Big Ten Network Airs Original Reality Show on Minnesota Basketball

January 31, 2008

The Big Ten Network is now airing its first original reality series "Minnesota Basketball: The Journey," with the next episode debuting this week.

The 30-minute, 8-episode series follows Tubby Smith’s first season as coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers including activities on the basketball court and beyond. The new reality program takes Big Ten Network subscribers courtside with the Minnesota basketball program though they eyes of the Golden Gophers’ players, coaches, staff and its fans.

The behind the scenes program showcases footage of Gopher practices, time out huddles, and takes you into the locker rooms to witness Tubby Smith’s exciting pre-game, halftime and post-game speeches around the nation.

The Gophers are off to their best start since the 2000-01 season as of January 30, and the new reality show has hit home with its fans. “The Big Ten Network has an opportunity to bring Big Ten fans closer to their favorite programs than ever before," notes network president Mark Silverman. “Minnesota Basketball: The Journey" is an example of how we are creating original, compelling programming that people will want to see."

After its launch last August, the Big Ten Network became the first new network in cable or satellite television history to reach 30 million homes in its first 30 days. The Big Ten Network is available through providers such as DIRECTV, DISH Network, AT&T U-Verse, Insight Communications, WideOpenWest, RCN, Buckeye Cable System, Massillon Cable, Service Electric and nearly 200 other cable operators.

About the Big Ten Network: The Big Ten Network covers the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions offering an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics and the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more major men’s and women’s events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming. Most programs offered in HDTV. The Big Ten Network is a joint venture between subsidiaries of the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks.

More information: BigTenNetwork.com