UT Permian Basin football's first Lone Star Conference contest will be broadcast across the nation as NCAA Division II announced Thursday that UTPB and West Texas A&M will be featured as part of the Division II Football Showcase on ESPN3 and WatchESPN September 17th at 7 p.m.

The LSC opener for both teams will be UTPB's third straight contest at Ratliff Stadium to open the inaugural 2016 season and is one of 22 Division II games next season to be carried on ESPN3, WatchESPN and the American Sports Network.

"It adds to the excitement that already exists for a first-year program," UTPB head coach Justin Carrigan said. "This adds to the pitch that we can have in trying to continue to drive the excitement out here and build a program from scratch and say that we're going to have an ESPN game. At the Division II level, any time you have a chance to play on tv it's a win whether you're new or have been around. It's a tremendous opportunity for us."

UTPB is one of four Lone Star programs to be featured on ESPN3/WatchESPN this season, as Midwestern State at Texas A&M - Commerce will also be televised on the ESPN family of networks three weeks later.

"This televised game is a great opportunity for people from Midland, Odessa and throughout the Permian Basin to show support for the UTPB, the Falcon football program and the sport of football," said UTPB athletics director Steve Aicinena. "We will conduct an orange out in conjunction with the game and will also acknowledge The United Way and the good work they do in the Permian Basin throughout the game."

Season tickets for UTPB Football are on sale for $50. Admission to all seven home games is included. Individual game tickets will cost $12 and will go on sale August 1st.