Aug. 23, 2011
Pre-game coverage on the Commodore Radio Network will expand 30 minutes for the upcoming football season, Vanderbilt IMG Sports Network and Classic Hits 97.1 RQQ jointly announced.
The Chick-fil-A of Rivergate Tailgate Show, featuring play-by-play announcer Joe Fisher, sidelines reporter Kevin Ingram and Athlon Sports’ Editor Mitchell Light, will start 90 minutes prior to kickoff in Vandyville on the Vanderbilt IMG Radio Network. Thirty minutes before kick, the Papa John’s Pregame Show will air from the press box featuring Fisher, Ingram and Commodore analyst John Gromos.
This marks the first year that Light will be involved with the Commodore Radio Network. A Vanderbilt graduate, Light serves as Athlon’s managing editor and is regarded as one of the nation’s most knowledgeable experts on college football.
The Chick-fil-A of Rivergate Tailgate Show will air on Classic Hits 97.1 RQQ, the Vanderbilt flagship. The Papa John’s Pregame Show will air across the entire Vanderbilt IMG Radio Network.
Classic Hits 97.1 RQQ, Nashville’s top classic hits station, will be participating in Vandyville even before the tailgate show opens. The station will broadcast live from a central booth in Vandyville three hours before kickoff, continuing until the tailgate show stars.
Vanderbilt IMG Sports Network General Manager, Jeff Miller, expects the extra pregame coverage to benefit Commodore fans as they travel to the games or tailgate near Vandyville.
“I’m delighted to make this announcement and thankful to our partners at 97.1 RQQ, Chick-fil-A Rivergate and Papa John’s for making it a reality,” Miller said. “The additional programming will enhance the gameday experience for Commodore fans.
“This announcement, along with the addition of live music and an expanded Kid’s Area, really brings a new element to Vandyville, as we strengthen our on-campus football atmosphere,” Miller added.
The Chick-fil-a of Rivergate Tailgate show is expected to include special guests, analysis of the Commodore opponent, and updates from the SEC and around the country.
Here’s the schedule of radio programming at the Sept. 3 season opener vs. Elon and Sept. 10 game against Connecticut:
3:30 p.m. Vandyville opens; 97.1 Classic Hits broadcasts live
5:00 p.m. Chick-fil-A of Rivergate Tailgate Show starts in Vandyville
6:00 p.m. Papa John’s Pregame Show begins
6:30 p.m. Kickoff