A little inside baseball. But for those that really want to understand the TV situation, read on. TLDNR guys, move along.
Facts:
On the inside baseball:
In the past, TV was viewed as important to the exposure of this game. So ESPN had a seat at the table and gave input. TV didn't really control when the game was, but it was a significant influence. Then the teams and attendance fell dramatically. Sterk to his credit, starting working to fix this. Illini AD Whitman is a really good marketer btw. While I laugh off the whole #Littyville thing. Its actually genius marketing/branding. So Sterk has an asset on the other side to help in this effort.
So in rebranding/marketing this game, the focus has completely shifted from TV to attendance. When do fans want the game? Saturday night! TV be damned. So ESPN didn't have a lot of interest in Braggin Rights this year on Saturday night in primetime (and SECN wasn't an option since the Illini/B10 control).
To be clear, what I'm saying is, ESPN may have said (I have no idea if they did, but it has happened before) they'd take the game at 4pm, not at 6/7. And Illini/B10 said 'no thanks'. But DON'T BLAME the Illini. Whitman/Sterk/STL SC are all on the same page here. And that is making the game a signature in-person event.
I'll see you all down their on Saturday night!!!
PS For those that hate the game midweek. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2021, when a Saturday does not fall within the Dec 20-23 window.
Facts:
- The game is pretty locked into the Dec 20-23 window (which was included in past contracts)
- The prior 6 year contract ran out in 2017. (I have no idea on the new/current contract.) Time for an open records request @GabeD
- The 'home' team rotates each year. This year is the Illini 'home' year. That means they can host recruits and control the TV rights.
- There are a lot of people involved in this game. MIZZOU/Illini ADs, Enterprise Center, STL Sports Commission and (last) TV
On the inside baseball:
In the past, TV was viewed as important to the exposure of this game. So ESPN had a seat at the table and gave input. TV didn't really control when the game was, but it was a significant influence. Then the teams and attendance fell dramatically. Sterk to his credit, starting working to fix this. Illini AD Whitman is a really good marketer btw. While I laugh off the whole #Littyville thing. Its actually genius marketing/branding. So Sterk has an asset on the other side to help in this effort.
So in rebranding/marketing this game, the focus has completely shifted from TV to attendance. When do fans want the game? Saturday night! TV be damned. So ESPN didn't have a lot of interest in Braggin Rights this year on Saturday night in primetime (and SECN wasn't an option since the Illini/B10 control).
To be clear, what I'm saying is, ESPN may have said (I have no idea if they did, but it has happened before) they'd take the game at 4pm, not at 6/7. And Illini/B10 said 'no thanks'. But DON'T BLAME the Illini. Whitman/Sterk/STL SC are all on the same page here. And that is making the game a signature in-person event.
I'll see you all down their on Saturday night!!!
PS For those that hate the game midweek. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2021, when a Saturday does not fall within the Dec 20-23 window.
