WCCO Radio will broadcast live the NCAA Division III quarterfinal football playoff game between St. Thomas and Bethel at noon Saturday in O’Shaughnessy Stadium.
The broadcast featuring play-by-play announcer Dave Lee and Joe Senser, a former Minnesota Vikings tight end, can be heard over WCCO – 830 on your AM dial – or https://www.wcco.com.
WCCO officials contacted St. Thomas to determine the university’s interest in the broadcast, which apparently would be a first for the station and St. Thomas and perhaps the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Lee has a morning drive-time show on WCCO, is the voice of Minnesota Gophers football and formerly broadcast Gopher basketball games. He is the father of Andy Lee, a 2008 St. Thomas alumnus.
Senser played for the Vikings from 1979 to 1984, owns Joe Senser’s restaurants in the Twin Cities and is a former color commentator for the Minnesota Vikings Radio Network.
WCCO is a 50,000-watt, clear-channel station that can be heard in 27 states and five Canadian provinces.
A capacity crowd is expected for the game between No. 4 St. Thomas (12-0) and No. 14 Bethel (11-1), a rematch of the Oct. 23 Homecoming game won by St. Thomas 10-6. Gates will open at 10:30 a.m., and there will be free parking in the Anderson Parking Facility.
There will be no advanced sales for tickets, which are $8 for adults and $4 for students.
The winner on Saturday’s game will advance to the Division III semifinals on Saturday, Dec. 11. The Tommies would host that game if they defeat Bethel. The championship game – the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl – is Dec. 18 in Salem, Va.
In addition to the WCCO broadcast, fans can watch the game via live video stream, which can be accessed beginning at 11:50 a.m. at www.mnsportsnetwork.com.
