by Larry EderThe new format of the NCAA Division 1 Track & Field Champs is a creative attempt to develop an easier format and reach out to more fans of men and women’s track and field. ESPN, which has noted for over a decade how well they do with track and field content, are putting their actions in front of their words and adding beaucoup hours to their NCAA Outdoor coverage!
ESPN Expands Coverage for New Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships Format
More than 35 Hours of Coverage; 12 Hours Televised on ESPN Networks
ESPN will expand coverage of the Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships Presented by Northwestern Mutual in conjunction with the new format adopted by the NCAA Division I Championships/Sports Management Cabinet earlier this year. The four-day championships will feature 12 hours of television (ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU) and an additional 25 hours on ESPN3, a significant increase from the previous format which included 11 total hours of coverage.
“ESPN fully supports the NCAA’s decision to adopt the new format,” said ESPN director of programming and acquisitions Brent Colborne. “Every event of the championship – including decathlon, heptathlon and all track and field events – will be covered live for the first time, which is great for the sport and its fans.”
Television coverage will be anchored by Dwight Stones, Larry Rawson and Jill Montgomery. ESPN3 will feature ESPN3 Surround all four days, providing additional camera coverage, with an emphasis on field events.
“We will cover the men’s and women’s championships from one location with a heightened focus on the team scoring and individual participants,” added Colborne. “The new format allows for deeper coverage of the student-athletes and the storylines.”
2015 Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships Schedule
Date | Time (ET) | Network | Details |
Wed, June 10 | 7- 10:30 p.m. | ESPNU | Men’s Semifinals |
2- 10:45 p.m. | ESPN3 | ||
Thu, June 11 | 7- 10:30 p.m. | ESPNU | Women’s Semifinals |
1 – 10:45 p.m. | ESPN3 | ||
Fri, June 12 | 7:30 – 10 p.m. | ESPN | Men’s Championships |
7- 10:15 p.m. | ESPN3 | ||
Sat, June 13 | 5 – 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2 | Women’s Championships |
4:30 – 7:45 p.m. | ESPN3 |
The 2015 Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship will also be available internationally in Brazil, Latin American, the Caribbean and Pacific Rim.
