INDIANAPOLIS – Through a partnership with Stretch Internet, the Great Midwest Digital Network is being launched in time for the 2017-18 academic year as the league’s primary video streaming platform.
All 13 member institutions and the conference office will stream video, audio and select live stats, through customized portals that feature home and away contests for various sports.
“For the past several years, we’ve had conversations with the Great Midwest about what a conference digital network could look like on the Stretch platform,” said Stretch Internet President & CEO Ryan Ermeling. “Today marks the culmination of those conversations and the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Great Midwest and for Stretch. To help the fastest-growing Division II conference reach its fans with the highest-quality broadcasts across web, mobile and TV, is a privilege and honor."
Stretch will develop custom Great Midwest apps on the Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV platforms.
These apps will provide fans a seamless way to access content directly on their TVs – with no need to “relay” or “cast” the stream from tablets, phones or desktop computers. Users can access the content simply by searching for “Great Midwest” on the app interfaces on any of the compatible platforms, and then downloading the free Great Midwest Digital Network app.
Using the professionally-designed, intuitive interface, fans can easily view a conference-wide schedule of live, upcoming and on-demand broadcasts – or filter by a specific school.
Fans can learn more about the platforms and compatible devices at the following links:
Apple TV:
https://www.apple.com/tv/
Amazon Fire TV:
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-TV-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B00U3FPN4U
Android TV:
https://www.android.com/tv/
Roku:
https://www.roku.com/index
“Stretch Internet has been a tremendous partner for the Great Midwest as the league has grown over the last several years and we look forward to continuing that partnership on a grander scale beginning this season,” said Great Midwest Commissioner Tom Daeger. “The Great Midwest Digital Network will provide expansive access to all 13 members’ competitions during the regular and postseason, and the high-quality video streaming Stretch provides will aid in both the viewer and student-athlete experience.”
“In addition to the support Stretch has provided Great Midwest championship events, it has continuously proven strength in customer service and video-streaming delivery,” continued Daeger. “Our current campus partners with Stretch have been extremely pleased with their level of service, thus providing great confidence the Great Midwest Digital Network is in good hands with Stretch.”
The
Great Midwest conference portal is an all-encompassing hub for viewers to browse through. All links for video, audio and live stats, will still be posted on greatmidwestsports.com in the composite schedules.
The first games for broadcasting around the league are set up for Thursday, Aug. 31., on opening day around NCAA Division II. The sports of football, volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball, are currently mandated by the league to be video streamed.
About Stretch Internet:
Stretch Internet, founded in 2003 and based in Gilbert, AZ, is the leading streaming provider in collegiate athletics, boasting partnerships with more than 500 schools and nearly three dozen conferences across North America. Known for its world-class customer support and partner-first mentality, Stretch has built a user-centric platform that complements HD video with live data, social media and a host of customizable features to deliver an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience across multiple channels.