Aug. 27, 2002
West Lafayette, IN - Purdue University, a member of Official College Sports Network (OCSN), and RealNetworks?, Inc (Nasdaq: RNWK), the global leader in Internet media delivery, have partnered just in time for the 2002 college football season. Purdue, along with more than 45 top colleges and universities, will bring exciting, multi-media content including select live audio broadcasts of the best in college football, basketball, baseball and other sports to college sports fans across the Internet via a new subscription-only service called College Sports Pass.
College Sports Pass will launch with defending national champion and pre-season No. 1 Miami (FL), nationally ranked Washington, Michigan State, Illinois, Arizona and more than 40 others. Boilermaker fans will be treated to audio and/or video from press conferences, weekly coach's shows, highlight shows, live statistics breakdowns, league standings and other relevant programming as individually offered by Purdue. For just $6.95 month subscribers will be treated to the highest bandwidth live broadcast yet available.
To sign up for the subscription, Purdue fans can go directly to the Boilermakers' official athletic site (www.PurdueSports.com), www.realone.com, or directly to their RealOne Player. A full list of participating colleges may be found at: www.collegesports.com.
"With the addition of OCSN partners such as Purdue, RealOne is solidifying its position as the preeminent sports destination online," stated Scott Ehrlich, Vice President, Media Acquisition and Distribution, RealNetworks, Inc. "By harnessing the best in both college and professional sports, we're able to provide Boilermaker fans with the ultimate in sports programming from their own school and national sources - only available on RealOne."
The action doesn't end with the football season, either. Member schools will provide subscribers with any sport that is covered by their media networks-whether it's basketball, baseball or any other sport broadcast via OCSN.
"Through College Sports Pass, Real and OCSN will be bringing the best-of-class multi-media content available on the Internet today to the most avid college sports fans," stated Jeff Cravens, OCSN President. "We're excited to not only introduce this program, but to work with RealNetworks and our universities to develop premium, exclusive content targeted at the most loyal fan base in sports."
COLLEGE SPORTS PASS: FAQ
Why are you charging fans for something that used to be free?
First, the package that's being offered this year has never been offered before. There will be more live events, offered in a better format within the most advanced media player available. Plus, there will also be more dynamic on-demand media content than ever before - the fact is that what's been offered free in the past should not be compared to the College Sports Pass product. We think the programming offered in this program, as presented in such a robust manner, has real value.
This new model will allow us to provide a better fan experience beginning this season and beyond. Some exciting new features that you'll see include:
- Better quality audio and video
- More live and on-demand programming
- A school branded RealOne player that includes a web browser along with integrated gameday features like "GameTracker" for football and hoops
- Multiple access point customer support including seven-day-a-week phone support
Why are you charging while other schools are still free?
We believe that most colleges and universities will be using some form of subscription product for their multimedia content by the start of next season. We decided to shift into this model now rather than later. By making the transition now, we can begin offering our fans this improved experience immediately. Further, subscriptions benefit the athletic department from a revenue standpoint, vice draining the athletic budget.
Why should I pay $6.95 when I only want to listen to one game? Isn't $6.95 fairly expensive?
Presently there is an option to purchase the College Sports Pass for a three-month period at a reduced price of $18.95. Also, RealNetworks plans to listen to examine user data and fan feedback over the course of this school year, and they will be looking at different programming options in near future. Also, we encourage you to take advantage of the 14-day free trial offer, which will allow you to experience the new product at no cost.
What do I get for the $6.95 each month?
In addition to select live audio broadcasts of currently available sports, you will also have access to weekly coach's shows, press conferences, video highlights, practice or post-game clips and more. All of the programming will be available in an upgraded player with a better-quality delivery. In the future, we hope to expand this programming even further with other exciting features and content that will be exclusive to College Sports Pass subscribers.
I am trying to sign up online but I am having problems.
You can contact RealNetwork's customer support center at 206-674-2680.
Monday-Friday: 9 am - 10:30 pm Eastern
Saturday-Sunday: 10:30 am - 10:30 pm Eastern
I am a paid subscriber but I cannot access a game or programming.
You can contact RealNetwork's customer support center at 206-674-2680.
Monday-Friday: 9 am - 10:30 pm Eastern
Saturday-Sunday: 10:30 am - 10:30 pm Eastern
I am trying to download the RealOne player but I am having difficulties.
You can contact RealNetwork's technical support center at 206-674-2680.
Monday-Friday: 9 am - 10:30 pm Eastern
Saturday-Sunday: 10:30 am - 10:30 pm Eastern