AUSTIN, Texas — Longhorn Network, ESPN’s 24-hour University of Texas channel, celebrated its second birthday on Aug. 26 from its studios overlooking Darrell K. Royal stadium. Recently, LHN expanded distribution and is now available in nearly 12 million homes. During her recent visit, Front Row’s Gracie Blackburn captured these 10 images that make the network uniquely qualified to have the eyes of Texas upon it.
1. First Words Spoken on Longhorn Network
On August 26, 2011 LHN lit up with these words, spoken by alum Matthew McConaughey and written by ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi for “one school. . . one star. . . one state.” The opening tease now hangs proudly in the LHN office.
2. LHN’s Wall of Fame
Longhorn legends are great in number and in appearances on LHN. The network has an autograph wall that includes dozens of signatures including two-time Rose Bowl MVP Vince Young, two-time Masters’ winners Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite, plus four-time Olympic gold medal-winning runner Sanya Richards-Ross.
3. Longhorn’s Best Hoof Forward
In its first year, Longhorn Network won eight Lone Star Emmys, which are proudly displayed in the office entrance. It takes a dedicated crew behind the scenes to perfect every aspect of the award winning content presented.
4. Where’s Waylon?
The LHN studios are decorated with a vast array of Texas related items. The staff is especially fond of an armadillo you can often catch making appearances during interviews. Little known fact: Waylon is the second generation of armadillos to call the studio home. LHN’s first armadillo was affectionately named Wille.
5. Big Man on Campus
Longhorn Network analyst Ricky Williams can be seen just about everywhere on campus — including a life-size statue outside DKR stadium and a collection of his awards on display in the Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletic Center.
6. Texas GameDay set
ESPN takes great pride in serving fans with experts of the highest caliber in sports expertise and authenticity. Prior to every football game Lowell Galindo, Ricky Williams, Ahmad Brooks and David Greene provide in-depth analysis and information on the game ahead.
7. Steer master
BEVO. The origination of his name lives in folklore, but his presence at every home game is undeniable. Because he’s so often busy observing Texas football, a photo replica of BEVO proudly watches over the LHN newsroom.
8. Stampede
For every Texas football home game the team of longhorns stampede through a tunnel of fans – reminiscent of Spain’s running with the bulls’ atmosphere- at the northeast corner of the stadium. The team then walks across every yardline of the field as they head into the lockerroom. LHN exclusively airs the event during Texas GameDay.
9. Kaylee Hartung Reports
Regardless of the heat index, Longhorn Network reporter Kaylee Hartung can be found on the field delivering the most-up-to-date information.
10. Best Seats in the House
The Texas GameDay set is permanently located in the south end zone of the stadium. Longhorn Network analysts can be found completely engrossed in every home game from the set, taking live notes and debating every play as they prepare for the postgame show.
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