Boston University hits Comcast OnDemand

CN8, The Comcast Network and Boston University announce a two-year partnership to produce and broadcast ten LIVE athletic events each year – eight men’s hockey games and two men’s basketball games. CN8’s BU coverage began FRIDAY, Nov. 10 as George Washington battled the Terriers in men’s basketball and the hockey coverage began TUESDAY, Nov. 14 when BU traveled to the University of Vermont to take on the Catamounts.

Immediately following their broadcast, each of the games will be available ON DEMAND for at least two weeks so Comcast Digital Cable customers can watch them whenever they want with the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind. The sponsorship agreement will also build brand awareness for both organizations through multiple promotional opportunities.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Boston University,” said Jon Gurevitch, vice president, CN8 Sports. “What this does is it gets more and better college hockey to the thousands and thousands of sports fans and BU alumni in our coverage area, it gets more exposure than ever for one of the country’s premier hockey programs, and it further establishes CN8 as a leader in college sports coverage, not only in New England, but up and the down the entire East Coast.”

In addition to CN8’s broadcast and advertising agreement, BU also partnered with Comcast in an innovative offering to air exclusive content ON DEMAND. The show previews the 2006-07 Boston University Men’s Ice Hockey team through the eyes of coach Jack Parker. The 30-minute interview is hosted by longtime BU hockey radio commentator Bernie Corbett and features a firsthand look at BU’s hockey team. The show will be available ON DEMAND beginning November 10, 2006.

“Boston University Athletics has made a commitment to providing greater opportunities for our alumni and fans to follow our teams, locally, regionally and nationally,” said Boston University Director of Athletics, Mike Lynch. “Comcast and CN8’s shared commitment to utilizing emerging technology makes them the ideal partner to provide live broadcast, webcast and ON DEMAND access to BU Athletics.”

The agreement with Comcast to provide game coverage and unique content ON DEMAND is a first of its kind for Boston University and another new way for BU students, alumni and fans to follow Terrier Athletics whenever they want, wherever they want and however they want. Boston University already offers live and archived web streaming and video podcasting for its men’s ice hockey team.