Football start times are set for first three games
It's often a guessing game -- a popular sport among the Maryland beat writers -- as to exactly what times football games will start. As you know, many of the times aren't known until 12 days before the game to allow ESPN/ABC or Raycom Sports flexibility.
But we do know the start times now for the first three games of the season, courtesy of Maryland media relations:
--The Cal game on Sept. 5 will begin at 10 p.m. ET and be televised on ESPN2. I'll be drinking sugary, caffeinated beverages in the press box to stay awake. We knew this start time already, thanks to the Pac-10.
--Maryland’s home opener against James Madison on Sept. 12 will kick off at 6 p.m. No television scheduled. You think players will appreciate the late start time because it can be hot and humid this time of year?
-- The next week’s game against Middle Tennessee State begins at 3:30 p.m. and is to be streamed live on ESPN360.
Comments
Ordered my tix for the Cal game today. I was hoping for an earlier start, but oh well. Go Terps! I hope the game is worth the trip!
Posted by: Terpin | June 4, 2009 2:53 PM
10:00 ET is only 7:00 PT. If you are going to be at the game it shouldn't be that big a deal, unless you are just flying out that day. Though it can make for a long day if that's the case. But then you shouldn't have to leave so awfully early to get there for that start time. Plenty of flights into the bay area - catch a nap on the plane if you can. Better yet - go out the day before!
Just means it's late for partying after the game. If you're young (like you guys probably are) it won't stop you. If you're older (like me) you probably weren't going to do too much partying afterwards anyway.
Either way, Go Terps!
Posted by: CSB Jack | June 4, 2009 5:46 PM
For goodness sake, go a day early and enjoy the food and scenery of the Bay area, which will be pure heaven after a hot, humid Maryland summer. It will probably be in the low 70's with zero humidity. September is absolute heaven in Berkely and San Francisco, and it's impossible to get a bad meal there.
Posted by: KD Wiz | June 5, 2009 7:38 AM
For goodness sake, go a day early and enjoy the food and scenery of the Bay area, which will be pure heaven after a hot, humid Maryland summer. It will probably be in the low 70's with zero humidity. September is absolute heaven in Berkely and San Francisco, and it's impossible to get a bad meal there.
Posted by: KD Wiz | June 5, 2009 7:38 AM
After we Made CAL play at 9:00 AM PT this past year, I new they would make it a late game, I am actually suprised they do not have an 8:00 PM start. If allowed, I bet/Hope Ralph Has Late night Practice.
Once CAL woke up they played much better. If not for the early lead, we would have lost that one. Plus some how we played good run defense for about the only time all year. Will never figure that one out.
I Debated about going out to the game, I just cannot afford it. I even had plane tickets and hotel ready to book, then I got my senses, and put the VISA card back i the wallet.
Posted by: Doug M | June 5, 2009 11:10 AM
As we get closer I will give everyone some inside tips about going to Berkley for a game. A 7:00 PM game with the sun setting over the Bay is heaven! Lets hope the Terps can somehow duplicate last year. First tip, take the BART. Parking is impossible!!!!!
Go Terps.
Posted by: Renoterp | June 6, 2009 11:25 AM
Jeff,
Aren't starting times set by ACC/P-10/ESPN TV contract? I mean if a game is not televised, I can see AD's getting involved, but at National TV level, such as the 2 Cal games, does Yow/Fridge really have any say? I would think ESPN says what time they want within windows (Noon, 3:30, 7:00 are usual for Nat TV) and ACC/ Terps say OK and cash the check. What say you? Is there really a "revenge" story line on starting times that Team ADs have a call on?
----FROM JEFF------
Networks (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 etc.) select the games they want according to the terms of the ACC contract. I don't believe the individual schools' ADs get to make the call on game times.
Posted by: TerpsFan | June 7, 2009 4:34 AM
Yay, good for tailgating. :)
Posted by: CantonKate | June 9, 2009 10:06 AM