DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake Athletics and its exclusive multimedia rightsholder, LEARFIELD’S Drake Sports Properties, announced today a new multi-year agreement with Saga Communications. This extends a longstanding relationship with Drake’s radio home for football, and men’s and women’s basketball games.
With the start of the athletics season, 1350 ESPN Des Moines and 102.1 FM will carry all Drake Bulldogs men’s and women’s basketball and football games for fans in Central Iowa. In the event of game day broadcast conflicts, Bulldog games will air live on Des Moines Radio Group station Hope 940. All broadcasts also will be available to stream through various platforms.
The partnership also includes additional promotional opportunities for Drake coaches and staff across all the Des Moines Radio Group stations.
“We’re excited to continue and extend our relationship with the Des Moines Radio Group on ESPN 1350-AM,” said Drake director of athletics Brian Hardin. “Having such a powerful signal and broadcast platform is an important part of being Des Moines’ Hometown Team and we’re fortunate that our fans in Central Iowa and around the world won’t miss a minute of the action for coming years through our various points of distribution. Thanks to our partners at LEARFIELD, Drake Sports Properties, and the Des Moines Radio Group for helping us continue this relationship.”
“This partnership with the Des Moines Radio Group has been a perfect fit for Drake and for Drake’s corporate partners,” said Drake Sports Properties General Manager Greg Ellis. “It’s a great signal and the ESPN affiliation brings new fans to Drake broadcasts.”
“The Des Moines Radio Group is a fixture in central Iowa. We pride ourselves in being live and local and we are so happy to partner with our hometown team, the Drake Bulldogs. Our commitment is paramount to all our customers…our listeners, our advertisers and the community itself. Go Bulldogs!” Stephanie Heide, General Manager from the Des Moines Radio Group.