GVSU Signs New Deal with Cumulus Media’s WLAV
Grand Valley State football will air on a new dial this fall, moving to flagship station WLAV-FM (Grand Rapids) for the 2021 season. The move comes as part of a department-wide partnership with Cumulus Radio which will includes weekly shows, men’s and women’s basketball coverage and crossover special events with the various radio stations in the Cumulus family.
All GVSU football games will air on LAV, while the GVSU Football Weekly Report with Matt Mitchell will air on The Ticket (1340 AM, 1490 AM, 106.1 FM) from 6-7 p.m. every Thursday. The brand-new Anchor Up Show, an hour-long breakdown of all GVSU athletics programs, will air Tuesday nights on The Ticket as will men’s and women’s basketball games and weekly radio shows. Some men’s basketball games will also air on Thunder Country 107.3 FM.
“We are excited about this new partnership and we appreciate the support of west Michigan, said Director of Athletics Keri Becker. “Cumulus Media has a long history in Grand Rapids and this partnership will fuel new opportunities for GVSU Athletics.”
“This agreement is a testament to the strength of our championship brand. GVSU Football will be broadcasted on 97 LAV-FM Classic Rock, which is a well-known established 50,000 watts station that is top 10 in the west Michigan market” said Doug Lipinski Deputy Director of Athletics-External Relations. “We are excited about the future of GVSU Athletics and we look forward to growing Laker Nation.”
The growing number of GVSU alumni in the area and increased appetite for coverage of athletics has laid the groundwork for a move to a larger radio reach.
“Grand Valley State football and LAV are a great fit,” said head football coach Matt Mitchell. “The LAV listening audience and the GVSU football fan base has a strong presence in west Michigan and we feel that both offer a championship brand that will work great together,”
“When you look at the Grand Rapids MSA, 7% are GVSU Lakers. The ability to cross promote our events on Hot FM 105.3, which is the third most listened to radio station in the area along with Thunder Country 107.3 FM, it will allow us to increase our reach in our back yard. The potential to generate additional revenue will increase our capabilities in the marketplace” said Lipinski.
The Lakers will make their LAV debut in the 2021 season-opener when the 50th season of GVSU Football kicks off on September 2 with the Lakers hosting Edinboro at 7:00 PM. Pregame coverage will begin 90 minutes before kickoff on LAV with the GVSU Football Kickoff Show.