Regional network returns Yale to small screen

As part of the festivities to celebrate Yale's tercentennial, the football program has secured "unprecedented" cable television coverage from the New England Sports Network (NESN). A three-game package airing this fall will allow New England cable subscribers to watch games without having to make a trip to the Yale Bowl.

Terms of the deal are undisclosed at this point, as the contract has not yet been finalized. There remains the possibility that another game will be included.

"We're optimistic that the [Yale-Harvard] Game will be televised," Yale Sports Publicity Director Steve Conn said. He noted, however, that even before this new arrangement, the Yale-Harvard game had been broadcasted as part of ESPN2's "Greatest Rivalries" program in 1994 and on satellite television in more recent years. Regardless of logistics, there is awareness and excitement in the football program about the increased national exposure and the new recruiting hook the deal entails. Head Coach Jack Siedlecki was delighted, saying, "I feel the TV package (with NESN) will be tremendous for our players' parents and families."

The package also affords the coaching staff the luxury of increased recruiting influence among high school players who may have never otherwise gotten the opportunity to see a live football game. "It will give our recruits several opportunities to see us play without the expense of traveling," Siedlecki said. "It can only help us in national prominence and recruiting players."

Although the contract is for this year only, Conn says Yale "has interest in pursuing [future television coverage] further." "It will help describe the Yale experience," Conn said. "It will also help with alumni outreach." -Brendan Kearney

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