Birmingham Squadron Daily News Clips 8-4-21
By Birmingham Squadron Staff /August 4, 2021
Eli Gold to announce games for Birmingham Squadron
AL.COM
Longtime Alabama football radio play-by-play announcer Eli Gold will call games for the Birmingham Squadron, the NBA G-League team will announce later Monday.
Gold will serve as the primary play-by-play announcer for both home and away broadcasts of the Squadron, the affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans that will begin play in Legacy Arena this winter after relocating from Erie, Pennsylvania.
“Eli is one of the most recognizable voices in all of sports and has been such an important part of the sports landscape in the state of Alabama for decades,” Squadron general manager of business operations David Lane said in a statement. “It was a no-brainer to have him lead the Birmingham Squadron broadcast. We’re just honored to be able to bring him on as a part of the Squadron.”
The versatile Gold is best known for being the voice of Alabama football since 1988, with his streak of more than 400 consecutive games snapped last season because of COVID-19. But the Brooklyn, New York native also has experience calling hockey, baseball and basketball games, as well as NASCAR races.
“I’ve been a life-long NBA fan, and being able to be a part of the broadcast for the Birmingham Squadron and the future talent of the New Orleans Pelicans was an offer that I couldn’t pass up,” Gold said. “I think I can speak for myself and many sports fans in Birmingham and across the state of Alabama -- I’m thrilled to have the Squadron in town and can’t wait for the season to get started.”
Gold will continue in his role with Alabama football.
The Squadron is expected to release its schedule and more details about its broadcasts in the coming weeks.
https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2021/08/eli-gold-to-announce-games-for-birmingham-squadron.html
Eli Gold to be voice of Birmingham Squadron basketball team
ALABAMA NEWS CENTER
Alabama broadcasting legend Eli Gold will be the “official voice” of the Birmingham Squadron, the NBA G League team for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Gold is best known as the play-by-play announcer for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team and is a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Gold will be the primary play-by-play announcer for all home and away games of the Squadron’s inaugural season, beginning in November.
“Eli is one of the most recognizable voices in all of sports and has been such an important part of the sports landscape in the state of Alabama for decades,” said David Lane, general manager of Business Operations for the Squadron. “It was a no-brainer to have him lead the Birmingham Squadron broadcast. We’re honored to be able to bring him on as a part of the Squadron.”
Gold joins the Squadron broadcast with five decades of experience under his belt. The Brooklyn, New York, native has called Crimson Tide Football since 1989. He has spent 32 of his 50 years in the broadcast industry in Alabama.
He started in 1971 doing minor league hockey broadcasts before joining the Birmingham Bulls of the WHA in 1976 – Gold’s first gig in the state. Since then, he has called games for the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators of the NHL, the Birmingham Barons, covered NASCAR and was the first play-by-play announcer for the UAB men’s basketball program before finding his long-term home as the official voice of Crimson Tide football.
“I’ve been a lifelong NBA fan, and being able to be a part of the broadcast for the Birmingham Squadron and the future talent of the New Orleans Pelicans was an offer that I couldn’t pass up,” Gold said. “I think I can speak for myself and many sports fans in Birmingham and across the state of Alabama – I’m thrilled to have the Squadron in town and can’t wait for the season to get started.”
Gold was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 and over his career has been selected as “Alabama Sportscaster of the Year” five times by the National Sportscaster and Sportswriter Association and twice by the Associated Press. In 2019 he received the Chris Schenkel Award by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, given annually to a sports broadcaster who has had a long and distinguished career broadcasting college football.
Gold will continue in his roles as the official voice of Alabama Crimson Tide football and host of “Crimson Tide Rewind,” “Hey Coach” and the “Nick Saban Show” on the Crimson Tide Sports Network.
Fans will get their first chance to hear Gold on the Squadron broadcast in November, when Birmingham’s inaugural season tips off.
“When the team is on the road or a fan isn’t able to make it to a game in person, we want to be able to provide a first-class broadcast to experience the game,” said Joseph Hooven, manager of Public Relations and Broadcast for the Squadron. “Our goal is to be the best in the league, and we believe the addition of Eli Gold to our crew will help us achieve that.”
Eli Gold named announcer of Birmingham Squadron basketball team
CBS 42
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Eli Gold, the voice of Crimson Tide football and a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, will now be lending his iconic voice to the Birmingham Squadron.
Gold, who has called Alabama football games on the radio since 1988, will serve as the primary play-by-play announcer for all home and away games of the Squadron’s inaugural season beginning in November.
“Eli is one of the most recognizable voices in all of sports and has been such an important part of the sports landscape in the state of Alabama for decades,” said David Lane, general manager of business operations for the Squadron in a press release sent Monday. “It was a no-brainer to have him lead the Birmingham Squadron broadcast. We’re honored to be able to bring him on as a part of the Squadron.”
The award-winning sportscaster began his career in 1971 doing minor league hockey broadcasts before joining the Birmingham Bulls of the WHA in 1976 – Gold’s first gig in the state of Alabama. Since then, he has called games for the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators of the NHL, the Birmingham Barons, covered NASCAR and even served as the first play-by-play announcer for the UAB Men’s basketball program before finding his long-term home as the official voice of Crimson Tide football.
Gold was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 and over his career has been selected as “Alabama Sportscaster of the Year” five times by the National Sportscaster and Sportswriter Association and twice by the Associated Press. In 2019 he also received the Chris Schenkel Award by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, given annually to a sports broadcaster who has had a long and distinguished career broadcasting college football.
“I’ve been a life-long NBA fan, and being able to be a part of the broadcast for the Birmingham Squadron and the future talent of the New Orleans Pelicans was an offer that I couldn’t pass up,” Gold in a statement. “I think I can speak for myself and many sports fans in Birmingham and across the state of Alabama – I’m thrilled to have the Squadron in town and can’t wait for the season to get started.”
Gold will continue in his current roles calling Alabama football games, as well as his hosting duties of “Crimson Tide Rewind”, “Hey Coach” and the “Nick Saban Show” on the Crimson Tide Sports Network.
Fans will get their first look at Gold on the Squadron broadcast in November when Birmingham’s inaugural season tips off. More information on the Squadron’s schedule and where games will be broadcast will be released in the coming weeks.
https://www.cbs42.com/sports/eli-gold-named-announcer-of-birmingham-squadron-basketball-team/
WATCH: Birmingham Squadron Tip-off Luncheon
CBS 42
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Birmingham Squadron announced the official launch of the NBA G League franchise with a special luncheon Monday, hosted by the Samford University Center for Sports Analytics.
The Squadron Tip-Off Luncheon featured the introduction of Squadron Head Coach Ryan Pannone and Associate Head Coach T.J. Saint, as well as remarks from Samford University President Beck A. Taylor, Squadron General Manager of Business Operations David Lane and Squadron Director of Sales Philicia Douglas and Samford University Center for Sports Analytics Executive Director Darin White.
https://www.cbs42.com/sports/local-sports/watch-birmingham-squadron-tip-off-luncheon/
Birmingham Squadron make team announcements, donate kits to Children’s of Alabama
FOX 6
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League made several announcements Monday and introduced the team’s coaches.
The Squadron Tip-Off Luncheon featured the introduction of Squadron Head Coach Ryan Pannone and Associate Head Coach T.J. Saint.
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame broadcaster Eli Gold was also named the “Official Voice of the Squadron.” Gold will serve as the primary play-by-play announcer for all home and away games of the Squadron’s inaugural season beginning in November.
Following the luncheon Squadron coaches and staff went to Children’s of Alabama to distribute Birmingham Squadron Kids Club Kits for the patients.
The Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League team will call Legacy Arena home.
The Pelican’s G League team in Birmingham will play a 50-game season including 24 home games at Legacy Arena.
For more information on tickets, click HERE.
NBA affiliate Birmingham Squadron hosts draft watch party as game action nears
FOX 6
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Some of the players chosen in Thursday night’s NBA draft may wind up playing at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena this fall with the city’s G-League team.
The Birmingham Squadron, an affiliate of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, held a draft watch party at Back Forty Brewing, just days after announcing their name and logo.
General Manager David Lane says you’ll see more of the team over the next few months as the close in on their inaugural season.
“So there’s the draft tonight. And then there’s a G-League draft, and then there’s a training camp, October 25th, and then our roster will be set,” says Lane.
“As we get closer to November 5th, which is tip-off, [we’ll have] a couple of other community events. We’ll be announcing those very soon.”
Lane says season tickets for the Squadron’s 24 home games and team gear are already available on their website.
NBA affiliate Birmingham Squadron hosts draft watch party as game action nears
FOX 6
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Some of the players chosen in Thursday night’s NBA draft may wind up playing at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena this fall with the city’s G-League team.
The Birmingham Squadron, an affiliate of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, held a draft watch party at Back Forty Brewing, just days after announcing their name and logo.
General Manager David Lane says you’ll see more of the team over the next few months as the close in on their inaugural season.
“So there’s the draft tonight. And the
Samford Hosts Tip-Off Lunch to Welcome Birmingham Squadron to Community
SAMFORD.EDU
On Monday, Aug. 2, Samford University’s Brock School of Business and Center for Sports Analytics partnered to host a lunch event welcoming the newest member of the city’s minor league sports teams, the NBA G League’s Birmingham Squadron, to the community.
In a room designed for building relationships, Cooney Hall’s Regions Community Resource Room, nearly 200 business and community leaders, and even former sports greats such as Jeremiah Castille and Bobby Humphrey, gathered to welcome the team and its leaders to Birmingham.
Following remarks from Samford President Beck A. Taylor, the luncheon featured the introduction of Squadron Head Coach Ryan Pannone and Associate Head Coach T.J. Saint, as well as the newly announced voice of the team, radio legend Eli Gold. David Lane, Squadron general manager of business operations, and Philicia Douglas, Squadron director of sales, also made remarks. All presenters shared the team’s vision of making an impact in the Birmingham community, while also creating opportunities to work with Samford students.
During the lunch, the coaches simultaneously shared their interest in partnering with Samford’s sports marketing program and the Center for Sports Analytics to help the team gain a competitive edge when they begin competition. Such future partnerships will provide Samford students with a new opportunity to obtain real-world experience on the business side of sports.
“To have a community that rallies behind the Squadron and its players is huge for the G League,” Pannone said. “And for us, it’s extremely important to utilize analytics that we feel can impact winning and improvement in our players. We look forward to utilizing Samford’s Center for Sports Analytics to give us an edge over other organizations.”
In the past, Samford students have done work for the Birmingham Barons, the Birmingham Legion F.C., and several college teams, but by having an NBA affiliate team nearby, new doors will open for students interested in working in basketball.
“For our students that want to work in the business side of sports, one of the most important things that they can do is to get real-world experience by working for a sports team while still at Samford,” said Darin White, executive director of the Center for Sports Analytics. “We’ve done a great job of that so far, but this is a whole new league. So many of our students want to work in basketball, and we’re excited to be able to provide opportunities for them in the future.”
The Squadron, the NBA G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans, brings an NBA team to Birmingham for the first time in the city’s history. The Squadron will kick off its inaugural season in November and will play its home games in the newly renovated Legacy Arena. Learn more about the Birmingham Squadron.
The G League, which features 29 teams, is the NBA’s official minor league. The league prepares players, coaches, officials, trainers and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory.
Alabama Audubon approves of new NBA G-League Squadron name
BHAM NOW
While some may have been confused by the announcement of “Squadron” as Birmingham’s NBA G-League team name, bird experts smiled from beak to beak. Keep reading to learn about the brown pelican and how it landed in Birmingham.
Birmingham Squadron’s parent team is the New Orleans Pelicans, named after Louisiana’s state bird—the brown pelican. While a pelican may seem like a strange mascot, the brown pelican is one of the most resilient species to grace the country.
“Brown pelicans are really amazing birds. They are huge (with a wingspan of about 7 feet), and can look a bit awkward, but they soar through the air with this beauty and grace that is awe-inspiring. They are also an incredible success story; pelicans were nearly gone from the Gulf Coast by the 1960s, but when DDT was banned in 1972, the population started to rebound.”
-Lianne Koczur, PhD, Science & Conservation Director of Alabama Audubon
Between surviving endangerment due to DDT, hurricanes, and the Gulf Coast oil spills, the brown pelican has proven it can make it through any adversity. Undoubtedly, brown pelicans were a clear choice for New Orleans’ mascot.
If you aren’t an ornithologist (bird expert), you probably didn’t know that a group of pelicans can be called a squadron. Other names include pod, pouch and scoop, but I think we can all agree squadron sounds much cooler. Alabama Audubon’s Outreach and Communications Director Sarah Randolph is excited about the Squadron name choice.
“Anything that draws attention to birds and their conservation, Alabama Audubon is all about.”
-Sarah Randolph, Alabama Audubon, Outreach and Communications Director
Alabama Audubon‘s mission is to “promote the conservation and greater knowledge of birds, their habitats and the natural world.” To support, you can become a member with a $20 annual donation, volunteer in their community science programs or pre-commit for a specialty Alabama Audubon license plate! Be sure to tell your friends to sign up by October 31st to start production.
https://bhamnow.com/2021/07/29/alabama-audubon-approves-of-new-nba-g-league-squadron-name/
Herbert Jones Q and A with Mike Rodak
PELICANS.COM
A second straight NBA draft has brought a University of Alabama player to New Orleans, one aspect of a growing connection between the Pelicans and that state, which is now also home to the franchise’s G League team in Birmingham. We caught up with writer Mike Rodak, who covers Alabama football and basketball for AL.com and The Birmingham News, to learn more about second-round pick Herbert Jones, who received multiple honors in the SEC last season on the circuit's best team.
Rodak explains why Alabama residents’ rooting interests are continue to learn toward the Pelicans, as well as how Jones’ previous sports background might make it less of a surprise that he’s excelled at the defensive end of the floor:
Pelicans.com: What was the general reaction in Alabama to Jones being picked No. 35 overall on Thursday, not only from the standpoint of where he was drafted, but also that he’s coming to relatively nearby New Orleans?
Rodak: I think it was around the spot in the draft where most expected Jones to be picked, although coach Nate Oats made the case afterward that he thought Jones should have been a first-round pick. Oats specifically said there were players picked in the 10-15 slots ahead of Jones that he thought were not as good as him. There were seven SEC players taken ahead of Jones, the SEC player of the year, and it is safe to assume some of those players were in that category for Oats. As for New Orleans, my first thought when he was drafted is that it’s an ideal situation for his family, which is from a small town in West Alabama. They’ve always been able to watch him play and he is still a drive down I-59 away.
Pelicans.com: Fellow Alabama player Kira Lewis Jr. obviously made his NBA debut with the Pelicans last season. Is there a growing group of fans in that area now starting to follow New Orleans much more closely?
Rodak: I think the additions of Lewis and Jones will help interest, although the biggest factor might be the Pelicans’ new G-League team in Birmingham, the Squadron. In my few years living in Birmingham, I don’t know if I have sensed a dominant NBA team – the Hawks, Pelicans and Grizzlies are all available on TV – but having the Squadron here could help push things toward the Pelicans.
Pelicans.com: What’s been behind the recent surge in Alabama players who are becoming pros? The Crimson Tide also had a lottery pick (Josh Primo to San Antonio) this year.
Rodak: There are a few factors at play here. First, Alabama was successful in recruiting under former coach Avery Johnson, bringing in some highly-rated players such as Collin Sexton, John Petty, Lewis and Jones. Second, Nate Oats’ NBA style of play has done well in developing those players (outside of Sexton, who was already in the NBA) into better pro prospects. Third, the success of Oats’ team last season – winning the SEC and making the Sweet 16 – helped elevate his players. Oats said part of the reason Primo, the star of Oats’ recruiting class last year, was picked by the Spurs was because he was part of a winning team last season.
Pelicans.com: As a junior, Jones played through a broken wrist for part of the season, a testament to his fortitude. New Orleans front-office members have stated recently that toughness is a necessity to add to the roster in 2021-22. How important was that attribute to Jones’ success as a player? He was named SEC Player of the Year and SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season.
Rodak: At Buffalo and now Alabama, Oats’ staff has tracked “blue collar points” during games for taking charges, diving for loose balls, etc. that normally would not show up on the stat sheet. The winner each game gets a hard hat in the locker room to wear. Jones overwhelmingly led the team in blue collar points the past few seasons and it usually went without saying that he would win the hard hat. So, yes, toughness was the cornerstone of Jones’ tenure at Alabama. He will always be remembered for making critical free throws with his off hand during a game against LSU when his shooting wrist was in a cast. He dealt with a slew of other injuries, too, including a nagging lower back injury and dislocated finger last season, and an elbow injury as a junior. There was a point last season where Jones was so banged up we were asking Oats if it made more sense to sit Jones, but he kept playing through it.
Pelicans.com: Oats said recently that Jones was already good enough to play rotation minutes for an NBA playoff team this past season. How prepared might Jones be for this level as a rookie, based on his extensive college experience?
Rodak: Jones has always been praised for his maturity and basketball intelligence, and I think those qualities will go a long way to him getting on the floor as a rookie. There were never any questions about his work ethic or effort at Alabama, and if he can translate that into some success as a lock-down defender off the bench in the NBA, he should be valuable even early in his career.
Pelicans.com: What are the most underrated aspects of Jones’ game?
Rodak: A lot has and will be made of Jones’ shooting, and he ended his final season at Alabama on a particularly sour note by missing his final 20 three-point attempts as well as four key free throws in the closing minutes of an NCAA tournament loss to UCLA. But over the entirety of his senior season, he made some strides as a scorer that should not go unnoticed. He came out of the gate strong, reaching double digits in points in 13 of the first 17 games while showing some effectiveness as a three-point shooter.
Pelicans.com: What areas do you think he has the most room to make strides, or aspects of his game he may need to improve or adjust as he transitions to NBA competition?
Rodak: It will still be his shooting. That was the reason why he dropped into the second round and ultimately he will need to be at least an adequate shooter to see significant minutes in the NBA.
Pelicans.com: What’s one thing even diehard Alabama basketball fans might not know about Jones?
Rodak: I actually did not know this until Jones did several pre-draft interviews, but he actually played football growing up and had aspirations to be a defensive back. He credits that defensive mindset with shaping his mentality in basketball. Of course, should I really be surprised that a kid in Alabama grew up playing football?
https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/herbert-jones-q-and-mike-rodak
Bama Radio Voice Eli Gold To Call G League Games
BARRETT SPORTS MEDIA
Eli Gold’s voice has found its way across the state of Alabama’s airwaves for over three decades calling Crimson Tide football games. Now, the play-by-play man will add to his workload as the voice of the Birmingham Squadron, an affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA G-League.
“I’ve been a life-long NBA fan, and being able to be a part of the broadcast for the Birmingham Squadron and the future talent of the New Orleans Pelicans was an offer that I couldn’t pass up,” said Gold. “I think I can speak for myself and many sports fans in Birmingham and across the state of Alabama — I’m thrilled to have the Squadron in town and can’t wait for the season to get started.”
Gold has also served as a voice for NASCAR and UAB men’s basketball. The Squadron previously played as the Erie Bayhawks from 2019-2021 as Birmingham’s Legacy Arena underwent renovations.
“When the team is on the road or a fan isn’t able to make it to a game in person, we want to be able to provide a first-class broadcast to experience the game,” said Squadron manager of PR and Broadcast Joseph Hooven. “Our goal is to be the best in the league, and we believe the addition of Eli Gold to our crew will help us achieve that.”
The resume Eli Gold brings to the job is certainly diverse. Although he is best known for his work with the Crimson Tide and with NASCAR, Gold has previously called games for both the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators. He also called national broadcasts of the Arena Football League.
t for part of the season, a testament to his fortitude. New Orleans front-office members have stated recently that toughness is a necessity to add to the roster in 2021-22. How important was that attribute to Jones’ success as a play
https://www.barrettsportsmedia.com/2021/08/03/eli-gold-g-league/
People Moves – Eli Gold
INSIDE RADIO
Eli Gold, the radio voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide, will serve as play-by-play announcer for the Birmingham Squadron, an affiliate of the NBA New Orleans Pelicans. Gold has called University of Alabama football since 1988 and in the off-season will call home and away games for the Squadron. The team is relocating from Erie, PA to Birmingham this winter.
“Eli is one of the most recognizable voices in all of sports and has been such an important part of the sports landscape in the state of Alabama for decades,” GM of Business Operations David Lane said in a statement to AL.com. “It was a no-brainer to have him lead the Birmingham Squadron broadcast. We’re just honored to be able to bring him on as a part of the Squadron.”
http://www.insideradio.com/people_moves/eli-gold/article_de9d4e84-f46f-11eb-91cc-2beca00911e6.html
Eli Gold to announce games for Birmingham Squadron
THE ANNISTON STAR
Longtime Alabama football radio play-by-play announcer Eli Gold will call games for the Birmingham Squadron, the NBA G-League team will announce later Monday.
Gold will serve as the primary play-by-play announcer for both home and away broadcasts of the Squadron, the affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans that will begin play in Legacy Arena this winter after relocating from Erie, Pennsylvania.
“Eli is one of the most recognizable voices in all of sports and has been such an important part of the sports landscape in the state of Alabama for decades,” Squadron general manager of business operations David Lane said in a statement. “It was a no-brainer to have him lead the Birmingham Squadron broadcast. We’re just honored to be able to bring him on as a part of the Squadron.”
The versatile Gold is best known for being the voice of Alabama football since 1988, with his streak of more than 400 consecutive games snapped last season because of COVID-19. But the Brooklyn, New York native also has experience calling hockey, baseball and basketball games, as well as NASCAR races.
“I’ve been a life-long NBA fan, and being able to be a part of the broadcast for the Birmingham Squadron and the future talent of the New Orleans Pelicans was an offer that I couldn’t pass up,” Gold said. “I think I can speak for myself and many sports fans in Birmingham and across the state of Alabama — I’m thrilled to have the Squadron in town and can’t wait for the season to get started.”
Gold will continue in his role with Alabama football.
The Squadron is expected to release its schedule and more details about its broadcasts in the coming weeks.
Broadcaster Eli Gold To Do Play-By-Play For Birmingham Squadron
PATCH.COM
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Longtime Alabama Crimson Tide broadcast Eli Gold was announced on Tuesday as the "official voice" of the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League.
The legendary personality will serve as the primary play-by-play announcer for all home and away games of the Squadron's inaugural season, which begins in November.
Squadron General Manager David Lane said in a statement that Gold is one of the most recognizable voices in all of sports and has been an important part of the sports landscape in the state of Alabama for decades, which makes him a perfect fit for the job.
"It was a no-brainer to have him lead the Birmingham Squadron broadcast," Lane said. "We're honored to be able to bring him on as a part of the Squadron."
The Brooklyn, New York native has been UA's football radio broadcaster held since 1989, which came after he first found work in Alabama as a broadcaster for the Birmingham Bulls of the WHA in 1976.
"I've been a life-long NBA fan, and being able to be a part of the broadcast for the Birmingham Squadron and the future talent of the New Orleans Pelicans was an offer that I couldn't pass up," Gold said. "I think I can speak for myself and many sports fans in Birmingham and across the state of Alabama – I'm thrilled to have the Squadron in town and can't wait for the season to get started."
More information on the Squadron's inaugural schedule and where games will be broadcast will be released in the coming weeks.
https://patch.com/alabama/trussville/s/hpgyl/broadcaster-eli-gold-do-play-play-birmingham-squadron
Prospects path to NBA draft still expanding with paying jobs - Los Angeles Times
SATURDAY DOWN SOUTH
Long-time Alabama football radio play-by-play announcer Eli Gold has picked up an offseason gig calling games in another sport.
Gold has called Alabama football games since 1988, but now will add the NBA G-League’s Birmingham Squadron, AL.com reported. Gold will serve as the primary play-by-play announcer for both home and away broadcasts of the Squadron, the affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans that will begin play in Legacy Arena this winter after it relocated from Erie, Pennsylvania.
“Eli is one of the most recognizable voices in all of sports and has been such an important part of the sports landscape in the state of Alabama for decades,” Squadron general manager of business operations David Lane said in a statement. “It was a no-brainer to have him lead the Birmingham Squadron broadcast. We’re just honored to be able to bring him on as a part of the Squadron.”
This is not the first time Gold has branched out in his career. The Brooklyn, New York native also has experience calling hockey, baseball and basketball games, as well as NASCAR races. Last year, his streak of calling 409 consecutive games was snapped because of COVID-19.
“I’ve been a life-long NBA fan, and being able to be a part of the broadcast for the Birmingham Squadron and the future talent of the New Orleans Pelicans was an offer that I couldn’t pass up,” Gold said. “I think I can speak for myself and many sports fans in Birmingham and across the state of Alabama — I’m thrilled to have the Squadron in town and can’t wait for the season to get started.”
Prospects path to NBA draft still expanding with paying jobs - Los Angeles Times
MARRIETTA DAILY JOURNAL
Longtime Alabama football radio play-by-play announcer Eli Gold will call games for the Birmingham Squadron, the NBA G-League team will announce later Monday.
Gold will serve as the primary play-by-play announcer for both home and away broadcasts of the Squadron, the affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans that will begin play in Legacy Arena this winter after relocating from Erie, Pennsylvania.
“Eli is one of the most recognizable voices in all of sports and has been such an important part of the sports landscape in the state of Alabama for decades,” Squadron general manager of business operations David Lane said in a statement. “It was a no-brainer to have him lead the Birmingham Squadron broadcast. We’re just honored to be able to bring him on as a part of the Squadron.”
The versatile Gold is best known for being the voice of Alabama football since 1988, with his streak of more than 400 consecutive games snapped last season because of COVID-19. But the Brooklyn, New York native also has experience calling hockey, baseball and basketball games, as well as NASCAR races.
“I’ve been a life-long NBA fan, and being able to be a part of the broadcast for the Birmingham Squadron and the future talent of the New Orleans Pelicans was an offer that I couldn’t pass up,” Gold said. “I think I can speak for myself and many sports fans in Birmingham and across the state of Alabama — I’m thrilled to have the Squadron in town and can’t wait for the season to get started.”
Gold will continue in his role with Alabama football.
The Squadron is expected to release its schedule and more details about its broadcasts in the coming weeks.
https://www.mdjonline.com/tribune/regional/eli-gold-to-announce-games-for-birm