Are you ready to dive headfirst into the exhilarating world of ice hockey, specifically when it comes to catching every thrilling moment on your Verizon Fios TV? If you're a devoted puck-head, you know that missing a game is simply not an option. But how much does it cost to get all those out-of-market matchups with NHL Center Ice on Verizon? Let's break it down, step by step, so you can be prepared for the upcoming season!
Your Ultimate Guide to NHL Center Ice on Verizon Fios
NHL Center Ice is a must-have for any serious hockey fan who wants to follow their favorite team, no matter where they play. It's essentially your ticket to up to 40 out-of-market games per week, ensuring you don't miss a single goal, save, or bone-jarring check. Let's get you set up!
Step 1: Confirm Your Verizon Fios TV Subscription
First things first, before you can even think about adding NHL Center Ice, you need to be a Verizon Fios TV subscriber. Are you already enjoying the crystal-clear picture and lightning-fast speeds of Fios TV? If not, that's your starting point! NHL Center Ice is an add-on package, meaning it requires an existing Fios TV plan.
Existing Customers: Great! You're one step closer to hockey heaven.
New Customers: You'll need to sign up for a Verizon Fios TV package. Verizon offers various plans, so you can choose one that fits your budget and viewing habits.
Step 2: Understand the Cost of NHL Center Ice on Verizon Fios
This is often the most critical question! While prices can vary slightly from season to season and with promotions, you can generally expect NHL Center Ice on Verizon Fios to cost between $130 to $160 for the entire season.
Sub-heading: Early Bird vs. Regular Pricing
Keep an eye out for early bird specials! Providers like Rogers (which offers similar sports packages as Verizon, indicating industry trends) often have discounted rates if you subscribe before the season officially kicks off. For the 2024-2025 season, some providers offered an early bird price around $209.00 for a one-time payment, or four monthly payments of $53.00. Regular pricing might see that jump to $219.00 for a one-time payment or four monthly payments of $55.00. While these exact numbers are from another provider, they give you a strong indication of the price range to expect from Verizon.
Sub-heading: Half-Season Pricing
If you decide to jump in mid-season, you might also find a half-season pricing option, which will be a reduced cost. For example, some providers offer half-season pricing around $139.00 for a one-time payment or four monthly payments of $35.00. This is a great option if you realize you need more hockey later in the year.
Important Note: These prices are subject to change and are usually for the full NHL regular season. It's always best to check directly with Verizon Fios for the most current pricing for the upcoming season.
Step 3: How to Subscribe to NHL Center Ice on Verizon Fios
Subscribing is generally straightforward. You have a few main options:
Sub-heading: Ordering Online via My Verizon Account
Log In: Go to the official Verizon Fios website and log in to your My Verizon account.
Navigate to TV Services: Look for the "TV & Streaming" or "Fios TV" section.
Find Sports Packages/Add-ons: Search for "Sports Packages," "Premium Channels," or "Add-ons."
Select NHL Center Ice: Locate NHL Center Ice and click to add it to your services.
Confirm & Checkout: Follow the prompts to review your order and complete the subscription. You may need to agree to terms and conditions.
Sub-heading: Ordering by Phone
Call Verizon Fios Customer Service: The most direct way to subscribe if you prefer speaking to someone is to call Verizon Fios customer service. Have your account information ready, and tell them you want to add NHL Center Ice to your TV package. Their representatives can guide you through the process, confirm pricing, and answer any specific questions you may have.
Sub-heading: Ordering Through Your Fios TV Box (If Available)
Some TV providers allow you to subscribe to premium packages directly through your set-top box's on-screen menu. Check your Fios TV's interactive media guide or "On Demand" section for sports packages. Look for an "Order" or "Subscribe" option next to NHL Center Ice.
Step 4: Understanding What's Included and Blackout Rules
Once you've subscribed, it's crucial to understand what you're getting and, perhaps more importantly, what you're not getting due to blackout restrictions.
Sub-heading: What NHL Center Ice Provides
Out-of-Market Games: This is the primary benefit. You get access to games that are not broadcast on your local or nationally televised channels (like ESPN, TNT, ABC, or NHL Network).
Up to 40 Games Per Week: That's a lot of hockey! You'll have a wide selection of games to choose from on most nights during the regular season.
NHL Network Included: NHL Center Ice typically includes access to the NHL Network, a 24/7 channel dedicated to all things hockey, featuring live games, highlights, analysis, and original programming.
Dual Feeds: For select games, you might have the option to choose between the home and away team broadcasts, letting you listen to your preferred announcers.
Mosaic Channel: Verizon Fios often offers a "Mosaic Channel" which allows you to view up to four live games at once on a single screen, a fantastic feature for busy hockey nights.
Sub-heading: NHL Blackout Restrictions
This is critical for all sports packages, and NHL Center Ice is no exception. Blackouts occur due to local and national broadcasting rights agreements. * In-Market Games: Games featuring your local team (the team within your designated market area) that are broadcast on a local RSN (Regional Sports Network) or a national channel will not be available on NHL Center Ice. You'll need to watch those on the designated local or national channel. * National Broadcasts: Games airing on national channels like ESPN, TNT, ABC, or NHL Network are also typically blacked out on NHL Center Ice. * Why Blackouts? Blackouts protect the local broadcasters and ensure viewership for those channels and attendance at local arenas.
Always check your local listings and the NHL Center Ice schedule to confirm which games are available to you.
Step 5: Maximize Your NHL Center Ice Experience
You've got the package, now make the most of it!
Sub-heading: Utilize the Mosaic Channel
As mentioned, the Mosaic Channel is a game-changer. Especially on busy nights with multiple games on, being able to see a quick snapshot of the action on four different channels simultaneously can help you decide which game to focus on.
Sub-heading: Explore Dual Feeds
If you have a strong preference for a specific broadcast team, remember to check for the dual feed option. It can significantly enhance your viewing pleasure.
Sub-heading: Stay Updated with Schedules
The NHL schedule can be dynamic. Keep an eye on official NHL.com schedules or sports news sites to know when your desired games are airing and on which channel (including whether they are on Center Ice or subject to blackout).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further navigate NHL Center Ice on Verizon Fios:
How to check if my Verizon Fios TV package is compatible with NHL Center Ice?
You can check your Verizon Fios TV package details by logging into your My Verizon account online, or by calling Verizon Fios customer service directly. NHL Center Ice is generally an add-on to most Fios TV plans.
How to watch NHL Center Ice games on multiple TVs in my home?
If you have multiple Fios TV set-top boxes connected to your Verizon Fios service, NHL Center Ice should be available on all of them once subscribed.
How to find the NHL Center Ice channels on my Verizon Fios TV?
The NHL Center Ice channels are typically grouped together within the higher channel numbers on your Fios TV lineup. Check your interactive program guide or Verizon's channel lineup online for the specific channel range.
How to resolve blackout issues with NHL Center Ice on Verizon Fios?
Blackout issues cannot be "resolved" on NHL Center Ice itself, as they are part of the licensing agreements. If a game is blacked out, it means it's available on a local RSN or a national channel (ESPN, TNT, ABC, NHL Network). Check your guide for these alternative channels.
How to cancel NHL Center Ice on Verizon Fios?
To cancel NHL Center Ice, you will typically need to contact Verizon Fios customer service by phone. Be aware of any cancellation policies or potential pro-rated refunds depending on when you cancel in the season.
How to know the exact price of NHL Center Ice for the current season?
The most accurate and up-to-date pricing for NHL Center Ice on Verizon Fios can be found by visiting the official Verizon Fios website or by calling their customer service line. Prices can vary slightly season to season.
How to watch NHL games if I don't want NHL Center Ice?
You can watch NHL games through national broadcasters like ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NHL Network (if included in your Fios package), or via streaming services like ESPN+ (which offers out-of-market games, but also has its own blackouts).
How to get NHL Network without subscribing to NHL Center Ice?
NHL Network may be available as part of a higher-tier sports package on Verizon Fios, or as a standalone add-on, separate from the full NHL Center Ice package. Check with Verizon for specific package details.
How to stream NHL Center Ice games on my mobile devices?
Verizon Fios customers with NHL Center Ice may have access to stream games through the My Fios app or other authorized streaming platforms. Check Verizon's support pages for details on compatible devices and streaming options.
How to get a free trial for NHL Center Ice on Verizon Fios?
Free trials for premium sports packages like NHL Center Ice are extremely rare and typically not offered by cable providers like Verizon Fios. You might find introductory offers or discounts at the start of a new season instead.