As the NFL season kicks off, many football fans across the country are eagerly awaiting the chance to watch their favorite teams compete. However, with so many games airing on various networks and regional broadcast schedules, it can be challenging to determine which games will be available in your area.
This post will provide tips and tricks to help you navigate the NFL coverage map and find your team’s games. Read on to learn more.
Tip 1: Know Your Team’s Market
The first step in finding your team’s games on the NFL Coverage Map is to know your team’s market. Each team has its designated market, typically the city it plays in. The games of teams in the market will generally be shown on local television. If you live in your team’s market, you can watch all their games on local television.
The NFL assigns each team a specific geographical area, known as its ‘home market.’ This area is confined to the city where the team is based and covers a substantial surrounding region. This expansive home market means you can watch the Cowboys’ games on local television in this region.
Tip 2: Check Your Local Listings
If you’re unsure if your team’s game will be televised in your market, check your local listings. Many cable and satellite providers offer interactive guides that show which games will be televised in your area each week.
Keep in mind that local listings can change up until the day of the game. Verifying closer to the game time is always a good idea to ensure you don’t miss any action. If you’re not near a television, don’t worry.
Most listings are also available online or through mobile apps provided by your cable or satellite provider, allowing you to check from virtually anywhere.
Tip 3: Check Out-of-Market Packages
If you live outside your team’s market, you may need to subscribe to an out-of-market package to watch their games. The NFL offers the NFL Sunday Ticket, a package that allows fans to watch all out-of-market games. Another option is subscribing to a streaming service with local channels, such as Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV. Much like tennis and boxing enthusiasts clamor for the biggest matches, football aficionados often turn to TicketSmarter to secure prime seats for monumental events like the Super Bowl.
These packages provide live, comprehensive coverage of all NFL games, including those not covered by local broadcasters. NFL Sunday Ticket, in particular, is a premium service DirectTV and AT&T U-verse offer.
This service allows subscribers to watch every out-of-market NFL game live each Sunday during the regular season. It also offers a range of additional features, like player tracking and real-time stats and scores.
However, it’s important to note that subscription to these packages often comes at a steep price, so it’s worth considering if this level of coverage aligns with your viewing needs. If you’re a casual viewer or primarily interested in your local team, sticking with your local broadcast may be a more cost-effective approach.
Tip 4: Consider Streaming Options
In recent years, streaming options have become famous for NFL fans to watch games. Many streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video or Twitch, offer live streaming of Thursday Night Football games. Additionally, some NFL teams provide streaming services, an excellent option for fans who want to watch their team’s games without subscribing to a cable or satellite package.
Tip 5: Follow Your Team on Social Media
Finally, a great way to stay up-to-date on your team’s games is to follow them on social media. Many teams will tweet information about their games, including broadcast information and game updates. Following your team on social media is also a great way to connect with other fans and stay up-to-date on the latest news and events related to your team.
Tip 6. Look For Out-Of-Market Options
If your team is playing outside your market, there are still plenty of ways to catch their games. One option is to subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket, allowing viewers to watch out-of-market games live on TV or online. Another option is to sign up for a streaming service like NFL Game Pass or Sling TV that offers live and on-demand streaming of today’s NFL games.
Tip 7: Use the NFL Coverage Map
The NFL coverage map (available online) is a helpful tool that lets you see which games will be broadcast in your region weekly. Enter your zip code and view a map of your region with the games available in your area highlighted. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to catch a game that isn’t being broadcast by one of the major networks.
Tip 8: Consider Local Sports Bars
Consider watching your team’s games at a local sports bar or restaurant if all else fails. Many locations will feature NFL Sunday Ticket and other sports packages so that you can enjoy the games with other fans in a fun and lively atmosphere.
Tip 9: Don’t Forget About Radio Broadcasts
While watching the game on TV is always preferable, sometimes that’s not an option. Consider tuning in to your local radio station to catch the game in those cases. Most NFL games are broadcast on local radio networks, so this is an excellent option for fans who can’t watch the game on TV.
Step 10: Join a Sports Bar Watch Party
Finally, consider joining a sports bar watch after-party if you’re looking for a social experience. Find a nearby sports bar that shows NFL games, and join like-minded football fans to watch the game. You’ll get the excitement of watching the game with others and access to food and drink specials. It’s a great way to enjoy the game, even if you’re not in your team’s local market.
Tailgating events before an NFL game is another way to enjoy the game-day experience, especially if you cannot watch the game live. However, it’s crucial to be responsible at tailgating events. Keep your area clean, dispose of your trash properly, and remember to drink responsibly if you choose to consume alcohol.
Always respect the rights and space of others and remember that everyone is there to have a good time. It’s also important to abide by the venue’s rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Follow These Tips on the NFL Coverage Map
Finding your team’s games on TV can be a challenge, but it’s possible with the NFL coverage map with a bit of research and some ingenuity. By following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying every snap of your favorite team’s games this season. Good luck, and happy football season!
For more helpful tips, be sure to follow us!