able to go. Those with legitimate reasons for not attending have a right to complain, others not so much.

And just for kicks, guess my income, expenses, family, any health issues I may have, how far away I live, previous commitments I have, race, ethnicity, etc.

[Dr.Don]

OK...I'll start guessing: Income...Too much; Expenses...Not enough; Family...You live with your parents who give you everything; Health Issues........You are insane (so am I); How far away....Across the street; Previous commitments.....None; Race.....you run the mini-marathon;....ethnicity........mixed blood; etc........you are a genius who knows everything, argues with everyone, opinionated, spoiled brat, never worked a day in your life at manual labor...good on a computer...a nice guy otherwise. How did I do? :-)

[From the Barn]

2.5. And if everyone agreed with me, I certainly wouldn't be here.

[Blizzard]

I would have guessed somewhere around here -


you are a genius who knows everything, argues with everyone, opinionated, spoiled brat, never worked a day in your life at manual labor...good on a computer...a nice guy otherwise. How did I do?

Except for the manual labor part and disagreed with the nice guy part. Behind a computer you can be whoever you want or it can reveal whoever you are.

[From the Barn]

Well, which is it?

[Blizzard]

For me ? I think I tend to read you like you're a knowitall a$$hole wannabe manager/stats guy of the HS basketball team. But appreciate some of what you say because, well, it's hard to argue with. But I still think you're an a$$hole. Chuckling as I write. Sorry.

[From the Barn]

Dangerously close to reality. And if I'm an asshole because I like to win, and stand by what I believe, so be it.

[Dr.Don]

Barn....you gave me 2.5. On what scale? the Richter Scale, the Enhanced Fujita Scale? GPA 4.0 scale? help me out here. And I LMAO at Blizzard. One thing, Blizzard, re: Barn being an a-hole....he is then a part of every one of us, God forbid!!!!LOL

[From the Barn]

as in 2.5 correct out of however many you listed.

[Blizzard]

And if I'm an asshole because I like to win, and stand by what I believe, so be it.

Which is why bottomline I appreciate what you have to say. No hard feelings.

[Sour1729]

From the Barn, you seem to enjoy pissing people off. If that your goal? What is it about your personality that makes you like hijacking threads and attempt to annoy everyone here?

I'm prepared for your canned statement about not caring what anyone else thinks, but it is getting to the point where you aren't contributing anything at all.

I'm glad you have your blog as an outlet, otherwise I can't even imagine how much worse the garbage you spew here would be.

Honestly, why does EVERYTHING you type have to be snarky or negative? I'm not expecting an answer to this other than the canned one I mentioned before, so surprise me.

[Hates Monikers]

For me ? I think I tend to read you like you're a knowitall a$$hole wannabe manager/stats guy of the HS basketball team. But appreciate some of what you say because, well, it's hard to argue with. But I still think you're an a$$hole.

Blizzard, you hit the nail on the head. FTB doesn't necessarily say too much to disagree with. It's the way he says it. Plus, he just ... can't ... leave ... ANYTHING ... alone. He MUST comment on every topic, just to piss people off. He's making this board unreadable in a Loon/Wren kind of way.

[From the Barn]

It isn't always negative or snarky. Look around a bit.

[Dr.Don]

Hey Barn....please go join jmarksor from Florida on your constant arguing. Get a life, get a job, add something to the conversation besides arguments. I thought you were a decent, fun to read commentor on all of the GopherHole comments, but I was wrong. Suck an egg!!!!!!!!

[station19]

Not all of the home games were televised last year either. There was one Gopher game this year that was not televised and I checked BTN and they were carrying repeating episodes of Big Ten Tonight-their version of Sportscenter. It would make more sense to televise all the basketball games than to carry hockey-which is not even a Big Ten sport. It get's very frustrating.

Please no dumb ass comments from FTB.

[From the Barn]

Fine, I won't agree with you.

[From the Barn]

http://www.statefansnation.com/index.php/archives/2007/09/01/how-to-watch-the-game-on-espn-360/

I'll see if this works when I get home. Seems promising though.

[grunkiejr]

Speaking of reading comprehension, my point was if you can go to the game, then go. You will notice that the person to whom my comment was directed had tickets, game them away, and then complained that they weren't able to go. Those with legitimate reasons for not attending have a right to complain, others not so much.

And just for kicks, guess my income, expenses, family, any health issues I may have, how far away I live, previous commitments I have, race, ethnicity, etc.

Age: 30 (give or take 2 years)
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Income: $60,000-$75,000
Family: Married, 1 child
Health issues: None
Residence: Suburbs

How did I do?

[From the Barn]

Well, I am a male.

[Sour1729]

http://www.statefansnation.com/index.php/archives/2007/09/01/how-to-watch-the-game-on-espn-360/

I'll see if this works when I get home. Seems promising though.

I tried this, and it doesn't work. I also tried a bunch of various other workarounds posted online from around 2006-2007 and nothing worked. It appears ESPN has figured out the kinks.

However, if you have an active university or military IP, you can still get ESPN 360!!!

You may say, "well that's great for kids in the dorms or people on military bases because their internet provider is through the university but I don't, so I'm screwed." NOT NECESSARILY.

MOST universities have VPN, short for virtual private network. What that does is it creates a secure connection between your home computer and the larger network at the university for various academic uses.

The great part about VPN is that when it is enabled on your computer, it appears to outside sources that your internet provider is the larger network that you are connected to, which happens to be the university! And as previously stated, ESPN 360 is available to all university IPs.

So the next question is, how do I get hooked up with the VPN from my school? Well this part will likely leave some people out. As far as I can tell, you can get your school's VPN as long as you still have an ACTIVE, VALID EMAIL ADDRESS from that school.

Here is the U of M site on their VPN client: http://www1.umn.edu/adcs/help/vpn/

So those of you with UMN email addresses, be it student, faculty, anybody, download the VPN client from the linked site.

Once you have downloaded it, all you have to do is click on the program and log in with whatever you set as your username etc. It wont appear to have done anything to your computer, but you will be connected. Then just go to the ESPN 360 site and you will be golden!!!!

Those of you without UMN emails but went to another university or college and still have a valid email from there, I suggest you just google whatever your school's name is and "vpn." It will likely come up right away.

This isn't all smoke either...I just tried it and it works perfectly. Good luck! Any questions feel free to post in this thread and I will try to answer them.

[From the Barn]

There is also something called "Tor" which looks promising as well.

[MadisonRaisedGopherCrazed]

And just for kicks, guess my income, expenses, family, any health issues I may have, how far away I live, previous commitments I have, race, ethnicity, etc.

Income: Over 1 million dollars annually with incentives
Expenses: A charitable organization you founded yourself in 1987
Family: Wife and 3 sons
Race: African American

Am I close?

[MNSnowman]

Each week, Big Ten Insider will answer a frequently asked question. We kick off this recurring feature by answering the two questions we are receiving most.

Q: Why doesn't the Big Ten Network televise every Big Ten men's basketball game?

A: There are several contributing factors. In college athletics, the home team or home conference holds the television rights to its events. The Big Ten Conference only holds the rights to events hosted by a Big Ten university. When a Big Ten team plays a non-conference road game, the hosting university, conference or tournament organizer holds the television rights for those games and thus decisions already have been made regarding how those games are televised.

For basketball, the Big Ten has divided its television rights among the Big Ten Network, CBS and the various ESPN networks. The Big Ten Network will televise more basketball games than any other network and the Big Ten's television partners will combine to nationally televise more than 200 Big Ten men's basketball games this season. No conference will have more games televised nationally than the Big Ten.

Q: Why doesn't the Big Ten Network have overflow channels for basketball? [I have DISH/DIRECTV, and my online channel guide always lists Big Ten Network alternates.]

A: The overflow channels are only available to the network during the 13 football Saturdays of the season, which are finite windows during a time when there are few other sports taking place. The non-conference basketball season overlaps with many other sports, and so NHL, NBA and other regional football and basketball games are also taking place on the weekend and on weekday nights when basketball games air.

During the conference season, the Big Ten schedules games in such a way where there is no overlap. Consequently, there is no need for overflow channels during the conference schedule.

DISH Network changes its on-screen channel guide template infrequently, and so the alternate channels are listed, even though they are not available to us except during the football season. DIRECTV will change their template this week to remove the Big Ten Network alternate channels from the on-screen guide.

[cncmin]

How the heck is this game not on TV? I understand road games not being on, but home games? I thought that was the point of the BTN? Not only do we get the world's worst announcing teams, but now we can't even watch the games? I see that two more nonconference games are on ESPNU, which very few of us get. What an absolute joke.

Iowa fans were complaining about the same thing (home games not on BTN) on their Rivals board. So at least it's not just us.

By the way, has the womens Gopher team been on BTN yet? What's up, BTN?

[Gold Rush]

This is ridiculous -- I was really looking forward to watching the game tomorrow and it is almost impossible to see a game on anymore.

And I am sure there will probably be about 20 games on TV that I DON'T want to see - like Canisius vs. SW Missouri St. and Fordham vs. Maine or something stupid like that.

If we can't even see the Gophers on TV anymore, then the Big Ten Network is pretty worthless in my opinion.

[station19]

Mambee pambee and too much jibber jabber.