Learfield Teams Up With SportsBug

• Learfield, leading media and technology company powering college athletics, has partnered with SportsBug to deliver play-by-play radio streaming broadcasts in real-time with no delay to fans watching live sports in stadiums and arenas.

In conjunction with Learfield’s Varsity Network App and its local radio partners, SportsBug will provide a seamless user experience for fans to hear their favorite radio play-by-play announcers, while at the venue with no delay. This fan engagement and sponsor benefit will be provided at no cost to the fans. All they need to do is download the free Varsity Network app and then listen to the game on the app when watching in the stadium or arena. Typical play-by-play streaming audio is delayed from around 30 seconds to over a minute and a half.

Now, using any mobile device from any carrier, fans will hear Learfield’s broadcasts with a delay of under one second, eliminating the frustrating delay that makes it very difficult to watch live sports in the venue and listen to play-by-play.

“College sports fans have a deep connection with their local play-by-play broadcasters, and this partnership with SportsBug allows us to deliver that familiar voice directly to their ears, with no delay, while they’re in the stands,” said Chris Ferris, Learfield SVP for Broadcast. “We’re thrilled to provide this seamless experience in conjunction with our local radio partners, ensuring that fans can feel even more immersed in the game as it happens.”

“SportsBug is thrilled to be working with Learfield to bring our technology to college sports fans throughout the country,” said Chuck Bortnick, SportsBug Chief Operating Officer. “As a result, fans can now have a reason to listen to radio play-by-play streaming while attending live sports. It is a win for the fans, schools, and sponsors. SportsBug looks forward to working with Learfield and its school partners on this game-changing opportunity for radio play-by-play streaming broadcasts.”