YourTV lets Cogeco subscribers reel in Jackfish
All of Intercounty Baseball League team’s home games to be broadcast on community channel
Ryan Harrison wants to take fans to the ball game, even if means they’re watching Welland Jackfish regularseason home games from the comfort of their own homes, not from a seat in the ballpark.
Harrison, president of the Intercounty Baseball League team, isn’t worried an agreement with YourTV Niagara for live broadcasts of all 21 home games this season will cut into his team’s attendance at Welland Stadium.
“It is just another option to enjoy Jackfish baseball when you cannot make it live,” he said. “Nothing will ever beat the live show that is Jackfish baseball.”
And, starting this season, the experience of taking in the American pastime at The Pond will include stadium seating, as well as premium front-row seating along the first- and third-base lines.
A total of eight tables, each with four seats, will cater to fans willing to pay a premium to have all-youcan-eat ballpark food delivered to their table from when the gates open through the third inning.
What Harrison said will be the first premium seating in the eightteam league addresses the corporate community’s desire to entertain clients, close business deals and reward employees by treating them to a baseball game. The tables were added after 50 per cent of premium seating at the stadium was already sold out for the upcoming season. “As such, we ran out of the initial room to service the demand,” he said. “We are excited to create these new experiences, allowing more options for the business community to gather and cheer on the Jackfish.”
Spencer Tanguay and Alec Murray will provide play-by-play and colour commentary on the TV broadcasts that will be available to Cogeco fans in Niagara on YourTV Channel 700 or Channel 100 on Epico.
“Our staff and volunteers at YourTV Niagara are looking forward to bringing all the home games to our viewers across the Niagara Region,” YourTV programming and community relations manager Jack Custers said.
Harrison said the Jackfish can’t wait for the partnership with the broadcaster to begin with the home opener versus the Hamilton Cardinals on Thursday, May 18.
“The ’Fish appreciate the continued support from YourTV and are excited to have them broadcast each and every Jackfish home game,” he said.
“This is a partnership that we truly value and so does the community and fans of Niagara.”
While the Jackfish will be the first squad in the IBL to provide stadium seating, rather than bleachers, they will not be alone in having their home games televised by a cable provider.
Some teams, including the Barrie Baycats and Kitchener Panthers, have broadcast deals with Rogers TV.
Single-game tickets for Jackfish home contests are available by phone by calling the number 905735-9834 or online by checking out the site wellandjackfish.com/tix.