July 18, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Longhorn Network will go live with a two-hour special from the South Mall of the UT campus on Friday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. Central.
The network's on-air team of Lowell Galindo, Samantha Steele and Kevin Dunn will be joined on the set by the Emmy Award-winning ESPN College GameDay crew featuring Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard and Erin Andrews. UT coaches and student-athletes also will be on hand as everyone looks toward the upcoming Texas Football season opener against Rice on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m., which will air exclusively on the Longhorn Network.
Following the debut special, Texas Volleyball opens its 2011 season against Pepperdine in the Burnt Orange Classic live at 8 p.m. on the Longhorn Network.
"In true Texas fashion, we're going to launch Longhorn Network in a big way," said Dave Brown, vice president, programming. "We want fans to know that we will look for every opportunity to make their viewing experience a great one."
In addition, Longhorn Network will also begin airing the entire five seasons of Friday Night Lights upon its August launch. A complete schedule of programs will be released later this summer.
ESPN is still in negotiations with all cable and satellite providers regarding distribution. Viewers seeking more information about where and how to get Longhorn Network in time for its Aug. 26 launch should visit GetLonghornNetwork.com.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING
• Longhorn Extra (Monday - Friday, 10 p.m.) -- A nightly news and information show dedicated to The University of Texas. Every Monday through Friday, viewers will get highlights, updates, analysis, interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at all 20 varsity sports teams.
• Rewind with Mack Brown (Mondays, 7 p.m.) -- Airing Mondays after every game, Coach Mack Brown will breakdown that week's match-up, highlighting key plays and turning points, with a no-holds-barred attitude that Longhorns fans have come to expect from him.
• Texas All Access (Wednesdays, 8 p.m.) -- Each week, viewers will get a never-before-seen inside look at a Texas team or group. During Wednesdays in the fall, the show will focus exclusively on the football team with camera crews embedded with the coaches and players to provide access to the inner workings of Longhorns football.
• Game Plan with Mack Brown (Thursdays, 7 p.m.) -- Every Thursday during the season, Coach Mack Brown will preview the upcoming match-up with an inside look at game preparation and a breakdown of the keys to victory.
• Texas GameDay (Saturday, two hours prior to kickoff) -- In the mold of ESPN's Emmy Award-winning College GameDay, Texas GameDay will be live from inside the stadium prior to kickoff for all home football games, and live from its Austin studio for all away games. Through a unique blend of talent, insights, analysis and fan interaction, the show will build excitement around the game, providing viewers and fans with a full game day experience.
