August 22, 2003
The first two Texas A&M football games in 2003 will be available on pay-per-view basis. Big 12 Special Order Sports, Fox Sports Net's pay-per-view division, will produce and distribute the contests to participating cable television systems in Texas and nationwide to satellite dish customers. Suggested retail price for each telecast is $29.95.
"We're excited that our Aggie fans who will be unable to attend the games in Aggieland will have an opportunity to watch the football games," Bill Byrne, Director of Athletics at Texas A&M, said.
The August 30 game between Texas A&M and Arkansas State will mark the debut of Aggie head football coach Dennis Franchione. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.. The September 6 contest against Utah will also begin at 7 p.m. and will be available via pay-per-view.
"I am very excited about my first game at Kyle Field," Coach Fran said. "I know the 12th Man will be in the stands supporting our team. For those who will not be able to attend, I hope you are able to access the games on pay-per-view."
Under Big 12 TV rules, games not picked up for regular television distribution can only be televised on pay-per-view.
"We're giving fans an option to watch games that they otherwise wouldn't be able to see on television at an affordable price," said Fox Sports Net Senior Vice President/General Manager Jon Heidtke. "We want to make these games available to as many viewers as possible."
A list of participating cable systems, as well as satellite providers, offering the pay-per-view telecasts will be announced early next week.
The game will be replayed on Fox Sports Net (FSN) throughout the Southwest region (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and parts of New Mexico). The A&M vs. Arkansas State game will be replayed on FSN Sunday, Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. central and the Utah replay will be Monday, Sept. 8 at 12 noon central.