The Eyes of Texas Are Upon FiOS TV Subscribers

IRVING, Texas, Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Joining a growing lineup of regional and national collegiate sports networks on FiOS TV, the Longhorn Network  has arrived on FiOS just in time for the start of the college football season.  Longhorn Network is a channel devoted to athletic programming and related activities at the University of Texas.

Verizon is the largest video service provider to date to announce the addition of the Longhorn Network to its channel lineup.

"The Longhorns have a huge presence in Texas, with a passionate fan base that extends across the country," said David Preschlack, executive vice president, Disney and ESPN Media Networks. "Verizon's early commitment to this network speaks to the university's popularity and the consumer demand for this content."

Terry Denson, vice president of content strategy and acquisition for Verizon, said, "We know Texas Longhorn fans are among the most loyal and enthusiastic in college sports, so we're pleased to add the Longhorn Network to our already robust sports lineup on FiOS TV.  The addition of this groundbreaking collegiate sports channel adds to Verizon's commitment to bring the best in sports and entertainment and overall video content to our customers."

The national distribution agreement with the Longhorn Network will allow fans of FiOS and the Longhorns to start watching the network on Sept. 1.  FiOS TV Ultimate HD subscribers outside of Texas can watch LHN on Channel 320. In Texas, FiOS TV Prime HD, Extreme HD and Ultimate HD subscribers can watch LHN on Channels 79 (standard definition) and 579 (high definition).

In the near future, the Longhorn Network also will be available online, on tablets and on smartphones for fans with a Verizon FiOS TV plan, making UT athletics and other programming easily available anywhere, anytime.

'Game Plan With Mack Brown' and 'Texas GameDay' Featured for Season Opener

On Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. CT, "Game Plan with Mack Brown" will look at what Texas must do to beat Rice in the Longhorns' season opener on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.  At 5 p.m., the two-hour "Texas GameDay" -- the only pre-game show broadcast exclusively from inside Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium -- will give fans all the insights, analysis and excitement they've come to know from ESPN's "College GameDay" pre-game show.  Immediately after the game, Longhorn fans will see the debut of "Texas GameDay Final" – a two-hour dedicated post-game show televised  exclusively from the field.

Additionally, on Monday (Sept. 5) at 7 p.m., and each following Monday at that time throughout the football season,  "Rewind with Mack Brown" will break down all the plays of the previous Saturday's game.  And, each Tuesday at 8 p.m. "Texas Football Overdrive" will present the game in an enhanced format featuring interviews, sound and analysis that bring viewers an inside look at the game.

Consumers can obtain more information on the FiOS TV plans available in their area by visiting http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSTV/Plans/Plans.htm or calling 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966).

About Longhorn Network

ESPN has a 20-year agreement to own and operate a year-round, 24-hour network dedicated to the University of Texas in partnership with UT and IMG College.  Longhorn Network will offer a variety of content, highlighted by more than 200 exclusive events annually from 20 sports, original series and studio shows, historical programming and academic and cultural happenings. Additionally, the LonghornNetwork.com broadband companion to the TV network will offer extensive content, particularly live games not carried on the linear TV network due to scheduling conflicts.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 106 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 196,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.  

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SOURCE Verizon