FOX Sports North debuting new studio

FOX Sports North is taking its game to another level.

The network is set to unveil a new state-of-the-art studio, starting with Sunday's 4 p.m. Timberwolves-Raptors telecast.

The innovative studio, located on the Skyway Level in the LaSalle Plaza in downtown Minneapolis, features numerous cutting-edge elements. Studio A, for example, encompasses 700 square feet and features eight HD monitors and four different locations for commentary and analysis: an anchor desk, a social media center, an intro area and a play-breakdown area. The network's previous studio was 156 square feet.

"Our new location is in the heart of the entertainment district and in close proximity to two of the main sports venues in Target Field and Target Center," said Mike Dimond, FOX Sports North's Senior Vice President and General Manager. "It also affords us multiple 'touch points' on the street and along the skyway so that we can both build our brand and connect more with the fans."

Indeed, area sports fans will be particularly interested in one key element of FOX Sports North's Studio A: a public viewing area where fans can get an up-close view of the network's broadcasters and studio analysts while they're on air.

FOX Sports North's new location also features Studio B, a 325-square foot broadcast center that includes a public viewing area.

FOX Sports North's new venture is the result of an extensive planning process. The $3.8 million facility -- encompassing Studios A and B -- includes two expansive control rooms and two audio production rooms.

"The new studios and production facility are the culmination of 16 months of planning by FOX Sports North Chief Engineer Ken Mahoney, FOX Network Engineering and Operations Vice President of Regional Engineering Rob Mezey and Fox NE&O Director of Engineering Wes Goldstein," said Bob Rohde, FOX Sports North's Director of Operations. "This has been a completely new build, from the ground up. An entirely new, state-of-the-art workflow has been put into place."

Added Dimond: "The new facility allows us maximum flexibility to create value for our team partners, clients and affiliates."