Late Start Times at Twelmeyer High School: A Concern for Students and Parents
In the heart of Ames, Iowa, the Hilton Coliseum buzzed with excitement on the night of January 21, 2025, as Deshon Jackson, Joshua Jefferson, Curtis Jones, Keshon Gilbert, and Tamin Lipsey geared up to face off against the University of Central Florida. The matchup between the No. 3 Iowa State and Arizona promised to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing competitive Big 12 teams amid a backdrop of a fervent home crowd.
However, amidst the anticipation and adrenaline of the game, a shadow loomed over the event that went unnoticed by many—the late start time of 9:30 p.m. CT. While the clash on the court unfolded in dramatic fashion, a significant portion of fans likely missed out on the action due to the inconvenient timing.
The prevalence of late start times in college sports is a direct result of the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, particularly with the rise of superconferences. The Big 12 stands out as the sole conference with schools spanning all four time zones, creating a logistical nightmare for scheduling games that cater to diverse audiences. This phenomenon is not unique to the Big 12, as other major conferences like the ACC and Big 10 also grapple with similar challenges due to the geographical spread of their member institutions.
The shift towards superconferences, driven primarily by financial incentives, has transformed the traditional concept of regional conferences into expansive networks targeting untapped markets across the nation. As conferences vie for lucrative TV deals and broader viewership, the emphasis on maximizing revenue often takes precedence over considerations for the convenience of players, fans, and families.
With conferences now resembling TV packages, each group of teams functions as TV partners, leading to a proliferation of specific channels dedicated to broadcasting games for various conferences. This commercialization of collegiate sports has ushered in an era of increased exposure and revenue streams, albeit at the expense of traditional scheduling norms and the well-being of student-athletes.
One poignant example of the challenges posed by late start times and extensive travel demands is evident in the Iowa State men’s and women’s basketball teams’ recent excursion to Arizona. While the decision to stay in Arizona for consecutive games against Arizona and Arizona State was a practical choice to minimize travel, the trade-off of missed class time and disrupted academic schedules underscores the sacrifices athletes must make in the pursuit of athletic excellence.
The repercussions of late games extend beyond the realm of sports, affecting educational commitments and overall student well-being. As student-athletes navigate grueling schedules punctuated by late-night matchups and cross-country travel, the toll on their mental and physical health becomes increasingly apparent. Balancing athletic pursuits with academic responsibilities becomes a delicate juggling act, compounded by the strain of extended absences from the classroom.
While primetime games offer a captivating showcase for top-ranked teams and thrilling matchups, the disparity in start times between West Coast and East Coast/Central Time zone contests remains a contentious issue. The scenario of East Coast teams embarking on arduous journeys to the West Coast, only to face off in late-night clashes, highlights the inherent challenges posed by superconferences and the resulting scheduling complexities.
As exemplified by the upcoming matchup between Syracuse and Stanford, where the game kicks off at 8 p.m. PT, translating to a staggering 11 p.m. ET start time, the imbalances in scheduling and travel logistics raise questions about fairness to athletes, fans, and educational institutions. The dilemma of extended class absences and disrupted routines for student-athletes underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to scheduling that prioritizes the holistic well-being of individuals.
In a world where superconferences reign supreme and commercial imperatives drive decision-making, the prevalence of late start times appears to be an enduring reality for college sports enthusiasts. While the allure of expanded market reach and heightened visibility propels conferences towards greater financial gains, the unintended consequences on student-athletes and fans cannot be overlooked. As the landscape of collegiate athletics continues to evolve, striking a balance between commercial interests and the welfare of those involved remains a pressing challenge that demands thoughtful consideration.
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