ESPN GamePlan

ESPN GamePlan

ESPN GamePlan was a subscription-based out-of-market college football television package in the United States. It was offered by ESPN, a major sports broadcasting network. The service provided viewers with access to college football games that were not available on local or national networks.

History

ESPN GamePlan was launched in the early 1990s, during a period when the demand for college football coverage was increasing. The service was designed to cater to fans who wanted to watch games from conferences and teams outside their local viewing area. It was particularly popular among alumni and fans of teams in different regions.

Features

ESPN GamePlan offered a variety of features to its subscribers:

• **Out-of-Market Games**: The primary feature of ESPN GamePlan was its ability to broadcast games that were not available on local or national television. This included games from conferences such as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and others.

• **Multiple Platforms**: Subscribers could access ESPN GamePlan through various platforms, including cable and satellite television providers. It was also available via online streaming, allowing viewers to watch games on their computers or mobile devices.

• **Weekly Subscription**: ESPN GamePlan offered a flexible subscription model, allowing viewers to purchase access on a weekly basis. This was particularly useful for fans who wanted to watch specific games without committing to a full season subscription.

Availability

ESPN GamePlan was available through major cable and satellite providers, including DirecTV, Dish Network, and various cable companies. It was also accessible through ESPN's online streaming service, ESPN3.

Discontinuation

In 2014, ESPN announced that it would discontinue ESPN GamePlan. The decision was made as part of a broader shift towards digital streaming services and the increasing availability of college football games on other platforms. Many of the games that were previously exclusive to ESPN GamePlan became available through ESPN's digital platforms, such as WatchESPN and the ESPN app.

Legacy

Although ESPN GamePlan is no longer available, its impact on college football broadcasting is still felt. The service helped pave the way for the widespread availability of college sports through digital streaming, and it demonstrated the demand for out-of-market sports packages.

See Also

• ESPN College Extra
• ESPN3
• College Football on Television

References

• ESPN Official Website
• New York Times Article on ESPN GamePlan