Officials at the Longhorn Network announced an agreement today with Verizon to carry the school’s 24-hour channel in connection with ESPN. Verizon’s FiOS TV is the first national distributor and the largest video service provider thus far to add LHN to its lineup of channels.
The national distribution agreement will allow fans with FiOS to start watching the network on Sept. 1, two days before the Longhorns’ football team opens its season with a Sept. 3 game against Rice (7 p.m., LHN). In the state of Texas, FiOS subscribers can watch LHN on channel 79 (standard definition) and 579 (high definition).
The network _ a 20-year, $300 million venture between Texas and ESPN _ launches Friday at 6 p.m., with a two-hour special followed by an 8 p.m. telecast of Texas’ volleyball game against Pepperdine.
Terry Denson, vice-president of content strategy and acquisition for Verizon, said the move to add LHN underscores the company’s commitment to enhance its sports offerings to Longhorns’ fans who are “among the most loyal and enthusiastic in college sports.”
In the near future, officials said fans with a Verizon FiOS TV plan will be able to access the network online, on tablets and on smartphones.
_ Jimmy Burch
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