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KTTC to Broadcast Twins Spring Training Games

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. tc-to-broadcast-twins-spring-training-games.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 13:30 GMT by KTTC
      Locales: Minnesota, Florida, UNITED STATES

ROCHESTER, Minn. - February 5th, 2026 - KTTC today announced its Spring Training broadcast schedule for the Minnesota Twins, marking a significant expansion of the station's commitment to local sports coverage. While the initial announcement highlights three games - against the Atlanta Braves (Feb. 24th), Philadelphia Phillies (March 1st), and Detroit Tigers (March 7th) - this is more than just airing baseball; it's a strategic move reflecting evolving viewing habits and a growing demand for accessible, regional sports content.

For years, fans wanting to follow their teams during Spring Training faced a logistical hurdle: travel to Florida or rely on often-expensive national broadcasts. KTTC's decision to air these games locally, on both KTTC and its digital channel KTTC+, directly addresses this, offering a convenient and affordable option for dedicated Twins fans in southeastern Minnesota. Each game will begin at 12:05 p.m. CST.

This isn't an isolated incident. Across the country, local television stations are reassessing their sports programming strategies. The rise of streaming services has fragmented the media landscape, but it's also created opportunities for hyper-local content to thrive. National broadcasts offer broad coverage, but often lack the personalized connection that local viewers crave. KTTC is tapping into this demand by focusing on a team with a strong regional fanbase.

KTTC's president, Sarah Miller, stated, "We understand the passion Minnesotans have for the Twins. Spring Training is the first glimpse of the season, a time for optimism and excitement. We want to bring that excitement home to our viewers, making it easily accessible for everyone." Miller also hinted at potential expansion of the Spring Training coverage in future years, depending on viewer response and the Twins' performance.

Beyond the games themselves, KTTC plans to integrate the broadcasts with local pre- and post-game analysis. This will likely include interviews with Twins alumni who reside in the region, player profiles, and insights from local baseball experts. KTTC+ will likely feature extended coverage, including behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews not available on the main broadcast. This multi-platform approach allows KTTC to cater to a diverse audience, from those who prefer traditional television viewing to those who consume content on digital devices.

Industry analysts predict a growing trend of local stations investing in regional sports rights. While major league rights are increasingly expensive, Spring Training offers a more affordable entry point. It also provides valuable programming during a traditionally slow news period in February and March. The success of KTTC's initiative could serve as a model for other local stations looking to strengthen their connection with the community and attract viewers.

The Minnesota Twins organization has also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. Team spokesperson, David Chen, remarked, "KTTC's commitment to broadcasting our Spring Training games allows us to reach a wider audience in Minnesota. We appreciate their support and look forward to a successful partnership." Chen noted that the Twins are actively exploring similar partnerships with other regional broadcasters to expand their reach.

This move by KTTC has implications beyond baseball. It demonstrates the continued relevance of local television in an era of digital disruption. By providing unique, localized content, KTTC is positioning itself as a valuable resource for the community. The station's investment in sports coverage is a smart business decision that will likely pay dividends in terms of viewership and revenue. The coverage on KTTC and KTTC+ will be available free to viewers in the broadcast area, though KTTC+ may require digital signup.

Looking ahead, it's likely that KTTC will explore opportunities to expand its local sports coverage to include other Minnesota sports teams, such as the Vikings, Timberwolves, and Wild. The station could also consider producing original sports documentaries and talk shows, further solidifying its position as the go-to source for local sports news and entertainment.