GAME PLAN

2012-13 Cleveland Cavaliers Coverage

As previously reported, FOX Sports Ohio will carry 81 Cleveland Cavaliers games of the 2012-13 regular season. Plus, the network is excited to announce changes to the Cavaliers broadcast team!

The network’s coverage of the Cavs’ regular season begins Tuesday, Oct. 30th at 7pm when the Cavs host the Washington Wizards at Quicken Loans Arena. FOX Sports Ohio will also air a special hour-long Cavaliers Live Pregame Show that evening, starting at 6pm. The complete schedule can be found on Cavs.com.

Cavaliers Live will return with commentary, features, and in-depth pre-game coverage of the Cavs 30 minutes prior to every game telecast. The Halftime Report, presented by KIA Motors, will break down the first half of the game and offer insights in preparation for the second half. And immediately following the final buzzer of each game, the post-game edition of Cavaliers Live, presented by Conrad’s Tire Express and Total Car Care, will feature highlights, player interviews, and analysis.

The network is excited to announce the broadcast team. Austin Carr will continue to spice up the color analysis for the entire FOX Sports Ohio schedule. Joining him on the floor returns veteran play-by-play man Fred McLeod, calling the games for his seventh season. This season will also mark McLeod’s 30th of broadcasting NBA games.

“After the departure of Dionne Miller, we were presented with the opportunity to look at our entire broadcast team and our focus went right to Jeff Phelps to see how we could maximize his talents,” stated Tom Farmer, Executive Producer, FOX Sports Ohio. “Having Jeff in a more consistent role instead of part-time here and part-time there, gives us a chance to really take advantage of one of the area’s top sports talents.”

Jeff Phelps, the previous sideline reporter, will return for his 10th season in a greater capacity with Cavaliers Live pre- and post-game shows. Phelps will not only host Cavaliers Live shows from The Q during home games, but he will now host the show from the FOX Sports Ohio studio when the team is on the road. Alongside him for all shows will be Campy Russell, the nine-year NBA veteran and All-Star, former Cavalier and member of the Cavalier’s All-Time Team. He has been a member of FOX Sports Ohio’s analyst team since 2005.

Phelps will also host Cavaliers in the Paint, premiering Tuesday, November 6th at 6pm. This show provides the most up-to-date news and highlights surrounding the Cavs.

“This change to Jeff’s role led to an extensive search for his replacement on sidelines. It was important for us to find someone who could not only carry the extensive workload of a full season, but provide a very high level of professionalism in tandem with great basketball and team perspective. Cavs fans expect and deserve this,” said Farmer.

FOX Sports Ohio is pleased to welcome new sideline reporter, Allyson Clifton.

An Ohio native, Clifton joins the network with over 10 years’ experience playing competitive basketball and three years’ experience as a sideline reporter and sports reporter. Following an accomplished high school basketball career, which included captaining the first and only league title team for her school, Clifton continued her basketball success at The University of Toledo. There, she was a 4-year letter winner and 3-time co-captain, leading her team to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division title in 2010. Clifton is also no stranger to The Q, having played there in the MAC Tournament during her four years at Toledo.

With a bachelor’s degree in Sports Analysis and Communication and a master’s in Communications, Clifton has served as sideline reporter for the Toledo Mud Hens of minor league baseball’s AAA International League, sports feature reporter for 13 ABC Action News in Toledo, and color analyst and sideline reporter for high school and collegiate basketball, volleyball, and track and field on Buckeye Cable Sports Net in Toledo.

Clifton also has NBA experience running camps and clinics for the Atlanta Hawks and working along-side play-by-play and color analyst Bob Rathbun and LaChina Robinson for the WNBA Atlanta Dream game.

“I am so thrilled and very anxious to join FOX Sports Ohio as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers broadcast team,” stated Clifton. “I have a never-ending passion for the game of basketball, and have always been a huge Cavs fan. I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity.”

“We were extremely fortunate to have found someone home grown with Allie’s credentials and talent,” stated Farmer. “With Fred, AC, Jeff, Campy, and now Allie, Cavs fans are in for some remarkable coverage as the team begins what will surely be a very exciting season to follow and watch.”

Have you seen the Fan Express?

FOX Sports Ohio has brought the Cincinnati Reds into the homes of thousands of Reds fans for years. Now, the network is excited to be able to bring fans to the Reds on the Fan Express to Reds Country.

With the FOX Sports Ohio Fan Express to Reds Country, groups of Reds fans can ride in style to watch their favorite team play at Great American Ball Park. Fans love the giant bus, which features oversized images of Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce.

FOX Sports Ohio branded the Cincinnati Reds - San Diego Padres game on Monday, July 30^th as Game Connect Night.

Not only were Reds bloggers and local media invited to the FOX Sports Ohio suite to experience Game Connect first hand, but Game Connect was also integrated into the telecast to educate viewers and increase participation.

Marty & Charlie: Winning!

Earlier this season, Hall of Fame Reds radio voice Marty Brennaman stated he would shave his head if the Cincinnati Reds won 10 games in a row. After the team won their 10^th game in a row July 29 in Colorado, Brennaman announced he would shave his head on Friday, August 3. He further made a fundraiser out of the event by promising to shave his head on the field after the game if the Cincinnati community could raise $20,000 for the Reds Community Fund.

The Cincinnati fans stepped up and donated more than $50,000 to the Fund, and Brennaman held up his end of a bargain. FOX Sports Ohio was there to cover it all as broadcaster Jim Day hosted the postgame festivities and Brennaman shaved off his iconic white hair following the Reds' 3-0 win over the Pirates.

Actor Charlie Sheen and his father Martin Sheen were at Great American Ball Park celebrating Martin’s 70th birthday and witnessed the shaving of Brennaman’s head. After Charlie learned more about the Reds Community Fund’s mission, he decided to match the $50,000 pledge, earmarking it for the Reds Urban Youth Academy project. FOX Sports Ohio’s Jim Day had the opportunity to interview Sheen following the Reds game on Sunday. During the interview, Sheen announced his candidacy for Cincinnati Mayor. He was joking of course...or was he?

Reds stay hot on the field & on TV

Steve Watkins of the Cincinnati Business Courier reports on the Cincinnati Reds hot ratings on FOX Sports Ohio.

"The Cincinnati Reds’ hot streak is translating into added revenue, as fans are packing the park and flocking to their flat-screens.

The Reds posted their highest ratings month ever on Fox Sports Ohio in July, amid the team’s stretch of winning 15 out of 16 games. They averaged a 9.27 household rating."

He also reports that "The Olympics didn’t slow the team’s ratings, either." Click HERE to read the entire story.

The Cincinnati Enquirer TV writer John Kiesewetter has also recognized the Reds ratings with a blog entry HERE.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade Coverage

FOX Sports Ohio will be airing the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Timken Grand Parade from 6-8pm on this Sunday, August 12. The parade took place this past Saturday, August 4 in Canton, Ohio.

This year’s inductees included Jack Butler, Dermontti Dawson, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Curtis Martin and Willie Roaf – all of whom will now call Canton, Ohio their home. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration.

FOX Sports Ohio will also replay the 2-hour airing of the parade on Monday, August 13 at 8:30pm.

All Aboard!

FOX Sports Ohio enjoys bringing the Cincinnati Reds into the homes of thousands of Reds fans through television. Now, the network is excited to be able to bring fans to the Reds on the Fan Express to Reds Country.

With the FOX Sports Ohio Fan Express to Reds Country, groups of Reds fans can now ride in style to watch their favorite team play at Great American Ball Park. Fans can’t miss the giant bus with its oversized images of Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce on the outside. On the inside, riders will enjoy Wifi, baseball entertainment, snacks and beverages, and other FOX Sports Ohio and Reds goodies.

“The FOX Sports Ohio Fan Express to Red Country is an example of our unwavering commitment to the Reds organization and Reds fans everywhere,” said Alex Slemc, Director of Marketing and Communications at FOX Sports Ohio. “We wanted to develop a unique way to help the team bring groups of fans to Great American Ball Park and experience the magic of Reds baseball. It’s been a season of outstanding play on the field and record ratings on the network, and the Fan Express is a great way to celebrate.”

“FOX Sports Ohio understands the passion of Reds fans. Their broadcasts of Reds games are simply the best in the business. The Fan Express is an innovative way for FOX Sports Ohio to extend the live experience from the living room to the ballpark,” stated Phil Castellini, Chief Operating Officer of the Reds.

FOX Sports Ohio’s Fan Express to Reds Country is available on select dates throughout the remainder of the Reds regular season to groups of 40-50 fans for the use of transport to and from Cincinnati Reds games. It can travel up to a 60 mile radius of Great American Ball Park. Groups can book it by calling the Reds groups sales department at 513-765-7600 or going to www.reds.com/fanexpress.

When the Reds are not playing at home, the Fan Express to Reds Country will be seen at various events throughout Cincinnati. For a schedule of Fan Express appearances, please visit www.foxsportsohio.com.

The Fan Express can be tracked on Twitter by following @FOXSportsOH and using the hashtag #FanExpress. Fans can also check out photos and updates on the network’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/FOXSportsOhio.

For more specific rules and policies regarding the Fan Express, please visit www.foxsportsohio.com or call the Reds group sales department at 513-765-7600.

Before The Battle

FOX Sports Ohio is excited to announce Before the Battle, a new 30-minute special featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the Columbus Blue Jackets throughout the NHL Draft.

The Jackets held the 2nd overall pick in the 2012 NHL draft, and FOX Sports Ohio followed the Blue Jackets to Pittsburgh for the event. The undercurrent of change was the tenor of draft weekend, and in cooperation with the Blue Jackets, the network was there to document it all with unprecedented access.

As the Blue Jackets stood at the brink of a new era, cameras were in the scouting meetings and prospect interviews, and General Manager Scott Howson was mic'd up on the draft floor. Cameras followed Jackets top draft pick Ryan Murray the moment he stepped off the draft floor. From autographs to family pictures, with the occasional false mustache here and there, FOX Sports Ohio was there.

The incomparable access continued through free agency, as FOX Sports Ohio cameras were allowed in closed-door meetings where Howson and the hockey operations team discussed strategy. The show additionally features interviews with two of the Jackets’ newest players, Nick Foligno and Adrian Aucoin.

The program premieres Wednesday, August 1 at 10:30pm, or immediately following the conclusion of Reds Live postgame show. The show will also replay throughout the coming weeks, with the first replay on Thursday, August 2 at 6:30pm.

The show is also available on FOXSportsOhio.com. Here is part 1:

From the draft, to free agency, to the Rick Nash trade, FOX Sports Ohio takes you there. Before the Battle.

Ohio State Football is almost here!

FOX Sports Ohio is excited to feature Ohio State football this season with Game Time with Urban Meyer. Game Time with Urban Meyer is a weekly 60-minute show with Ohio State Buckeyes Head Football Coach Urban Meyer shot LIVE from Ohio Stadium on the Ohio State University campus. It will air every OSU Saturday game day from 9am – 10am beginning Saturday, September 1.

This program will give viewers an inside look at the university’s football program, game strategy, and key game match-ups prior to each Ohio State Football game. Game Time with Urban Meyer will run for 13 weeks through Saturday, November 24th.

When the OSU football programs are not on FOX Sports Ohio, Buckeye fans can get the latest news and stats, vote on polls and watch videos on FOXSportsOhio.com. The website will be following the Buckeyes through training camp, with reports and video coverage as well as weekly features by Jeff Seemann and Zac Jackson. Seemann will host live online chats for every Ohio State football game this season.

High School Football Returns

FOX Sports Ohio is excited for the return of High School Football Game of the Week and Prep Zone.

Once again, the network is bringing its Emmy award-winning live coverage of high school football between celebrated rival match-ups into homes this season with 7 exclusive games that will air LIVE Thursday evenings this fall.

High school football action on FOX Sports Ohio kicks off Thursday, August 23 at 7:30pm. Week one starts up in Northern Ohio when the Buchtel Griffins visit the Massillon Tigers. Week two takes viewers south as the Ryle Raiders host the Colerain Cardinals. Click HERE for a complete schedule of the network's High School Football Game of the Week.

For high school football fans beyond the network’s television reach, FOXSportsOhio.com will simulcast the Thursday night games online. As part of FOXSportsOhio.com’s Prep Zone package, the website will additionally stream online up to 10 live Saturday games. The first Prep Zone game will be on August 25th between St. Edward and Glenville Academic. The Saturday Prep Zone games are included in the complete schedule HERE.