Pac-12 Media Day: Conference announces program expansion to shorten games

At Pac-12 Media Day, Commissioner Larry Scott and the conference discussed the expansion of a pilot program to shorten the length of their college football games.

Any time a conference like the Pac-12 goes 1-8 in a bowl season, they have to respond with some fireworks.

They did just that Wednesday evening, as conference Commissioner Larry Scott announced the continuation of a pilot program that shortens the length of Pac-12 college football games. The test was met with positive feedback last season by broadcasters and fans in its debut on Pac-12 Network.

Per the conference’s press release, here are the details of the expansion:

"The Pac-12 Conference announced today an expansion of its pilot program to shorten the length of football games, with year two of the innovative initiative to feature not only non-conference games on Pac-12 Networks, but also select Conference and ESPN and FOX Sports televised games.  In all, at least 30 games are expected to be included in the program for the 2018 season, up from 15 games in 2017.  The program was launched in an effort to be responsive to fan and broadcaster feedback on the length of games, and is designed to improve the fan experience.The decision to expand the program to include ESPN, FOX Sports and Conference games follows positive feedback from member universities, broadcasters and fans on the initial test involving only Pac-12 Networks, that resulted in an eight-minute reduction in average broadcast window and five-minute reduction in average game time in the games participating in the pilot.  Among the benefits seen from the test was a reduction in back-to-back games being joined in progress.  The game shortening elements that will once again be included in the program include shortened half-times from 20 minutes to 15 minutes, restructured commercial formats and enhanced in-game advertising, and kickoff times moved from :07 to :01 after the start of the broadcast window.  Not all elements will be implemented in each game.More from Devils in DetailSun Devils Primer: Game 2 vs Oklahoma StateSun Devil Insight: Quarterback RoomArizona State Spotlight: Kenny DillinghamArizona State 2023 Season Opener: Off To A Good StartArizona State vs USC Prediction and Promo (Expect Offensive Fireworks)"

During the announcement, Scott noted his excitement about the innovative nature of the tests and how they can evolve college football broadcasts.

"“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,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott.  “We are very pleased that as we continue to pilot innovative ways to shorten the game that this coming year we will be able to include some Conference games as well as certain games televised by ESPN and FOX Sports.”"

ESPN Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions Nick Dawson and Fox Sports President John Entz were also pleased that their programs were becoming a part of the new tests.

"“We are in favor of maximizing the college football viewer and fan experience” said Nick Dawson, ESPN Vice President Programming and Acquisitions. “We commend the Pac-12 for pushing this initiative, while also collaborating with us on its rollout.  We look forward to studying the results following the season.”“FOX Sports is excited to work with our partners at the Pac-12 Conference on this new initiative and to continue to find new and innovative ways to enhance the college football viewing experience,” said FOX Sports President, Production and Executive Producer John Entz."

As long as there’s no wait to join another game in progress, it’s safe to say that everyone’s happy here.