First Time for College Football to be Streamed via Popular Social Media Channel

PLANO, Texas (Oct. 13, 2011) – Learfield Sports, Mississippi State Athletics and NeuLion announced today the introduction of a first in college sports – live audio stream through Facebook, allowing Bulldog fans the opportunity to experience a brand-new way to plug in and follow this Saturday’s game action against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Learfield Sports and its local entity, Bulldog Sports Properties, coupled with NeuLion’s expertise as MSU’s digital technology partner, have worked diligently with the athletics administration to ensure a seamless launch. Bulldog students, fans and alumni can access this inaugural audio stream on Saturday, Oct. 15 just prior to the 11:21 a.m. kick off at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.

The stream for this game is complimentary, and access is as follows: 1) visit Mississippi State’s official Facebook page; 2) click on “Live Football Audio” link in left-hand menu; 3) click the play button.

“We’re very excited to be able to offer our fans another way to experience Mississippi State football,” Mississippi State Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin said. “It increases the exposure of our product nationally, and also provides a new distribution path for our Maroon to the Max video/audio portal that fans can sample.”

Bulldog Sports Properties is the multimedia rights holder for Mississippi State Athletics and a property of Learfield Sports, which represents MSU and more than 50 other collegiate properties. According to Learfield’s President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Brown, “This is exciting, it is new, and we believe Bulldog fans are going to love it. We are continually looking at how we can be the best partner for our schools, delivering creative, cutting-edge ideas that will build momentum and reach fans in a new way.” He added, “The Facebook stream is something we feel strongly will move the needle and be well received.”

“A key initiative for our partnership with MSU Athletics and MSU BSP is to effectively drive fan engagement,” noted Ed O’Brien, Vice President of NeuLion. “The addition of live audio to Facebook is a powerful step in the integration and growth of their overall digital strategy.”