What Station Is Chicago Bears Game On

What Station is the Chicago Bears Game On?

Figuring out where to watch the Chicago Bears game can sometimes feel like a puzzle. It’s not always as simple as flipping to one specific channel. The truth is, the station broadcasting the Bears game changes depending on a bunch of things, like the day of the week, the time, and who they’re playing. Let’s dive into how to find the right channel for each exciting Bears matchup!

Understanding NFL Broadcast Schedules

Before we pinpoint specific channels, it’s good to know how the NFL decides which games go where. The NFL has deals with several big TV networks, and each one gets different rights to broadcast games. These rights are based on different things, making the broadcast schedule a bit like a complex map. Let’s explore the common broadcast partners and the types of games they often show.

Major Networks and Their NFL Coverage

Several big networks usually handle the majority of NFL games, including those featuring the Chicago Bears. Here’s a quick rundown:

• CBS: CBS often broadcasts games involving teams from the American Football Conference (AFC). However, if the Bears are playing an AFC team, you might find them on CBS. So keep this channel on your radar.
• FOX: FOX usually shows games involving teams from the National Football Conference (NFC), which of course includes our beloved Chicago Bears! If the Bears are playing an NFC team, you’ll most likely find it on FOX.
• NBC: NBC is the home of “Sunday Night Football.” They get some of the best matchups each week. If the Bears are playing on a Sunday night, you’ll need to turn to NBC.
• ESPN: ESPN is where you’ll catch “Monday Night Football.” If the Chicago Bears are scheduled for a Monday night game, ESPN is your go-to channel.
• NFL Network: The NFL Network also carries some regular season games, mainly on Thursday nights. You will want to check the schedule if the Bears are playing on a Thursday.

The Importance of Game Scheduling

The NFL schedule isn’t random. The league tries to showcase the best matchups, putting the teams with strong records in primetime slots. This means the Chicago Bears could appear on different networks during different weeks depending on their schedule and popularity that year. For example, a game between the Bears and a top-ranked team will have more viewership than a game between the Bears and a team with a losing record. Consequently, high viewership games often get the prime slots on big networks. Therefore, the popularity of the Chicago Bears will influence where their games appear.

How to Find the Exact Channel for the Chicago Bears Game

Now that you have a better understanding of the networks, let’s look at the ways to find out what station is broadcasting a specific Chicago Bears game. It’s actually pretty easy when you know where to look.

Online Resources

The internet is your best friend when figuring out what station is broadcasting a Bears game. Here are some useful resources:

• NFL.com: The official NFL website is a fantastic resource. You can easily look up the entire season schedule, click on an individual game, and it will give you the network for the game. It also offers a lot more info, like start times and team stats.
• ESPN.com: Similar to NFL.com, ESPN.com allows you to see the Chicago Bears schedule. The site provides network information right next to the game details.
• Team Websites: The Chicago Bears’ official website often posts its full schedule with TV information. It is always smart to check the team’s official page for news.
• Sports Apps: Lots of sports apps, like the ESPN app, TheScore app, or the NFL app, give you up-to-date game schedules and network information. These are handy to have if you’re on the move.
• Search Engines: A simple search on Google, Bing, or any other search engine, like “Chicago Bears schedule,” will typically bring up multiple links to various resources with schedules and broadcast details.

Using a TV Guide

If you prefer not to use the internet, there are still ways to find out which station is broadcasting a Bears game.

• Printed TV Guides: Some local newspapers still print TV schedules, or you may have a printed TV guide from your local cable provider. These guides will show which channel has the game.
• On-Screen TV Guides: Most TVs today have on-screen programming guides. If you have a smart TV or cable box, navigate to your on-screen guide, find the day and time of the game, and check the station listing.
• Voice Commands: Many smart devices and TV remotes allow for voice commands. If you have one of these, try saying something like, “What channel is the Bears game on?” and your device may display the answer.

Consider Local Affiliates

Keep in mind that even though networks like FOX and CBS have national broadcasts, they often have local affiliate stations that actually show the game. For example, in the Chicago area, you’ll usually watch the Bears on WFLD (FOX 32) or WBBM (CBS 2). Knowing your local stations is vital, so you’re not watching the wrong feed. If you are not in the Chicago area, your local affiliate will have the local broadcast.

Specific Scenarios: Finding the Right Channel

Let’s explore a few specific situations to show you how to pinpoint the right channel for the Chicago Bears.

Sunday Afternoon Games

If the Bears are playing on a Sunday afternoon, you will almost always find the game on either FOX or CBS. If they’re facing an NFC team, check FOX. If their opponent is from the AFC, then look for CBS. Once you know the schedule, you can easily know what channel to tune into. Don’t forget to check your local affiliate station.

Primetime Games (Sunday, Monday, Thursday Nights)

Primetime games have their own designated networks. “Sunday Night Football” is on NBC. “Monday Night Football” is on ESPN. “Thursday Night Football” is often on the NFL Network but has also been broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. If the Bears have a prime-time game, consult your TV schedule to make sure you are set to go for game day.

Streaming Options

More people are choosing to stream games rather than watch them on cable. Streaming services provide an alternative for watching the Chicago Bears games. Here are a few choices to consider.

• NFL Game Pass: You can use NFL Game Pass to stream games on various devices. Keep in mind this service is not available to people in the United States, but it is an option for international viewers.
• Hulu + Live TV: This service often includes local channels, making it a good pick for catching the Bears game live. Hulu + Live TV includes access to ESPN, NBC, FOX and CBS, allowing you to watch almost any Chicago Bears game.
• YouTube TV: Similar to Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV gives you access to local channels, ESPN, NFL Network, and other sports programming, meaning it may be a good option to watch the Bears.
• Fubo TV: Fubo TV is another service that includes all major networks, allowing you to watch the Chicago Bears on the channel that carries the game.
• Amazon Prime Video: Amazon has started streaming “Thursday Night Football” and may have some Bears games. You’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to use it.

Out-of-Market Games

If you are not in the Chicago area, there are different ways to view the Chicago Bears games, especially if they are not on your local stations. Here are the options:

• NFL Sunday Ticket: This is a service that provides access to most games, even if they are out of your local broadcast area. It is a good choice if you’re not living near Chicago, but you still want to follow the Chicago Bears.
• Sports Bars: Many sports bars show out-of-market games. It’s a great way to watch with other Bears fans, too.

Tips for Game Day

Here are a few final tips to make your Bears game-watching experience go off without a hitch.

Double Check the Schedule

Always double-check the game time and the channel the day before the game. Sometimes games get moved, or the network changes at the last minute. Check multiple sources to make sure that you have the right channel to watch. This can prevent any frustrating moments when you are ready for the Bears game, and you can’t find it on TV.

Set Reminders

Set reminders on your phone or TV so you don’t miss the start of the game. A lot of people will watch football on their smart phones while they do other things around the house, so the reminder will let you know when the game starts. You should also make sure that your cable box, smart TV, or streaming device is on the right channel ahead of time.

Consider DVR or Recording

If you know you might be busy during game time, consider setting your DVR or recording device to record the game. This will allow you to catch the game later, and if the Bears are having a special day, you won’t miss it. Many streaming services also allow you to record games.

Prepare Your Setup

Get your snacks and drinks ready before the game starts. Having your food ready makes watching the game more enjoyable. Also, make sure your remote control is working and that your sound system is all set. It will be less stressful to get everything ready before the game.

Finding out what station is broadcasting the Chicago Bears game doesn’t have to be difficult. By using the various resources we’ve discussed, you’ll be well equipped to watch all the exciting action. Remember to check the official NFL and team websites, use online TV guides, pay attention to your local broadcast affiliates, and consider streaming options. With a little planning, you will never have to miss a Bears game again. Go Bears!