Press Releases

COTTON DISTRICT GRILL TO HOST TIM BRANDO BROADCAST

February 18, 2004 -

The Cotton District Grill will host a live radio broadcast of the "Tim Brando Show" on Wednesday, February 25 before the Mississippi State vs. LSU basketball game. Brando is known to most sports fans for his on-camera work for CBS Sports' basketball "At the Half", and "College Football Today" broadcasts. His radio program is heard weekdays from 2 to 5pm CST on Sporting News Radio, the nation's largest live sports talk radio network.

"We're very excited about the opportunity," said Darlene Comish, Marketing Director of University Management, Inc., managing company for the Cotton District Grill. "The fact that MSU is ranked #4 is probably the biggest reason Starkville is getting the coverage. We are proud to be a part of showcasing our community and MSU to a national audience."

The Cotton District Grill was contacted about hosting the Sporting News Radio program by the producers of "Dawgs Talk with Rick Stansbury". The weekly call-in show featuring Coach Stansbury and Jack Cristil, is also broadcast live from the restaurant each Thursday night during the Mississippi State basketball regular season.

"Tim Brando's producer contacted the MSU Athletic Department and expressed an interest in doing Wednesday's show from Starkville," said John Bean, Cotton District Grill owner. "They were hoping to use the same location as "Dawgs Talk" because the equipment was already in place. Of course, we were thrilled to accommodate."

Affectionately called "The Grill" by local patrons, the restaurant opened in 1991 in the heart of Starkville's Cotton District. Its big screen televisions, sports club atmosphere and location within walking distance of campus have made it a popular favorite with MSU students over the years.

"It's great because the restaurant's become a big part of college life for many students at State," Bean said. "It's something that brings a lot of memories. We have alumni who make a point to stop in every time they come to Starkville. For a lot of them, it's just part of their game-day experience."

Because of it's loyal student following, Bean was approached by Larry Templeton, MSU Athletic Director, about hosting the university's live basketball call-in show. After installing the necessary equipment, the Cotton District Grill began broadcasting the "Richard Williams Show" just in time for MSU's run to the NCAA final four. "Dawgs Talk" broadcasts have continued through Coach Rick Stansbury's tenure.

"The live format really generates a lot of excitement in the restaurant, especially during such a successful season," said Tom Hinton, Cotton District Grill general manager. "It draws a lot of students as well as local fans. We hope we'll have a big turnout for Mr. Brando's broadcast, to show the country how excited bulldog fans are about our team."

The "Tim Brando Show" will be broadcast at the Cotton District Grill from 2 to 5pm on Wednesday, February 25. Fans are invited to come and show their support.

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