Streaming from New Zealand for #WSC2013 #ISF2013 Men's Championship - Update

February 25, 2013

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(Original item posted Thursday morning, Feb 21, 2013):

Probably the most asked question we have been getting for some time now is: "Will they be streaming any games from the ISF World Championship in New Zealand?"


I have posted this as an Auckland, NZ news story however the sad fact is there is NO news from Auckland on this important question.


We, along with many others had hoped that eventually Softball New Zealand and/or the host committee of the Tradestaff ISF Men's World Softball Championship in Auckland, March 1-10 would be announcing that streaming would be available any day now.

It just has not happened, yet, and time is fast approaching when the blue will say "Play Ball!"

Yes, we have asked our contacts in New Zealand, and so far no response. So far, the silence is deafening.

We, and others have been monitoring the usual fastpitch news sites out of New Zealand and no news at all about plans to stream any games.

As well, we have been monitoring the Twitter feed out of New Zealand and no news there about video or  audio options for the games.  There have been no tweets at all out of the host twitter account @WSC2013 since December 6, 2012 - 78 days ago!! - but there is regular traffic from @NZsoftball. Nothing said yet about streaming from either site.

Sadly we will not be going to Auckland for this important tournament. The reasons are many and complicated but once we knew that we could not make it to Auckland, we have been waiting for news on how we will see or hear the games.

Right now, very fond memories of the ISF World Championships in Saskatoon in 2009 where we were able to help out with communications through the whole tournament. Looking back just recently, it was fun reading some of the info we were able to share at: http://www.alsfastball.com/uploads/File/2009%20Files/ISF-Saskatoon-2009/ISF2009ScheduleFP.htm 

-click on the game links to see what was going on from behind the plate.

and see some of the feedback from fans following along from around the world, especially in 2009 from New Zealand and Australia:

http://www.alsfastball.com/uploads/File/2009%20Files/ISF-Saskatoon-2009/ISF%202009%20FEEDBACK.htm 

 

Saskatoon set a high standard for communications during a men's ISF world series in 2009 with local and national press, AlsFastball, DiamondDirt, live streaming, a great host website, CTV etc. Let's hope New Zealand can measure up.

 

We do hope somone will be able to give us some good news soon on what the plans are to keep the fans informed this March 1-10.

Good luck to all the teams travelling to and playing in Auckland.

 

Thanks

Al

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Update Thursday evening:

Several fans in New Zealand report their concern about the lack of any news regarding streaming for the World Series and have written to the host committee and Softball New Zealand and they add the response so far has been positive.  Steps are being taken to secure the services to stream games on a Pay Per View basis.

We have been assured that once a contract is signed that a news release will be sent out as soon as possible.

Welcome news indeed.

Al

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 Update Friday noon, Feb 22:

Nothing official yet but lots of rumours about possible PPV from Auckland

Long time fans of the game in New Zealand tell me this morning that the host committee has started negotiations with one or more firms that could provide the services needed to stream games out of Auckland. Further on this, they hope that there will be an official announcement by Monday.

This is all good news for fastball fans world wide wanting to see their country play in real time.

 

thanks

Al

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Update, Saturday, noon time, Feb 23


Still nothing official yet, same old rumours flying around but there is still hope that Softball NZ or host committee in Auckland will announce something official by Monday.


Lots of feedback on this hot topic, all in support of New Zealand doing something to bring the games from the main diamond to the fastball world on March 1-10. Video streaming would be nice but many have commented they would love to even be able to listen to a quality audio show like ballparkradio.com so where is our friend Kyle Smith  @PlaybyPlay21 when we need him LOL (but he would be my first choice). A great idea but I am sure New Zealand has lots of good play by play guys who can do a good job on this.

Hopefully we will hear some good news soon.

thanks

Al

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Update Sunday, 24 Feb, 2013  1pm so its early morning in New Zealand right now.

 

And no official news out of New Zealand yet on any kind of streaming options but its early yet and our sources did say it would be Monday morning before they could announce anything on this hot topic. So let's give them a few more hours. Watch the Twitterverse as we will be off to try and squeeze one or two more movies in before they roll out the red carpet tonight.

As of today, @WSC2013 has not tweeted in 80 days!

Several new emails from New Zealand over the past 24 hours from fans stating they really hope that their host committee can step up and do something, something of quality that will bring the key games to the fastpitch world.

 

At 5pm Eastern Standard time today, the host announced that "more information regarding where you can watch the games will be coming later in the week!

 

thanks

Al

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Update Monday Morning, 25 Feb, 10am

 

Sadly no direct or official word from New Zealand or the ISF as yet however this just in from a fan:

 

 from an ISF source:

 

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Tuesday morning udate, 10am Feb 26, 2013

FINALLY!!!! an official an direct response to our inquiry to @WSC2013 and @NZsoftball in regards to streaming:

http://www.alsfastball.com/news/7466/16/TV-AND-WEB-COVERAGE-AVAILABLE-FOR-THE.html