Are you ready to witness the Monsters of the Midway take the field, but unsure where to catch all the bone-crushing action? In Chicago, Bears fandom isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter since the Ditka era, or a new convert drawn in by exciting young talent, knowing how to access every game is crucial to fully embracing the Bear Down spirit. Missing a crucial play or a game-winning drive because you don’t know where to tune in simply isn’t an option!
With the ever-changing landscape of television broadcasting, streaming services, and regional blackouts, keeping up with the latest broadcast information can feel like navigating a tricky blitz. This guide will break down all the essential ways to watch the Chicago Bears, from traditional cable and satellite options to streaming services and even over-the-air broadcasts. Never again miss a chance to cheer on Fields, Johnson, and the rest of the squad as they fight for every yard.
What are my viewing options?
Where can I stream the Bears game online?
The best way to stream a Chicago Bears game online depends on whether the game is broadcast nationally or only on local channels. For nationally televised games (ESPN, NFL Network, NBC, CBS, Fox), you can typically use streaming services like NFL+, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV (depending on the channel). For games broadcast only on local CBS or Fox affiliates, you’ll need a streaming service that carries those local channels in your area, or consider using an over-the-air antenna to pick up the broadcast for free, and then stream from your TV to your devices.
For national broadcasts, NFL+ offers live streams of all local and primetime games on mobile devices and tablets. Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV offer a more comprehensive streaming experience, including access to many other channels beyond just the game broadcast. These subscriptions also give you access on multiple devices, so you can watch on your TV, phone, tablet, or computer. Keep in mind, that the specific channels available and the cost of these services vary, so compare plans to see which best meets your needs. To determine which channels are broadcasting the Bears game each week, check the NFL schedule or a TV guide. Then, confirm that your chosen streaming service carries those channels in your specific location. Many services offer free trials, so you can test them out before committing to a subscription. Also, remember to check the fine print - some streaming services geo-restrict games, meaning you might not be able to watch if you’re outside of the Chicago market or even certain areas within it, and the NFL+ app only allows viewing on phones and tablets.
What channel is the Bears game on today?
The channel broadcasting the Chicago Bears game today depends on the specific game and your location. Typically, Bears games air on a combination of local and national channels including FOX, CBS, NBC (especially Sunday Night Football), ESPN (for Monday Night Football), and NFL Network. Check your local listings or a TV guide to confirm the specific channel for today’s game.
To accurately determine where to watch the Bears game, consult a reliable TV schedule. Websites like NFL.com, ESPN.com, or your local TV provider’s website will provide the most up-to-date and location-specific information. These sources will list the game’s time, channel, and any potential streaming options. Remember that streaming services also offer ways to watch Bears games. Many streaming platforms like FuboTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV carry the channels that typically broadcast NFL games. Some games may also be exclusively streamed on platforms like Amazon Prime Video if it’s a Thursday Night Football game. Always verify which streaming services carry the specific channel airing the Bears game.
Are there any bars showing the Bears game near me?
Finding a bar showing the Chicago Bears game typically involves using online search tools like Google, Yelp, or dedicated sports bar finders. These platforms allow you to enter your location and search for “sports bars” or “bars showing NFL games.” Calling local establishments directly to confirm they will be broadcasting the game is always a good idea, especially for nationally televised games or during popular viewing times.
To effectively locate a Bears-friendly bar, consider that establishments with larger screen setups and NFL Sunday Ticket subscriptions are generally reliable options. Furthermore, checking social media pages of local bars can provide real-time updates on their game day plans and any special deals they might be offering. Don’t forget to factor in travel time and potential crowds when making your decision, as popular sports bars can fill up quickly, particularly for high-profile Bears matchups. Finally, many sports bar finding apps and websites allow you to filter your search by specific sports or teams, making it easier to pinpoint bars that actively cater to Bears fans. Some may even provide information on the bar’s atmosphere, noise level, and food/drink specials. Consider asking friends or fellow Bears fans for recommendations within your local area, as word-of-mouth can be a valuable resource for discovering hidden gem sports bars.
How can I watch the Bears game if I don’t have cable?
You have several options to watch the Bears without cable, including live TV streaming services, over-the-air antennas, and specific streaming deals with platforms like Amazon Prime Video for Thursday Night Football. Consider your budget, desired channels, and device compatibility when choosing the best method for you.
Many live TV streaming services offer packages that include channels broadcasting NFL games, like CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Popular choices include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM. Research which services carry your local channels and any national broadcasts you want to see, and be sure to check for free trial periods to test out the service before committing to a subscription. Pricing and channel lineups vary, so comparison is key. Another cost-effective solution is using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. In most areas, you can receive free broadcasts of CBS, FOX, and NBC, which often air Bears games, especially those televised regionally. Check an online antenna web tool to see which channels are available in your location based on your zip code. This option requires a one-time purchase of the antenna itself, but there are no recurring subscription fees. Thursday Night Football games are exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video. If the Bears are scheduled to play on Thursday night, you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch. It’s also worth checking the NFL’s own streaming service, NFL+, which offers live local and primetime games on mobile devices and tablets, but not on TVs. This can be a viable alternative for watching on-the-go, but it isn’t a full replacement for watching every game on your television.
Will the Bears game be broadcast locally?
Generally, yes, most Chicago Bears games are broadcast locally in the Chicago television market. The specific channel will depend on the week’s broadcast agreement with the NFL, typically involving CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, or Amazon Prime Video.
To determine the exact local channel for a specific Bears game, check your local television listings. These listings are available through your cable provider’s on-screen guide, online TV guides like TV Guide or Zap2it, or the websites and apps of local Chicago television stations (e.g., CBS 2 Chicago, FOX 32 Chicago, NBC 5 Chicago). These resources will clearly indicate the channel and time for the game’s broadcast.
Keep in mind that nationally televised games (e.g., Sunday Night Football on NBC, Monday Night Football on ESPN, Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video) will also be available locally through those corresponding channels or streaming services. Occasionally, a game might only be available on a streaming service, so verifying ahead of time is always best. Don’t forget that if you live outside the immediate Chicago area, local broadcast availability may vary depending on your regional NFL market assignment.
Is the Bears game blacked out in my area?
NFL blackout rules, which prevented games from being televised locally if tickets weren’t sold out, have been effectively suspended since 2015. Therefore, it’s extremely unlikely that a Chicago Bears game will be blacked out in your local viewing area due to ticket sales. You should be able to watch the game if it’s broadcast on a local network affiliate.
While the NFL technically retains the *ability* to reinstate the blackout policy, the financial pressures and public relations fallout from blackouts have made them exceptionally rare. The primary reason you might *not* be able to watch the Bears game locally would be due to network broadcasting schedules and rights. For instance, if the game is nationally televised on ESPN, NFL Network, or another cable channel, you would need access to those channels to watch it. Also, some games are streamed exclusively on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. To confirm how to watch a specific Bears game, check your local TV listings, the Bears’ official website, or a reliable sports news source. These sources will provide the network airing the game in your area and any streaming options available. Remember to also consider the kickoff time and any potential pre-game coverage you might want to watch.
Can I watch a replay of the Bears game later?
Yes, you can generally watch a replay of a Bears game later, but the availability and method depend on several factors including the network that originally broadcast the game, your subscription services, and whether it was a nationally televised game or a local broadcast.
Several options exist for watching Bears game replays. If the game aired on a national network like ESPN, NFL Network, or FOX/CBS/NBC, services like NFL+ (which offers game replays shortly after they air), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV often have on-demand replays available for a period. Check the on-demand or replay sections of these services shortly after the game concludes. For local broadcasts, your local affiliate’s website or app might offer a replay, or a cable provider’s on-demand service might be an option. For games broadcast on NFL Network, be aware that blackout restrictions may apply to live viewing, but these typically don’t affect replay availability. Also, consider using a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) if you have cable or satellite TV; set it to record all Bears games so you have a guaranteed replay option readily available. Keep in mind that full game replays may not always be available for free and may require a subscription to a streaming or cable service.
Alright, Bears fans, you’re now armed with all the info you need to catch the game! I hope this guide helped you figure out the best way for you to cheer on our beloved Monsters of the Midway. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more Bears content and updates. Bear Down!