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Charlotte My Network Affiliate and Area’s Newest Professional Sports Team Announce Ground Breaking Partnership
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WMYT TV (MY TV 12) and Major League Lacrosse expansion team THE CHARLOTTE HOUNDS have entered into a league first local television broadcast agreement for the upcoming premiere season. It is the first time in the history of Major League Lacrosse that a local broadcast station will air games of the home team live via over the air broadcasts on free television.
My TV 12 will be the only local broadcast station in the nation to offer MLL games of the home team over the air, according to station and team representatives. Thus far broadcasts of MLL games have been available only on cable sports channels or local cable stations.
The first broadcast is scheduled for the Hounds home opener on April 28th at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte against the Denver Outlaws. There will be five additional broadcasts of Hounds away games through the course of their first season.
The season ending home game is also part of the My TV 12 broadcast schedule.
All games will be produced and broadcast in 1080i High Definition.
Officials believe this agreement represents a significant step forward for the sport, which is growing in popularity across the country.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Lacrosse fans and sports enthusiasts in our community” said Shawn Harris, Vice-President and General Manager of My TV 12 and sister station CW 46/WJZY.
“Capitol Broadcasting is always looking for the chance to provide our viewers with compelling local must see programming. Certainly the chance to broadcast professional sports falls in to that category. Everyone at My TV12 and CW 46 is excited to bring the ‘Hounds’ home to Charlotte in this, their debut season,” Harris stated.
“The Hounds have done an incredible job energizing Charlotte-area lacrosse fans and corporate partners prior to their inaugural season,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross. “The team’s on-air partnership with My TV 12 is evidence of their tireless efforts to provide fans with the ultimate MLL experience and we’re thrilled that their first on-air deal is with such a prominent partner. We applaud their efforts and look forward to watching them in action this season.”
Representatives for both sides expressed confidence in the future of The Hounds on the field, at the gate and on local television. They pointed to the growing popularity of Lacrosse professionally and the elite level of competition among state colleges as key elements in building a strong and faithful following.
“League metrics including paid attendance, total attendance, sponsorship revenue and merchandise sales are all trending up over the past three years. Charlotte currently boasts approximately 4,500 households that participate in the lacrosse lifestyle, up from 3,400 in 2010. Growth, as well as infrastructure made Charlotte an attractive choice for an expansion team. In addition to youth participation, the success of the ACC and regional college programs will fuel the growth,” said Wade Leaphart, Hounds Director of Sales & Marketing.
Thanks to WJZY-TV’s Crystal Rose for this capcom story & to the Charlotte Hounds for this capcom graphic.
