NEC Front Row

Somerset, NJ -- The Northeast Conference is revolutionizing the way its fans follow and interact with their favorite teams and the student-athletes who comprise them.

The 12-member NCAA Division I conference has launched NEC Front Row, an online digital network with multi-platform access.

Developed and launched in partnership with Pack Network, NEC Front Row features a rich set of content, including live events, on-demand video, highlight packages, coaches shows, features, original programming and access to league’s extensive digital library, all of which is free of charge to users. The network gives fans free inside access to the stories from across the Northeast Conference and its student-athletes on the field, in the classroom, across campus, and in the community.

“We are thrilled to partner with Pack Network to unveil the NEC Front Row,” said Noreen Morris, NEC Commissioner.  “This state-of-the-art online digital network will provide NEC fans with the opportunity to follow their favorite teams, coaches and student-athletes through a high-end, interactive viewing experience.  Our membership is truly excited about the launch of NEC Front Row, and the limitless possibilities to enhance the brand and exposure of the NEC.”

The centerpiece of the digital network is the video streaming of hundreds of live events from across the Conference. Nearly every Northeast Conference basketball game will be available along with a majority of NEC football contests. NEC members will have the ability to stream any sport they choose, along with special events from across campus. Due to contractual obligations with its current provider, Monmouth home events will not initially be carried on NEC Front Row.  Robert Morris' status is uncertain at this time.

NEC Front Row will be available on-the-go, providing fans the ability to watch live events on any mobile device. In the coming weeks, the online digital network will also have its own iPhone/iPad application that can be downloaded by fans at no cost. All mobile content, including live content, will be free of charge.

The widespread availability of live NEC events is only a slice of what NEC Front Row is set to provide fans. 

The online digital network features a state-of-the-art Game Viewer that is sure to enhance the way fans follow the action. Users have the option to watch up to six live events simultaneously and a host of interactive fan components - including in-game chat, Twitter feeds, Facebook posts and Instagram photo sharing - are set to provide a rich in-game social media experience.

Following the conclusion of live events, recorded broadcasts (in their entirety) will be made available in the NEC Front Row on-demand archive.

Along with live programming, fans will be able to interact 24/7 with their favorite NEC institution on each school’s “Social Media Mashup” wall.  On-demand content can be sorted by school, as well as by sport and type of clip.

“NEC Front Row has been a long time in the making and throughout the entire development of the Front Row site, our main focus has been on the fans of the Northeast Conference,” said K.J. Cardinal, Pack Network Co-Founder.  “We are looking forward to working with the NEC and its members to deliver a unique gameday experience that will serve as an interactive community for those watching games online and in the arena. The fact that fans can also view enhanced live video productions on their computers and on the go, all for free, is a testament to the commitment of the NEC to better serve not only its fans, but also its membership. We couldn’t be happier to have partnered with the Northeast Conference and further our relationship with a league that is willing to push the envelope technologically.”

About Pack Network
Pack Network specializes in video production, web-based applications and graphic/web design projects of all sizes. Formed in 2007, the Boston-based company partners with schools and conferences to provide live video production and webcast services. Recently, Pack Network productions have gone from the web to television with over 30 live televised sporting events last season, 20 of which were in high definition and delivered via the internet. To learn more, visit packnetwork.com or facebook.com/packnetwork.

About The Northeast Conference
Now entering its 32nd year, the Northeast Conference is an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association consisting of 12 institutions of higher learning located throughout six states. Media coverage of the NEC extends to four of the largest markets in the United States - New York (#1), Pittsburgh (#23), Baltimore (#27), and Hartford/New Haven (#30). Founded in 1981 as the basketball-only ECAC Metro Conference, the NEC has grown to sponsor 23 championship sports for men and women and now enjoys automatic or play-in access to 14 different NCAA Championships. NEC member institutions include Bryant, Central Connecticut State, Fairleigh Dickinson, LIU Brooklyn, Monmouth, Mount St. Mary’s, Quinnipiac, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, St. Francis (NY), Saint Francis (PA) and Wagner. For more information on the NEC, visit www.northeastconference.org.