When the 118th season of Big Ten football kicks off Thursday night, it will include something most fans have probably been expecting for a decade or more: unlimited replays.
Yes, it turns out fear of declining attendance has done something common sense could not: Convince the powers-that-be to let people who paid good money to attend a game in person have the same chance to see a replay that is afforded to those who made the choice to sit at home in front of their flatscreen TVs.
According to a release sent out by the Big Ten on Wednesday afternoon, the decision to allow unlimited replays was approved "as part of a broader discussion by the Big Ten Football Gameday Experience Subcommittee to supplement the in-stadium experience."
In addition to being allowed to show more than one replay, schools may also now play back the action at any speed. Previously, no less than 75 percent of real-time speed was allowed.
“This decision is another positive step forward as we strive to create remarkable experiences for our fans in these great stadiums where our teams play,” said Ohio State athletics director Gene Smith in a statement.
Smith chairs the Big Ten Football Gameday Experience subcommittee.
In the same statement, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said the league's goal for game days "is to blend the best parts of an in-stadium experiences with the best parts of an at-home experience." While more replays are coming this season, other bells and whistles could be on their way in the future following the subcommittee's recommendation that institutions look into adding equipment to enhance wireless service and increase coverage of other games from around the conference and the nation.
Also suggested? Creation of areas within stadiums where fans could watch those games or connect to social media.
