Here's my interpretation of the way it works on DirecTV:
 
I subscribe to the regional sports network package (I got to watch nearly
every conference tourney game - incredible!), so I already get several
channels that might be broadcasting the games (such as MSC).  In addition,
there are a couple of DirecTV channels that you can go to and pay-per-view
all 8 regional games.  Personally, I'm going to wait until the games come
on, and see which, if any, I already get with the RSN package - blackouts
are always a last-minute possibility.  If, at game time, I'm not satisfied
with the selection of games that I get, I click a couple of buttons on my
remote control, and viola, I get all 8 games with no possibility of
blackouts, and my next DirecTV bill is $30 higher.
 
I haven't scanned ahead in the program guide to see which RSN's claim that
they are broadcasting the Regionals, but it's really irrelevant - you won't
know which games you actually get until game time, due to blackouts.
 
It sure beats the $^%# out of last year - at WORST CASE this year, I have
to pay $3.75 per game to see every game.  Last year, we were running around
like crazy trying to find a sports bar with an analog satellite after we
found out AT GAME TIME that the RSN's were blacked out.
 
If this PPV thing works as advertised, I say kudos to the NC$$ for a job
well done.  If it doesn't work as advertised.......
 
Robb Newman
 
On Wednesday, March 18, 1998 8:40 AM, Cfdoughty [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
wrote:
> Does anyone have the details on the ESPN Pay Per
> View plan for the NCAA playoffs? How many games
> will be shown? What Regional games will be available?
> I live in Minneapolis and normally would look for MSC
> to televise these games. Does the ESPN deal mean
> that pay per view is the only way to see most of the
> games? I know that there has been some discussion
> of this before but if anyone could provide an update I'd
> really appreciate it.
>
> Chad Doughty
> Gophers Out-Looking For A UND Repeat
>
> HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
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HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
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