Big Ten Network will be available in residence halls, unions

Students in University of Wisconsin–Madison residence halls will be able to watch the Big Ten Network, under an agreement between the university and the network.

In addition, the Big Ten Network will be available at the Memorial Union and Union South, as well as the J.F. Friedrick Center, the Fluno Center and Lowell Hall.

The Big Ten Network will be offered on channel 116 of the university’s ResNet cable system beginning on about Sept. 1.

"We’re delighted that we’ll be able to add this channel to the lineup for our residents," says Paul Evans, director of University Housing.

Although the Big Ten Network is not among the channels offered by Charter Communications, the university’s cable provider, the university has the ability to add the channel to its residential cable system.

The Big Ten Network, which debuts on Thursday, Aug. 30, is expected to offer about 380 sports events in its first year. Additionally, each of the 11 conference universities will be able to offer up to 60 hours of original campus programming — ranging from reality shows to musical events to public affairs programming.

Peter Kleppin, who is working with colleagues at University Communications to produce the campus content for the network, says the network offers an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the university and the work of its students.

"We want to use this programming to help alumni connect, highlight student achievements, inform parents about campus life and give potential students another window into what this university has to offer," Kleppin says.

The first Wisconsin football game to be broadcast on the network will be the Badgers’ Sept. 15 game against The Citadel.