Drive Partner with WMYA to Televise Reedy River Rivalry

Feb. 28, 2011

GREENVILLE, SC – Despite being one of the toughest tickets at Fluor Field this season, baseball fans from across the Upstate and beyond will not be denied the ability to watch the second installment of the Reedy River Rivalry – pitting the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks against one another on neutral ground.

The Greenville Drive and WMYA-TV announced today that they have partnered to broadcast the Reedy River Rivalry live on March 5th. WMYA My40 will air the game in the Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, and the Fox affiliates in Columbia (WACH), Charleston (WTAT) and Myrtle Beach (WFXB) will also broadcast the game to their respective markets. The game will also be able to be viewed online at ESPN3.com. The broadcast of this highly anticipated game will begin with the pre-game show at 4:00 PM, with First Pitch scheduled for 4:15 PM.

Drive General Manager, Mike deMaine, commented on the announcement, saying, “The Drive is delighted to showcase Fluor Field and televise this premier matchup of two of the nation’s top collegiate programs. This broadcast promises to be a big win for Tiger and Gamecocks fans, our Drive corporate partners, and all who appreciate the excitement of this great baseball event in Downtown Greenville.”

While the 2010 Reedy River Rivalry drew 7,105 fans – the second largest crowd ever at Fluor Field – this year’s contest will be an even hotter ticket as the Gamecocks are coming off capturing their first National Championship, and the Tigers finalists in that College World Series as well. Both South Carolina and Clemson currently rank amongst the nation’s Top 10, according to the USA Today/ESPN poll.

“By televising the Reedy River Rivalry from Fluor Field, WMYA My40 is able to reach into and develop a market that we have not had access to in the past,” stated Jack Connors, General Manager of WMYA. “It is WMYA’s goal to build a regional sports network that features college, high school and professional athletics. Adding the Reedy River Rivalry to our year-round sports offerings that already include the Drive and other minor league baseball, locally produced college and high school football and basketball, is an exciting and highly credible step in that direction.”

Former Atlanta Brave and New York Yankee right-hander Darren Holmes will provide color commentary, and will team with veteran play-by-play man Jack Connors in the broadcast. Tiffany Ervin and Roy Philpott will add interviews and features from the stands throughout the game.

Drive Co-Owner and President, Craig Brown, summed it up, saying, “This broadcast from Fluor Field will make it possible to share the atmosphere and excitement of a truly classic college match up with sports enthusiasts from across the state and region, who would not otherwise be able to enjoy this special Downtown Greenville baseball experience. Viewers who turn in will see two of the nation’s most talented and popular college programs compete in front of a capacity crowd, in one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country!”