The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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62 ■ THE WOLFPACKER that were expected, and we tried to anticipate what we really needed. "Everybody needed a lot more than they probably thought. We benefitted greatly from a cost perspective." Demarest pointed out that NC State has added several new positions thanks to the arrival of the network. Josh Monk, the as- sistant athletic director/video, broadcast and network services, and director of engineering William West have been pivotal in leading the way. "We needed more bodies," Demarest said. "We have made the investment in the net- work, made an investment in the infrastruc- ture and that is certainly part of the piece as well." Much of what the ACC Network will want from NC State will carry over what the Wolf- pack has been providing for the league's digital outlet. Each ACC member will make an extra $10 million a year thanks to the network. NC State football coach Dave Doeren is aware of the financial windfall that has helped Big Ten and SEC schools. He's look- ing forward to the impact the network can have on his own program. "We expect to be very successful," Doeren said. "The influx of income should be very helpful for us facility-wise and with other things we can do, and it comes at a good time. "We want to maintain the success we've had on the field as a league." College football has long been an arms race with facilities, and the extra money will help NC State stay competitive. "We've been really fortunate to have our indoor facility and redo our training room through private gifts," Doeren explained. "All of a sudden you start getting $10 mil- lion more dollars and you can do some things without asking. That helps a lot." ACC commissioner John Swofford pointed out that the ACC Network will broadcast 450 live events, including 40 football games and 150 men's and women's basketball contests. "First, we obviously want to meet our dis- tribution goals," Swofford said. "From the very beginning, based on discussions with ESPN and our media advisers, we always planned for this to be a three-year progression in terms of distribution." Swofford feels confident that the ACC Net- work will eventually get picked up by the various companies that run the gamut of the alphabet — from DISH Network to AT&T U-verse, among others — due to the dy- namic one-two punch of ESPN and its owner, Disney. DIRECTV, Verizon Fios, Hulu, Op- timum by Altice, PlayStation Vue and You- TubeTV were among the providers that had reached an agreement to carry it by Aug. 6. The content, which will likely evolve over the years, will also have ACC fans clamor- ing for the network. "Beyond distribution, there's so many opportunities in having a 24/7 dedicated network," Swofford said. "The quality of this network will be outstanding and uniquely ours. "It will provide a platform for our current players, programs and schools, as well as highlighting the rich history surrounding the individuals that have made the league what it is today." ■ The ACC Network is expected to annually broadcast 450 live events, including 40 football and 150 basketball games, and provide an extra $10 million a year to each member school. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS A Football Perspective On The ACC Network NC State football players have been paying some attention to the ACC Network, but admittedly are a little preoc- cupied with their own upcoming season. "I'm excited for the other teams at NC State that don't play on CBS or ABC, like softball," NCSU fifth-year senior defensive end James Smith-Williams said. "It will get them coverage, and they'll have a chance to be on TV. I'm excited for them." The Wolfpack players half-joked about whom they'd like to see get their own future reality show on the ACC Network. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Matt McKay went with redshirt sophomore left guard Bryson Speas of Greens - boro, N.C. "He's just a funny guy and fun to be around," McKay said. Sophomore running back Ricky Person Jr. tabbed new freshman run- ning back Zonovan Knight as his choice for the cameras to follow. Fifth- year senior left tackle Emanuel McGirt picked himself, and Smith-Williams went with a trio of seniors, including spotlighting a sixth-year senior. "Larrell [Murchison] is a character," Smith-Williams said. "Jarius [More- head] is funny. Deonte [Holden] would be a great guy for a reality show, an awesome guy. If I had to pick one, Deonte Holden." — Jacey Zembal "I'm excited for the other teams at NC State that don't play on CBS or ABC, like softball. It will get them coverage, and they'll have a chance to be on TV. I'm excited for them." ■ James Smith-Williams PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS