The roar of the crowd, the clash of helmets, the thrill of victory – being a Pittsburgh Steelers fan is an exhilarating experience. But what happens when you’re living outside the designated broadcast area and yearn to catch every game? Don’t despair, fellow Steelers Nation! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best ways to watch Pittsburgh Steelers games out-of-market, ensuring you never miss a single touchdown, sack, or crucial play.
Understanding NFL Broadcasting: The Basics
how to watch pittsburgh steelers games out of-market
Before we dive into specific options, it’s essential to understand how NFL games ar
e broadcasted in the United States. The league has contracts with several major networks and streaming services, each holding rights to different games:
- CBS & FOX: These networks broadcast most Sunday afternoon games, depending on the team’s conference and whether it’s a home or away game.
- NBC: Airs Sunday Night Football, a primetime game featuring high-profile matchups.
- ESPN: Broadcasts Monday Night Football and select other games throughout the season.
- Amazon Prime Video: Holds exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football games.
The Challenge of Out-of-Market Games
The complex broadcasting landscape poses a challenge for fans living outside the Steelers’ designated market. These fans can’t rely on local channels to catch every game. This is where specialized services and strategies come into play.
Options for Watching Steelers Games Out-of-Market
- NFL Sunday Ticket
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The Gold Standard: NFL Sunday Ticket remains the most comprehensive and reliable way to watch Pittsburgh Steelers games out-of-market. It grants you access to every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game, live and in HD.
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2023 Changes: In 2023, NFL Sunday Ticket transitioned from DirecTV to YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels. This move offers greater flexibility and accessibility to cord-cutters.
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Benefits:
- Every Game, Every Sunday: Watch all out-of-market Sunday afternoon games, including those featuring the Steelers.
- Multiple Viewing Options: Access games on your TV, computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- RedZone Inclusion: NFL Sunday Ticket packages typically include NFL RedZone, allowing you to catch every touchdown from every game.
- Fantasy Zone Channel: This channel provides real-time fantasy stats and analysis, perfect for fantasy football enthusiasts.
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Drawbacks:
- Cost: NFL Sunday Ticket can be a significant investment, with prices starting at $349 per season for YouTube TV subscribers and $449 for non-subscribers.
- Limited to Sunday Afternoon Games: It doesn’t include primetime games, Thursday Night Football, or Monday Night Football.
- NFL+
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Mobile-First Option: NFL+ is the NFL’s official streaming service, offering a more affordable alternative for watching games on your phone or tablet.
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Key Features:
- Live local and primetime regular-season and postseason games on your phone or tablet
- Live out-of-market preseason games across all devices
- Live game audio (home, away & national calls) for every game
- NFL Network shows on-demand and ad-free
- NFL library programming on-demand and ad-free
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Pros:
- Affordable: NFL+ is significantly cheaper than NFL Sunday Ticket, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Mobile Convenience: Perfect for watching games on the go.
- Out-of-Market Preseason Games: Catch all preseason games, even if they’re not televised in your area.
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Cons:
- Limited to Mobile Viewing (for Regular Season): Live regular-season games can only be watched on your phone or tablet.
- Doesn’t Include All Games: NFL+ does not offer access to every out-of-market game.
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Cost:
- NFL+: $6.99/month or $49.99/year
- NFL+ Premium: $14.99/month or $99.99/year (includes NFL RedZone)
- Streaming Services with Live TV
Several streaming services offer live TV channels, including those broadcasting NFL games. However, their coverage of out-of-market games might be limited.
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Popular Options:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- fuboTV
- Sling TV
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Pros:
- More Affordable than Cable: Streaming services are generally more affordable than traditional cable or satellite TV packages.
- Flexibility: No contracts, allowing you to cancel anytime.
- Additional Channels: Access a wide variety of channels beyond just sports.
- Cloud DVR: Record games and watch them later.
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Cons:
- Limited Out-of-Market Games: These services typically only offer in-market games, unless you add NFL Sunday Ticket to YouTube TV.
- Channel Lineup Varies: The availability of specific channels, including local networks and sports channels, can vary depending on your location and the service you choose.
- Requires a Good Internet Connection: A reliable and fast internet connection is essential for smooth streaming.
- VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
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Bypassing Geographic Restrictions: VPNs can mask your IP address and make it appear as if you’re located in a different region, potentially allowing you to access in-market streams of Steelers games from outside your area.
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Pros:
- Potential Access to Out-of-Market Games: Can help you bypass geographic restrictions and access in-market streams.
- Enhanced Privacy and Security: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, protecting your data and online activity.
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Cons:
- Can Slow Down Your Internet Speed: VPNs can sometimes impact your internet speed, affecting streaming quality.
- Not Always Reliable: Some streaming services actively block VPNs, making them less effective.
- Requires Subscription: Most reputable VPNs require a paid subscription.
- Sports Bars and Restaurants
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The Social Experience: Watching Steelers games at a sports bar or restaurant can be a fun and social experience, especially if you’re surrounded by fellow fans.
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Pros:
- No Need for Subscriptions or Equipment: You can enjoy the game without any additional costs or setup.
- Communal Atmosphere: Experience the excitement of the game with other fans.
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Cons:
- Limited Control: You can’t choose which games are shown or when.
- Can Be Expensive: Depending on food and drink purchases, it can be costly.
- Crowded and Noisy: Sports bars can get crowded and noisy, which might not be ideal for everyone.
Choosing the Best Option for You
The best way to watch Pittsburgh Steelers games out-of-market depends on your individual needs and priorities. Let’s consider a few scenarios:
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Die-Hard Fan Who Wants Every Game: If you’re a dedicated Steelers fan who doesn’t want to miss a single game, regardless of location, YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket is the ideal choice.
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Budget-Conscious Fan: If you’re on a budget and primarily want to watch local and primetime games, an OTA antenna paired with NFL+ is the most affordable option.
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Fan Who Wants a Mix of Live and On-Demand Content: If you enjoy both live games and access to a vast library of movies and TV shows, consider a streaming service like Hulu + Live TV or fuboTV.
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Fan Who’s Always on the Go: If you frequently travel or want to watch games on your mobile device, NFL+ is a convenient and affordable option.
Additional Tips for Watching Steelers Games
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Check Local Listings: Always check your local listings to see if any Steelers games are being broadcast in your area for free.
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Utilize Free Trials: Take advantage of free trials offered by streaming services to test them out and potentially catch some Steelers games without paying.
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Follow the Steelers on Social Media: The Steelers’ official social media accounts often provide updates on game broadcasts and other relevant information.
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Engage with Other Fans: Join online forums or communities to discuss the games and connect with fellow Steelers fans.
Conclusion
In the era of cord-cutting and streaming, watching your favorite NFL team, even when you’re out of market, is easier than ever. With a variety of options available, from premium subscriptions like NFL Sunday Ticket to more affordable alternatives like NFL+ and OTA antennas, you can tailor your viewing experience to your needs and budget.
The key is to be informed, explore your options, and choose the method that best suits your lifestyle and preferences. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can ensure that you never miss a Steelers game again, no matter where you are. So, gear up, show your black and gold pride, and get ready to cheer on the Steelers all season long!
