The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff has made history this year by drawing its largest audience ever, averaging an impressive 1.3 million viewers across ABC and ESPN streaming platforms. This remarkable figure not only highlights the growing popularity of the event but also surpasses the previous all-time high of 1.02 million viewers set in 2010 by a staggering 27%.
The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff has long been a celebrated showcase of talent and sportsmanship, bringing together athletes from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
(MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). This year’s game captivated fans with its thrilling competition and showcased the rich traditions and spirited rivalries that have become synonymous with HBCU football.
“Achieving the largest audience in the history of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is a testament to the passion and dedication of our players, coaches, and fans,” said John T. Grant, Executive Director. “We are thrilled to see the event resonate with such a wide audience and are committed to continuing to elevate the experience for our viewers.” The event not only attracted viewers on traditional television platforms but also saw significant engagement through ESPN’s streaming services, reflecting the shifting dynamics of how fans consume sports today. This growth in audience engagement underscores the importance of reaching fans through multiple platforms and the effectiveness of innovative marketing strategies.
As the MEAC and SWAC continue to promote their programs and student-athletes, the success of this year’s Challenge sets a promising precedent for future events. The organizers are already looking forward to next year’s game, eager to build on this momentum and further engage with fans across the nation.
For more information about the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff, including highlights and future event details, please visit www.meacswacchallenge.com.
About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a nationwide portfolio of collegiate sporting events. In 2023, the 33-event schedule includes four early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, nine college basketball events, a college softball event, and the inaugural Band of the Year National Championship, in addition to a new college gymnastics event coming in 2024. These events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conference and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite oGices in more than ten cities nationwide, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools, and local communities and provides unique experiences for teams and fans.
