Melbourne Victory and ABC Radio today announced a landmark broadcast deal, one week before the club’s highly anticipated season opener against Central Coast Mariners at Etihad Stadium on Thursday, August 6.
ABC Grandstand will broadcast up to 10 Melbourne Victory home matches on 774 ABC Melbourne, digital radio and online, with the club’s four remaining home matches to be broadcast on digital radio and online only.
Melbourne Victory Coach Ernie Merrick announced the new deal on 774 ABC Melbourne today alongside renowned sports commentator Gerard Whateley, who will host ABC Grandstand-s coverage together with Steve Pearce and Anthony Howard.
Live coverage of Melbourne Victory home matches will reach all Victorians for the first time through ABC Local Radio’s expansive network, while fans both interstate and overseas will also enjoy coverage through www.abc.net.au
ABC Grandstand will kick off the new deal by covering Melbourne Victory’s game against Central Coast on August 6, with selected away matches in Newcastle, North Queensland and Perth also under consideration for broadcast.
“We welcome ABC Radio on board for 2009/10 and look forward to a fruitful long-term relationship,” Melbourne Victory CEO Geoff Miles said.
“Through the support of ABC Radio, Melbourne Victory now has a fantastic opportunity to develop further growth in broadcast ratings as we embark on our Premiership and Championship defence, and we thank ABC Radio for their vote of confidence in the code and our club ahead of the new season.”
