Pac-12 expands pilot program to shorten length of football games
Jul 25, 2018, 10:15 AM
The Pac-12 conference is attempting to shorten the length of football games by expanding a pilot program introduced last season.
At least 30 games in the 2018 season will be under the program, and will be featured in not only Pac-12 Network broadcasts, but on ESPN and FOX Sports as well.
“Improving the fan experience is a critical priority for the Pac-12 and we believe that taking steps to shorten the length of football games is one way to meet that objective,” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said in a released statement.
The implemented programs include a shortened halftime from 20 to 15 minutes, restructured commercial formats and enhanced in-game advertising and kickoff times moved from seven minutes to one minute after the start of the broadcast window.
Not all elements will be used in every game.
The length of college football games has been an issue that some of the power five conferences are trying to address.
The SEC prior to the 2017 season attempted to shorten game times after the length of games exceeded the national average.
The Pac-12 received acclaim from ESPN and FOX Sports for the pace initiatives.
“We are in favor of maximizing the college football viewer and fan experience,” ESPN vice president of programming and acquisitions Nick Dawson said in the statement. “We commend the Pac-12 for pushing the initiative, while also collaborating with us on this roll out. We look forward to studying the results following the season.”
