New deal brings VCU basketball games to CBS6

A new partnership between VCU and local CBS 6 means that 85% of VCU home games will be televised across the region.

September 17, 2012; 1:06 PM • by Nathan Cushing

VCU has struck a deal with WTVR CBS 6 to broadcast several men’s basketball games this season. Up to eight games will air on CBS 6’s main channel (6.1), or its sub-channel (6.3). The deal ensures that 85% of the team’s regular season games will be televised across the region.

“This partnership further proves the strength of our men’s basketball brand,” said Ed McLaughlin, VCU’s Director of Athletics. “There are only a select number of teams around the country that will receive the type of live television coverage that Coach Smart’s program will receive this season, and that speaks volumes about how people around the country and this region feel about VCU Basketball.”

CBS 6 will broadcast VCU’s home opener against Florida Gulf Coast on November 9th. Other games it will air:

vs. Longwood (December 21st)
at St. Bonaventure (January 12th)
at Rhode Island (January 30th)

“WTVR is thrilled to make these games available to Rams fans in our viewing area. The enthusiasm and energy surrounding Shaka Smart and VCU Basketball is apparent, for us to partner with VCU is a ‘win’ for the station,” said WTVR General Manager, Stephen Hayes.

Additional games may be available on CBS 6 after VCU finalizes its regional television package.

McLaughlin added: “Our job as a department will be to make sure Ram fans know how to tune in to the game when we play on the WTVR 6.3 station. 70% of the market can receive the 6.3 channel. It’s easily accessible.”

The digital spectrum for local network stations provides up to three additional channels for each station. Games designated as 6.1 will air on CBS 6, regardless of cable provider. Games not broadcast on CBS 6 will be available on WTVR’s 6.3 station (channel 206 on Comcast; 466 on Verizon Fios).