Seems ASU football fans prefer the old-school vibe over remote broadcasts! Find out what went wrong with FS1's coverage of their first Big 12 game.
Arizona State University football is stepping into a new era, joining the Big 12 and hoping for fresh opportunities and rivalries. However, the excitement of the season opener against a well-matched opponent quickly turned sour for many fans tuning in from home. To their dismay, viewers weren’t treated to the typical stadium experience; instead, FS1 opted for a remote broadcast that had many yelling at their televisions. From the lack of atmosphere to the absence of live commentary, fans took to social media to express their frustration with what was meant to be a celebratory moment in the program’s history.
As university sports transcend just a game for fans, the importance of seeing, hearing, and feeling the energy of the stadium is paramount. When announcers are physically present in the excitement of the venue, their enthusiasm resonates with viewers, transmitting the adrenaline rush of touchdowns and dramatic plays. In this case, however, remote broadcasting left fans feeling disconnected and yearning for the familiar play-by-play banter that usually accompanies every snap. It was as if the soul of the game had been stripped away, and viewers were left with a disembodied voice commentating from afar, devoid of the thrilling context that typically enhances the viewing experience.
Reactions were swift and colorful, with fans taking to Twitter and various online platforms to deliver their unsolicited critiques. Some even likened it to watching a movie with the sound turned down! The hashtag #BringBackAnnouncers trended briefly, as fans banded together to lament what they deemed an “insult” to the spirit of college football. For many, it was a stark reminder that while technology has allowed broadcasting to evolve in incredible ways, sometimes tradition just cannot be replaced – especially when it comes to the emotional highs and lows of a football game.
As the sun sets on the desert for the ASU Sun Devils, fans hope their team can rally from this disappointing broadcast experience. They’re eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds and, just maybe, to hear some announcers blending with the thrilling sounds of the game on FS1’s future broadcasts. After all, nothing beats that dynamic duo of live feedback and wild cheers that turn watching a game into a communal experience, whether you’re in the stadium or enjoying it from the comforts of home.
Did you know that the largest crowd to watch an ASU football game was over 73,000 fans during the 1989 matchup against the University of Arizona? And here's something that might surprise you: Remote broadcasting has been a part of sports coverage for decades, but it’s the blend of both on-site and remote commentary that captures the true essence of college football. As ASU football fans rally for a return to traditional coverage, they redefine what it means to connect over America’s beloved sport!
Many didn't like the fact that ASU football's first game in the Big 12 era didn't have announcers present in the stadium. They didn't like it at all.