UND Re-Ups with MidcoSN

On the UND Athletics front, there’s some good news for the University of North Dakota Sports fans. UND has re-upped for five more years with Midco Sports Network.

On the flip side of that announcement, there's the real possibility that for five more years, you're not going to be able to watch UND hockey nationally if you're one of those people that live outside of the regional area and have Dish Network or DirecTV.

So, for now, it’s back to the NCHC.TV package.

Moving forward, UND Hockey will not be seen on Fox College Sports because MIDCO is still trying to corner the market in Fargo, ND, and Midco doesn’t want Cable One viewers to be able to watch UND sports produced by the MIDCO Sports Network.

According to a press release, the University of North Dakota Athletics Department has signed a five-year television contract with Midco Sports Network® (MidcoSN®) through the 2021-22 season.

The new agreement will include a minimum of 40 live event broadcasts per year, plus the continuation of weekly programs UND Sports Extra and North Dakota Hockey with Brad Berry.

UND will receive $1.425 million in rights fees over the length of the new contract.

“A great broadcast partnership continues for UND Athletics with our five-year contract renewal with Midco Sports Network,” said North Dakota Athletics Director Brian Faison. “We will continue to enjoy increased exposure, added revenue, high-quality production and exceptional distribution for our sports programs by Midco Sports Network."

Live event broadcasts will once include all home men’s hockey games, all home football games, five men’s basketball games, five women’s basketball games, four women’s hockey games, and three volleyball matches. Conference television contracts take precedence before MidcoSN selects its broadcast schedule.

 

UND Bids Farewell to Dan Hammer

This past weekend, UND big farewell to play-by-play announcer Dan Hammer. Personally, I am going to miss his call of UND football and hockey. I think he's a fair, talented announcer and is very prepared when he steps into the booth.

Now, I know there are some fans that are happy that Hammer will no longer be doing UND hockey. However, I can say that I have enjoyed talking and interacting with him over the past four years. I would like to wish him luck.

Comparing him to some of the other NCHC.TV announcers, it's not even close. I would rather listen to him any day of the week, compared to some of the announcers we have, just in the conference alone. Good luck to Hammer.

Who would you like to replace Hammer in the booth next season? Personally, I would like to see Scott Williams from Lake Public TV replace him.

RMU Robert Morris OL Jon Hill talking some smack

Mr. Hill continues: "....we should be just fine because they don't pass rush very well at all." #potatobowltrashtalk
— Tom Miller (@tommillergf) September 4, 2014

Tonight, the University of North Dakota football team starts the Bubba Schweigert era in the Alerus Center. Turning the page, there's a lot to be positive about. Last week, I watched most of the first half and third quarter on my phone, I saw some things that UND is doing that gives me hope. Bubba seems to have brought a more positive attitude. The biggest problem facing UND is the age factor. There was a lot of underclassmen playing last weekend.

Programming note: Tonight's game, is on FCS and MidcoSN.

Apparently, RMU Offensive Lineman Jon Hill doesn't think much of the UND football team. When I played football, you did make comments like this.

Robert Morris OL Jon Hill on UND DL "This team is bigger but they're not as athletic, they're just kind of like trying to plug stuff up."
— Tom Miller (@tommillergf) September 4, 2014

Robert Morris plays @UNDfootball this Saturday at 6pm - watch @MidcoSN for all the action! @UNDsports pic.twitter.com/yNbPpNUvcc
— Midco Sports Network (@MidcoSN) September 3, 2014