BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The LSU softball team is scheduled to make three regular season appearances on the ESPN family of networks for the upcoming 2011 season Thursday as announced by the SEC office.
The Tigers open their television schedule with a pair of SEC heavyweight tilts against Alabama and Tennessee on consecutive April weekends at Tiger Park. Saturday’s Tennessee game on ESPN2 has been moved to 11 a.m., while Sunday’s Alabama contest will remain at 1 p.m. on ESPNU.
Friday’s series opener at Ole Miss will stay at 5 p.m. and be picked up by ESPNU. The SEC office also announced that every game of the SEC Tournament will be carried live by either ESPN or ESPNU for the second consecutive season.
Regional television schedules with FSN, CSS and CST will be released at a later date.
“We’re extremely excited to once again be able to showcase our program and our phenomenal facility to a national audience,” head coach Yvette Girouard said. “Softball is an easy sport to fall in love because our game is fast paced and action packed. Our players are always proud to not only represent LSU but the state of Louisiana on television.”
For the first time since the 2008 season, LSU will spend opening weekend inside the friendly confines of Tiger Park. Bowling Green, Louisiana Tech and Purdue head to the Capitol City as part of the Wilson/DeMarini Tiger Classic from Feb. 11-13.
LSU earned a runner-up finish at the SEC Tournament en route to a 45-16 finish, its 10th season with at least 45 victories since softball was reinstated in 1997. The Tigers also reeled off a program-best 24-game winning streak and recorded their 12th NCAA Regional appearance in 2010.
Fans can get updated information on the softball team at www.Facebook.com/lsusoftball and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LSU_Softball. Ticket information for a marquee home schedule that features home series with Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee is available at www.LSUtix.net.
2011 SEC Softball Schedule
(Schedule subject to change; All ESPN/ESPN2 games to be simulcast on www.ESPN3.com)
Date, Game, Network, Time (CT)
March 19, Georgia at Alabama, ESPNU, 7 p.m.
April 1, Auburn at Tennessee, ESPNU, 7 p.m.
April 9, Kentucky at Georgia, ESPNU, 1 p.m.
April 10, Alabama at LSU, ESPNU, 1 p.m.
April 16, Tennessee at LSU, ESPN2, 11 a.m.
April 17, South Carolina at Arkansas, ESPNU, 2 p.m.
April 22, LSU at Ole Miss, ESPNU, 5 p.m.
April 23, Alabama at Florida, ESPN2, 3 p.m.
April 24, Alabama at Florida, ESPN, 12 p.m.
May 7, Tennessee at Florida, ESPN, 11 a.m.
May 8, Tennessee at Florida, ESPNU, 2 p.m.
May 12, SEC Quarterfinals, ESPNU, 11 a.m.
May 12, SEC Quarterfinals, ESPNU, 1:30 p.m.
May 12, SEC Quarterfinals, ESPNU, 4 p.m.
May 12, SEC Quarterfinals, ESPN2, 6:30 p.m.
May 13, SEC Semifinals, , ESPNU, 2 p.m.
May 13, SEC Semifinals, , ESPNU, 4:30 p.m.
May 14, SEC Championship, ESPN, 7 p.m.