SAN ANTONIO — Football is the king of all college sports, and at most universities around the country it effectively functions as its own standalone entity.
That's the case at UTSA, too, but Roadrunner Athletics is taking steps this spring to ensure its national brand grows with every sport.
"(Director of Athletics) Dr. Lisa Campos and (University President) Dr. Taylor Eighmy really view athletics as the front porch of the university," said Sean Cartell, senior associate athletics director.
$5 million was financed for broadcast television streaming as UTSA Athletics looks to grow its footprint beyond San Antonio and beyond Texas. The initiative launched in March with the goal of building its brand like never before.
It has been full-speed ahead with spring sports ever since.
"We have two state-of-the-art broadcast control rooms that meet ESPN and American Athletic Conference standards," Cartell said.
The athletic department's funds helped build two control rooms that will help produce broadcasts for men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and soccer.
"That will be roughly 90 to 100 broadcasts per year," said Cartell. "Everything will be housed in the RACE facility, the hub for UTSA Athletics."
Coaches are excited about the effort, as it means more exposure for UTSA—a huge asset when it comes to recruiting.
"They can get out to recruits anywhere around the country and say, 'Turn on ESPN+ and you'll see the Roadrunners,'" said Cartell. "You'll not only see the Roadrunners, but it will (be) an ESPN high-quality broadcast production.
"This is the biggest commercial we could have for UTSA Athletics and the student athletes themselves. It has been a big deal."
Fans all around the country – all around the world, for that matter – can now watch Roadrunners athletic games.
"This is not only an ESPN broadcast facility," Cartell said. "This is state-of-the-art."
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