Mallards fans gain real-time access to games via patented Mediasite webcasting technology and TDS hosting
MADISON, Wis. – May 30, 2007 – The Madison Mallards are teaming up with TDS and Sonic FoundryÒ Inc. to webcast Mallards home baseball games. Mallards fans — in Madison and around the world — will now be able to watch home games in real-time and at no cost from the convenience of their desktop computer. The first live broadcast is scheduled for Thursday, May 31 when the Madison Mallards are scheduled to play the Eau Claire Express.
“We are very proud of the level of play we have been able to attain here in Wisconsin,” said Vern Stenman, general manager of the Madison Mallards. “We appreciate the support of local companies, like TDS and Sonic Foundry, coming together to offer more fans a chance to view Mallards baseball this season.”
Since 2001, the Mallards have been entertaining fans through a unique atmosphere that’s become a staple of summertime fun for the entire family. Mallards baseball has truly become a Madison cornerstone.
“TDS is proud to be able to link this Madison’s home team with fans near and far,” said Tab Noble, TDS vice president of IP content development. “Connecting our customers to each other with seamless communications services through unique Internet content is what TDS is all about. Once in a while, a wonderful opportunity comes along to connect folks to some real, hometown fun. Now, with our partners the Mallards and Sonic Foundry, we’re bringing fans the next best thing to being at the ‘Duck Pond’ on a warm summer evening.”
TDS is providing the internet connectivity and hosting the online content, making it easy for fans to connect to live games via Sonic Foundry’s patented Mediasite webcasting and content management system.
“Our team at Sonic Foundry is delighted that our technology can play a pivotal role in connecting fans with their hometown baseball team,” said Darrin Coulson, chief operating officer of Sonic Foundry. “As a Madison company, we are proud to be a partner in this unique endeavor, and look forward to providing this innovative service to our local community and the Northwoods Baseball League.”
To view the games via the Internet visit www.mallardsbaseball.com. Game highlights will also be available for on-demand viewing throughout the season.
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About Mallards Baseball
Now in its seventh year, the Madison Mallards plan to build off the success of the 2006 season. In 2006, the Mallards saw a fourth consecutive playoff appearance, continued improvements at the “Duck Pond,” and set record attendance levels. The Great Dane Duck Blind rooftop was built and seats 250 people, giving fans a never-before-seen bird’s eye view of the ballpark. The Mallards also surpassed the 200,000 mark in total attendance for the second consecutive year bringing in 6,001 fans per game. The Mallards season starts Thursday, May 31 against the Eau Claire Express at the Duck Pond. Tickets are on sale now. Call 246-4277 or log onto Mallardsbaseball.com for more information.
About TDS
TDS Telecom and TDS Metrocom are part of the Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) (AMEX: TDS) family of companies which also includes U.S. Cellular. These companies offer local telecommunication services in key markets throughout 36 states. TDS is diversified telecommunications corporation founded in 1969 with established local wireline and wireless businesses and rapidly growing competitive local phone service operations. Telephone and Data Systems companies serve more than 6.4 million customers nationwide. Visit us online at www.tdstelecom.com or www.tdsmetro.com.
About Sonic Foundry®, Inc.
Founded in 1991, Sonic Foundry (NASDAQ: SOFO) is a technology leader in the emerging rich media communications marketplace, providing enterprise solutions and services that link an information-driven world. Sonic Foundry is changing the way organizations communicate via the web and how people around the globe receive vital information needed for work, professional advancement, safety and education. The company’s integrated webcasting and web presentation solutions are trusted by Fortune 500 companies, education institutions and government agencies for a variety of critical communication needs. Sonic Foundry is based in Madison, Wis. For more information about Sonic Foundry, visit www.sonicfoundry.com.
