How to Watch the Chicago Bears Game: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you ready to roar with the crowd and cheer on the Monsters of the Midway? For Chicago Bears fans, game day isn’t just an event, it’s a sacred tradition, a chance to connect with the city’s heartbeat and feel the thrill of victory (or the agony of defeat) together. But with an ever-evolving landscape of streaming services, broadcast channels, and blackout rules, figuring out *how* to actually watch the game can feel like a tougher challenge than facing the Bears’ defense in their prime.

Knowing exactly where and how to tune in is crucial for any devoted Bears supporter. Missing a crucial play, a game-changing interception, or a heart-stopping field goal due to scrambling for the right channel is simply unacceptable. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of Soldier Field or a newly converted fan, having a clear game plan for accessing the broadcast is essential to fully immersing yourself in the Bears experience. After all, what’s the point of having the perfect tailgate spread if you’re stuck fiddling with the antenna?

What are my options for watching the Chicago Bears game?

What channel is the Bears game on today?

The channel broadcasting the Chicago Bears game today depends on the specific game and the week of the NFL season. Generally, Bears games are broadcast on a mix of national and local channels, including FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Consult your local listings or a reliable sports schedule website (like NFL.com, ESPN.com, or a TV guide) for the definitive channel in your area.

The broadcast channel is determined by various factors. National broadcasts like Sunday Night Football (NBC), Monday Night Football (ESPN), and Thursday Night Football (NFL Network or Amazon Prime Video) often feature the Bears. In addition, CBS typically airs games when the Bears are playing an AFC team, while FOX broadcasts games against NFC opponents. The specific carrier for streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video will require a subscription. To get the most accurate information, a few hours before kickoff, check your local TV listings either through your cable provider’s guide or online through sites like Zap2it or TV Guide. These listings will reflect any last-minute changes and show the exact channel number in your area. Furthermore, streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV offer packages that include many of the major sports channels, so these can be reliable options if you prefer to stream the game.

How can I stream the Bears game if I don’t have cable?

You can stream Chicago Bears games without cable using a variety of live TV streaming services that offer channels like CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, depending on which channels are broadcasting the game. These services provide access to live games on your computer, phone, tablet, or streaming device.

Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM are popular choices for watching NFL games, including the Bears. Each service has different channel lineups, pricing, and features, so it’s a good idea to compare them to see which one best fits your needs. Check which local channels are offered in your area, as these are crucial for catching games broadcast on CBS, FOX, and NBC. Many of these services also offer free trials, allowing you to test them out before committing to a subscription. Another option is NFL+, the NFL’s own streaming service. While it doesn’t offer live streams of all games, especially national broadcasts, it typically provides live streams of local and primetime games on mobile devices and tablets. This can be a more affordable option if you primarily watch games on smaller screens. Also, consider using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to watch games broadcast on your local channels for free. This only works if you are within range of the broadcast towers, but it’s a cost-effective way to watch games on CBS, FOX, and NBC.

Are there any free ways to watch the Bears game?

Yes, there are limited ways to watch Chicago Bears games for free, primarily focusing on over-the-air broadcasts and limited-time trials or alternative viewing options.

While a completely free, reliable stream of every Bears game is difficult to find, some options exist. The most dependable free method is watching games broadcast on local channels (like FOX, CBS, and NBC) via a digital antenna. These channels air games that are nationally televised or part of the Bears’ regular broadcast schedule within the Chicago market. A one-time purchase of a decent digital antenna can grant access to these games without ongoing subscription fees. Keep in mind that the antenna’s effectiveness depends on proximity to broadcast towers. Another avenue, though less consistent, involves leveraging free trials offered by streaming services like Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. These services often carry the channels that broadcast NFL games. However, these are typically short-lived (usually a week or less), so they’re only useful for catching a game or two strategically. Furthermore, be diligent in canceling the subscription before the trial ends to avoid being charged. Certain bars and restaurants also show games, offering a social (but not entirely free, considering food and drink purchases) way to watch.

What’s the best sports bar in Chicago to watch the Bears?

Choosing the “best” sports bar is subjective and depends on your priorities, but for a reliably great Bears game-day experience in Chicago, consider **Sedano’s Bar**. It’s known for its massive screens, excellent sound system, passionate crowd, and solid game-day food and drink specials. They’re also centrally located, making them relatively accessible.

Several factors contribute to Sedano’s consistent popularity among Bears fans. First, the sheer number and size of their TVs are a huge draw. You’re guaranteed a good view no matter where you’re seated. Second, the atmosphere is electric during games. The crowd is genuinely invested, creating an exciting and communal viewing experience. Finally, they offer a menu of classic bar food that’s both satisfying and affordable, along with drink specials that make it easy to settle in for the entire game.

While Sedano’s is an excellent choice, other notable contenders include **The Fifty/50** in Wicker Park (known for its extensive beer selection and multiple levels), **Timothy O’Toole’s Pub** (multiple locations, reliable and spacious), and **Houndstooth Saloon** in Wrigleyville (a Southern-themed bar that brings a unique flavor to Bears games). Ultimately, the best bar for you will depend on your location, preferred atmosphere, and budget. Calling ahead to check on reservation policies or availability is always a good idea, especially for popular games.

How can I listen to the Bears game on the radio?

You can listen to Chicago Bears games on the radio by tuning into their flagship station, WBBM Newsradio 780 AM and 105.9 FM. They are the official radio home of the Bears and broadcast every game, pre-game shows, and post-game analysis.

To ensure you don’t miss any action, it’s a good idea to check the specific game day schedule on the WBBM Newsradio website or app. The pre-game coverage usually starts a few hours before kickoff, providing in-depth analysis and interviews. Also, note that in some cases, particularly for nationally televised games, there might be slight delays or alternative broadcast arrangements, so double-checking is always recommended. Finally, depending on your location, you might also be able to find alternative radio broadcasts through the NFL Game Pass Audio service (subscription required) or via other stations that carry the game through national syndication, though WBBM remains the primary and most reliable source in the Chicago area.

Will the Bears game be blacked out in my area?

NFL blackout rules, which previously restricted the local broadcast of games that weren’t sold out, have been suspended since 2015. Therefore, it’s highly unlikely that a Chicago Bears game will be blacked out in your local viewing area. You should be able to watch the game on your local affiliate network (usually CBS or FOX) if it’s being broadcast in your region.

While the *official* NFL blackout policy is no longer in effect, there’s a slight, theoretical chance that a local broadcast partner could choose not to air the game for its own specific programming reasons, though this is extremely rare. Factors influencing local broadcast decisions can sometimes include scheduling conflicts with other major events, or a decision to highlight a different, nationally televised game with potentially higher local viewership. Always check your local listings to confirm the broadcast schedule.

If you are still concerned about access, or simply want to ensure you never miss a game, consider subscribing to NFL+, NFL Sunday Ticket (if you are eligible, which usually means you can’t get broadcast networks), or another streaming service that carries live NFL games. These options provide alternative ways to watch the Bears, regardless of local broadcast schedules.

Where can I find the Bears schedule with TV listings?

You can find the Chicago Bears schedule with TV listings on the official Bears website (chicagobears.com), major sports websites like ESPN (espn.com) and NFL.com, and through most TV guide services, either online or through your cable/satellite provider. These sources will provide game dates, times, network broadcasts (e.g., FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network), and streaming options.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information, especially regarding last-minute changes or flex scheduling, relying on multiple sources is a good strategy. The official Bears website should be your first stop, as it’s typically updated directly by the team. Major sports outlets like ESPN and NFL.com offer comprehensive schedules and often provide pre-game and post-game analysis. Finally, consider setting up personalized alerts through sports apps. Many sports apps allow you to select your favorite team (the Bears, naturally!) and receive notifications regarding game times, TV listings, and even in-game updates. This way, you’ll never miss a snap!

Alright, hopefully you’re now all set to catch the Bears game! Thanks so much for checking out this guide. We hope you enjoy watching the Monsters of the Midway, and be sure to come back soon for more tips, tricks, and all things Chicago sports!