The Longhorn Network now has a home field advantage.
ESPN's University of Texas service has reached a carriage agreement with Grande Communications in time for the Longhorn's 2011 season opener against Rice on Saturday. The game kicks off on Sept. 3 from Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. (CT). Deal terms were not diclosed.
Grande Communications serves San Marcos, San Antonio, Midland/Odessa, Waco, Corpus Christi, Dallas and Austin markets. Overbuilder Grande supplies video and high-speed data services to the University of Texas of Austin, where Longhorn Network is housed.
It joins Consolidated Communications, Bay City Cablevision, Mid-Coast Cablevision, Texas Mid-Gulf Cablevision, En-Touch Systems, E-Tex Communications in carrying LHN in Texas, as well as Verizon FiOS TV in the Lone Star State and nationally.
"As a Texas-based company, Grande understands the passion our customers have for Texas sports," said Matt Murphy, president, Grande Communications in announcing the rollout. "We are pleased and very excited to make Longhorn Network available as part of our cable television offerings."
Added David Preschlack, executive vice president, Disney and ESPN Media Networks: "Grande customers across the state of Texas will have access to more Longhorn content than ever before."
ESPN officials say LHN will be available online, on tablets and on smartphones to fans with an affiliated video subscription in the near future.
Longhorn Network channel positions:
SDHD
Austin29829
San Marcos29829
San Antonio29829
Corpus Christi33833
Waco25825
Midland33833
Dallas33833
LHN will be available online, on tablets and on smartphones to fans with an affiliated video subscription in the near future.
