MSG Varsity LIVE Coverage of HS Sports

Aug. 14, 2013 - PRLog -- BETHPAGE, NY, August 14, 2013— Just in time for back-to-school, MSG Varsity today announced plans to launch a new multi-platform interactive strategy that will connect viewers to LIVE local high school sports content, while also offering  improved functionality and a better overall experience on the screen of their choice – TV, Web or mobile. Among other features, MSG Varsity will provide fans with the functionality to customize the high school sports content they receive on each platform.

On August 29, MSG Varsity will launch a redesigned Web site that will serve as the hub of all featured high school sports action. MSG Varsity also will introduce new capabilities and real-time access to exclusive content, changing the viewer experience to make MSG Varsity better than ever across all platforms. They include:

           Unprecedented LIVE Coverage: MSG Varsity plans to LIVE-stream on its broadband and mobile platforms more than 500 high school games and events, featuring the tri-state area’s most exciting matchups across all boys and girls sports, including upcoming Friday night football broadcasts. All games covered by MSG Varsity will stream live on desktops, laptops, tablets or mobile devices at MSGVarsity.com. Optimum Online customers are also able to access the Web site and mobile apps inside and outside the home with no data fees from one of more than 90,000 Optimum WiFi hotspots across the tri-state area.

·         Enhanced Viewer Experience:New on its broadband and television platforms is DVR functionality that allows viewers to pause, stop or rewind the games. Also, for the first time, students, parents and fans will be able to watch game highlights instantly.  MSG Varsity will post on its digital platforms all the goals, touchdowns, homeruns and key plays right after they occur.

·         Web Experience on Television:MSG Varsity will migrate from Optimum TV Channel 14 to Optimum TV Channel 614 where all content will be available on-demand, combining the interactivity of the Internet with the power of television. The new channel will feature a Web-like user experience and offer exclusive content, including original programming and daily specials with Mike Quick and other experts, as well as game analysis, scores, photo galleries and more. All games covered by MSG Varsity will be available on the Interactive channel soon after they are played and will be archived for the entire school year so viewers can watch games at their convenience.

·         Cutting-Edge Customization on All Platforms:Whether on Channel 614 or on the digital platforms, viewers will be able to customize MSG Varsity to watch what matters most to them. Users can select a particular sport, school or region – or a combination – for their main “homepage” on each of their screens. The Web site and mobile apps will provide dedicated regional pages so fans can be instantly directed to the local sports action in their area. Fans also can sign up online for alerts on local sports scores. Additionally, the improved layout of MSGVarsity.com adapts to the screen size of any connected device.

 
“MSG Varsity is committed to being the premier high school sports destination in the tri-state area and to providing the best user experience on all of our platforms,” said Gemma Toner, Cablevision’s senior vice president of broadband product management. “As MSG Varsity enters its fifth year, we are thrilled to evolve the network and to introduce state-of-the-art technology that will optimize fan interaction with the compelling content we know our viewers want.”

MSG Varsity will continue to build its presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and new this season, on Instagram, providing students, fans and athletes with the opportunity to share their exciting high school sports news on social media platforms. Special fan contests and promotions will be available on these social environments in the coming weeks.

 

PLEASE SEE PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE AND SCREEN SHOT OF MSGVARSITY.COM ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES

 

About MSG Varsity

MSG Varsity is the premier tri-state high school sports destination comprised of a comprehensive online destination, cutting-edge mobile offerings, and a groundbreaking Interactive television channel, all dedicated to showcasing local high school sports happening throughout the tri-state area.  MSG Varsity is a Cablevision exclusive service not available to satellite or phone company TV subscribers.  For more information, please visit www.msgvarsity.com.

 

About Cablevision

Cablevision Systems Corporation  is one of the nation’s leading media and telecommunications companies, delivering its Optimum-branded television, Internet, and voice offerings throughout the New York area. Cablevision’s local media properties include News 12 Networks, MSG Varsity and Newsday Media Group. Additional information about Cablevision is available on the Web at www.cablevision.com.

Contacts:

Kelly McAndrew, 516-803-2351, kmcandre@cablevision.com

Lisa Anselmo, 516-803-2362, lanselmo@cablevision.com

MSG Varsity Fall Original Programming Schedule

Optimum TV Channel 614 and Digital Platforms

MSG Varsity will offer the following programming line-up on Optimum Channel 614 and its digital platforms.

 

§         Monday: Varsity Weekend Review: MSG Varsity's high school football experts look back at the best of the best from the weekend with all the key highlights to get viewers caught up every Monday.

§         Tuesday: Quick Hits: High school sports expert Mike Quick discusses the latest news and notes from the world of high school football and reveals his Top 25 large and small school tri-state football polls.

§         Wednesday: Varsity Letters: High school sports experts break down the latest in boys soccer, girls soccer and field hockey, and reveal MSG Varsity’s Top 20 tri-state polls for all three sports.

§         Thursday: Prime Time Preview: MSG Varsity brings the excitement of Friday Night Football to high school campuses across the tri-state region. The traveling show visits the locations of upcoming featured games, breaks down the key storylines, and offers analysis from experts and interviews with coaches and players in advance of the key matchups.

§         Friday: Friday Night Football: Back for its fourth season, Friday Night Football highlights the best high school football matchups each weekend with a live stream of our full HD broadcast presentation.

§         Weekends: MSG Varsity Game Time. Live HD streams of the best regional matchups in football, plus select matchups in other sports like boys and girls soccer.

The schedule of fall high school games will be posted on MSGVarsity.com when it launches on August 29.