OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) – Ole Miss has completed a $1.5 million upgrade to its gameday operations control room.

The room handles digital and televised broadcasts for the SEC Network.

The university’s gameday operations team serves as the SEC Network’s arm for ESPN, handling digital and televised broadcasts, said Shane Sanford, assistant athletic director for broadcast services.

Previous setup limited broadcast capacity

Sanford said the school previously had two control rooms.

One served as the main control room for digital and linear broadcasts. The second was feasible but not equipped for a full broadcast.

He said he and ESPN pushed for an additional room to create more opportunities.

Construction completed in August

Sanford said construction started in August of last year. Equipment buying started earlier. The build finished around Aug. 1 and Aug. 2.

Since the upgrades wrapped up, the operation includes new graphics systems, switchers and replay equipment, Sanford said.

Upgrade expands coverage and student training

Sanford said the improvements had been years in the making. The school can now cover more events and showcase more student-athletes.

Students working behind the scenes gain hands-on experience on state-of-the-art equipment, Sanford said.

Over the past 10 to 12 years since the SEC Network started, 17 students have become full-time employees for ESPN in Bristol and Charlotte.

Sanford said Ole Miss sends the most students to ESPN, and he wants to continue that trend.

Those interested in gameday operations can find the department at the main athletics administration building or contact Sanford at [email protected] .