March 10, 2008
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri has given ESPNU permission to televise the 2008 Black & Gold Spring Football Game, on the network, April 19th. Kickoff for the scrimmage has been set for 1 p.m. (central) to accommodate the telecast, after originally being planned for 2 p.m.
Tiger fans of all ages are encouraged to come out to the game and show their spirit for the team, which is coming off a school-record 12-win season and number four ranking in the final Associated Press top-25 poll. The 2008 Tigers, who return 16 starters from a year ago, including returning all-American standouts QB Chase Daniel, WR/PR/KR Jeremy Maclin and FS William Moore, among others, are expected by most prognosticators to be among the nation's best once again.
The Black & Gold Game is a fun and affordable event in which to bring the family out, have a fun day of tailgating and enjoy a scrimmage that includes the stars of both today and tomorrow.
In response to increased interest in the game, tickets will be available in advance for the first time, beginning March 17th, by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS in Columbia), or in person at the Mizzou Arena ticket window (located on the north side of the building). Tickets cost just $3. Three canned food items (accepted only on gameday) also gain admittance to the game, with the food going to benefit the Central Missouri Food Bank.
"We're honored to have the opportunity to be on television, and we're grateful to the folks at ESPNU for choosing our game," said MU Head Coach Gary Pinkel. "To me, that says a lot about what they think of our program, and we want to give them a good show, so we'll do our part on the field, and ask our fans to do their part by coming out. We'd really like to get a big turnout to show the nation how great our fans are, and how much they love their Tigers. We can also do a lot of good for a great organization like the Central Missouri Food Bank," he said.
ESPNU Vice President and General Manager Burke Mangus added: "Missouri is coming off a very successful 2007 season and we are excited to televise the nation's first look at this year's squad on ESPNU."
Gates will open at Faurot Field at 11 a.m., with the traditional Fan Zone open on the North Concourse until kickoff at 1 p.m., with activities and games for the whole family. Mizzou fans can also gear up for the 2008 season at the annual Tiger Team Store and Equipment Room spring sale, which will be going on throughout the weekend.
More gameday-related details are being planned concerning the Black & Gold Game, and will be released as they become available.
About ESPNU
ESPNU was launched on March 4, 2005. The network features extensive studio programming and live coverage of games, including college football, college basketball and other Olympic sports from over 20 Division I conferences. The network also has a wide-ranging, long-term agreement with the NCAA calling for enhanced coverage of 22 NCAA Championships, showcasing sports from each of the three collegiate seasons. ESPNU also has re-air rights to games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Regional television programming.
In addition, ESPNU.com, the companion to the ESPNU college sports television network, is the online destination for college sports content, including news, information, extensive online video and audio and more.
ESPNU currently reaches 20 million homes through secured distribution agreements with Charter, Cox, DIRECTV (Channel 609), EchoStar's DISH Network (Channel 148), AT&T, Insight Communications, Mediacom, Time Warner, Verizon, hundreds of smaller affiliates and is close to distribution agreements with many others.
