Sod Poodles Announce Radio Home For 2020 Season And Beyond
The Amarillo Sod Poodles have announced an extension to their partnership with Townsquare Media Amarillo (owner of this station) to carry all games over the radio, and streaming online and mobile. The extended agreement keeps the Sod Poodles on the radio through the 2022 season.
NewsTalk 940 AM (KIXZ) will continue to serve as the team’s flagship station and the official radio home of all 140 Amarillo Sod Poodles baseball games while the team’s Sunday home and away games will simulcast on Mix 94.1 (KMXJ-FM) and NewsTalk 940 AM. The broadcast will be hosted by returning “Voice of the Sod Poodles”, Sam Levitt.
As part of the agreement, NewsTalk 940 AM will broadcast the Sod Poodles 70 home and 70 away games as well as all postseason playoff contests and the 2020 Texas League All-Star Game, which will be hosted at HODGETOWN. Beginning Sunday, April 12 and every Sunday game following, the Sod Poodles radio broadcast will simulcast on Mix 94.1 FM and NewsTalk 940 AM.
"We are excited to extend our partnership with Townsquare Media and further our broadcast reach of Sod Poodles baseball games to all across the Texas Panhandle and beyond," said Sod Poodles President and General Manager Tony Ensor. “We have a tremendous sequel season coming up at HODGETOWN and we look forward to providing Amarillo and the surrounding communities even more access to all pitch-by-pitch updates!”
“Townsquare Media and our five broadcast stations are extremely excited to be returning with a new three-year agreement to be the exclusive broadcast partner for the Amarillo Sod Poodles,” said Townsquare Media Market President Carolyn Carver. “Every game will air on the Soddies flagship station NewsTalk 940, and we are proud to add all Sunday games simulcast on Mix 94.1. Sundays are family day at HODGETOWN and Mix is Amarillo’s family station – a perfect fit for America’s favorite pastime. We value our partnership and what this organization has brought to the City of Amarillo and will continue to provide for years to come. Let’s play ball!”
In addition to traditional radio broadcasts, all Sod Poodles games will also be streamed live over the internet with Listen Live links available on SodPoodles.com and radio station websites newstalk940.com and mixamarillo.com. Additionally, the broadcasts will be streamed through the “News Talk 940 AM” and “Mix 94.1 KMXJ” mobile applications.
Levitt returns for his second season as Sod Poodles team broadcaster. Before Amarillo, the Northwestern graduate spent two seasons as a member of the broadcast team for the Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros Double-A). Prior to joining the Texas League, he was the Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations for the Gateway Grizzlies, a Frontier League team located in the St. Louis market.
"Our inaugural season was a magical ride in so many ways, and I'm excited to build on that momentum with our broadcast initiatives in 2020," Levitt said. "With our radio coverage, MiLB TV broadcasts, in-stadium TV pregame show, social media content, and beyond, we will continue to provide some of the best coverage and content throughout Minor League Baseball. There's truly a special connection between Sod Poodles fans and the team following last season's thrilling run to the Texas League championship. I'm excited to continue telling the story of our organization and community as it unfolds this upcoming season."
The Sod Poodles host their 2020 home opener at HODGETOWN on Thursday, April 16 against the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate) for a three-game set. First pitch for the 2020 home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.