Big Ten Network Reps Visit Ohio State – Ohio State Buckeyes
8/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
Jim Delany, Big Ten commissioner, and Mark Silverman, Big Ten Network president, were featured speakers at a luncheon Thursday in Ohio Stadium to educate the Columbus community about the Big Ten Network, which is set to launch Aug. 30. Michael Coleman, Mayor of Columbus, Gene Smith, Ohio State director of athletics, Jim Tressel, Ohio State football head coach, and Lori Walker, Ohio State women’s soccer head coach, also addressed the audience of more than 300 people.
Quotes
Jim Delany, Big Ten commissioner
On what Big Ten Conference goals
“The Big Ten is about people. The people who preceded us, the people who are here today and it’s about the people in the future. It’s about fans, game day and the high level of athletics this conference has become known for. This network will allow us to showcase the achievements of the people and universities of the Big Ten.”
On the Big Ten Network
“This network reflects the best the Big Ten has to offer. We will devote time to compelling programming that speaks to not only athletic, but also academic accomplishments.”
Mark Silverman, Big Ten Network president
On the goal of the Big Ten Network
“We are striving to represent each one of these universities through the programming on the Big Ten Network. We want more Big Ten content on air than ever before. It will be produced with the same values shared by the Big Ten and its universities.”
On Big Ten Network’s distribution
“We believe the programming is something customers should receive in their basic cable service. We could use some help to let Time Warner (Cable) know that Columbus wants the Big Ten Network.”
On Big Ten Network internships
“We are sponsoring internships at each school. We think it’s vital. All students will earn credit at their respective universities and gain experience in a competitive industry that will be valuable down the road.”
Michael Coleman, Mayor of Columbus
On the Big Ten Network
“This is important for us in Central Ohio because Big Ten fans and Columbus residents are one in the same. There is a tremendous thirst in this town for sports and the Big Ten Network will fall right into the culture of our community. I have this proclamation for Commissioner Delany. We want to give the people of Central Ohio what they want and make this Big Ten Network Day in Columbus.”
Jim Tressel, Ohio State head football coach
On the Big Ten Network
“This is an exciting opportunity not only for our football program, but all of the varsity sports at Ohio State. The impact that this network makes will be felt by coaches, athletes and fans.”
On the advantages of the Big Ten Network
“The Big Ten Network is going to give us an extraordinary advantage when it comes to recruiting scholars and athletes. The opportunity for these students to gain familiarity with our school through this network is tremendous.”
On giving back to the fans
“The fans of this university deserve information about their passion. The Big Ten Network will allow them to enjoy our athletics and our academics on an entirely new level.”
