When ESPN last week chose to broadcast the Sept. 3 UA-BYU football opener at 7:30 p.m., it meant those driving to University of Phoenix Stadium from Tucson would return home after 1 a.m.
The late start probably means the game won’t be sold out, or even close.
There is no appeal when ESPN sets its programming schedule.
Most UA games at Arizona Stadium generate about $1.5 million in revenue. In a typical home season, that’s close to $9 million. By comparison, the Pac-12 distributed about $25 million in TV money to Arizona for the 2014 season.
That’s why ESPN calls the shots and doesn’t fret about 5,000 or 10,000 Tucsonans staying home, watching in the comfort of their living rooms.
