The Big Ten Network: What the Hawkeyes Are Saying

• The Big Ten Network: Nuts and Bolts
• The Big Ten Network: Myths and Facts
• The Big Ten Network: What the Hawkeyes Are Saying

The Big Ten Conference announced new television agreements with ABC-TV and ESPN and introduced the Big Ten Network in June 2006.. Here’s what some of the head coaches at the UI have said about the agreements.

Kirk Ferentz
Head Football Coach
The University of Iowa

“From my perspective the Big Ten has successfully taken a very proactive approach — particularly with the introduction of the Big Ten Network — that offers significant opportunities to many of the sports programs that don’t enjoy the television exposure currently afforded our football and men’s basketball programs. I’m very excited for the student-athletes and coaches of those programs.

“With respect to football, it’s certainly beneficial to know that every game we play that is televised live by any of the Big Ten’s television partners will be available to fans of the Hawkeyes on a national basis. It’s also important for the parents and friends and family members of our current student-athletes and, of course, important for the talented high school student-athletes and parents involved in the recruiting process.”

Lisa Bluder
Head Women’s Basketball Coach
The University of Iowa

“The Big Ten Network moves women’s basketball in the Big Ten Conference significantly forward by more than doubling the number of games televised – 55 games all available on a national basis…that’s impressive on its own, but, importantly, this is accomplished without sacrificing the opportunity to continue what we have been doing on a local basis with KCRG Television.

“I’m also excited for the parents of our student-athletes, our alumni and letterwinners, and the thousands of friends of the University of Iowa and fans of the Hawkeyes across the Midwest and the country. They soon will be able to enjoy more of their team and their league than ever before.”

Cindy Fredrick
Head Volleyball Coach
The University of Iowa

“I see the Big Ten Network advancing a long list of sports programs forward by providing opportunities that never before existed. The impact of weekly television exposure during our competitive seasons for our volleyball, field hockey, wrestling, softball and baseball programs, to name a few, on a television channel that is available across the country is remarkable.

“The Big Ten Network will positively impact our recruiting efforts, our development efforts and our competitiveness.”

Click HERE for more information about the Big Ten Network.