Craving Cubbie Baseball? Can YouTube TV Be Your Wrigley Field on Demand?
Die-hard Chicago Cubs fan? Do you bleed blue (and maybe a little red after those close calls)? And most importantly, do you dream of catching every inning, every strikeout, every Kris Bryant home run (okay, maybe that last one needs an update), without leaving the couch? Well, my friend, you've stumbled upon the question that's kept many a Cub fan up past bedtime: Can YouTube TV be your ticket to Wrigleyville?
The Rundown: Cubs, Cameras, and YouTube TV
Let's get down to brass tacks. Here's the deal with Cubs games on YouTube TV:
- It's a YES (with some asterisks): If the Cubs are playing on a channel included in YouTube TV's base package (like Fox, FS1, TBS, or ESPN), then you're in luck! Settle in, crack open a refreshing beverage of your choice (sports metaphors optional, but highly encouraged), and cheer on your boys (or gals, depending on your preferred team nickname).
- The Asterisk Army Attacks: Here's the tricky part. Games broadcast on Marquee Sports Network, the Cubs' official home, aren't always included with YouTube TV. It depends on your location. Some areas have Marquee Sports Network in their YouTube TV lineup, while others are left out in the cold (or should we say, the bleachers?).
Outmaneuvering the Blackout Blues: Your Cub-Fan Survival Guide
So, what if Marquee Sports Network is the blackout beast keeping you from your Cubs fix? Fear not, fellow fan! Here's your survival kit:
- Check Your Lineup: Head over to the YouTube TV website and peek at your specific channel lineup. Search for Marquee Sports Network and see if it graces your list with its presence.
- The MLB.TV Route: If you're willing to shell out some extra dough, consider subscribing to MLB.TV. This MLB-run streaming service offers access to (almost) all out-of-market games, including the Cubs. Just be aware of blackout restrictions – you might be blacked out for in-market games.
- The Friend with the Fantastic Package: Alright, this might be a long shot, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. Do you have a friend with a stellar cable package that includes Marquee Sports Network? Befriend them more. Very, very much more.
In Conclusion: There's a Cub for Every Viewing Option
The world of streaming Cubs games can be a bit of a labyrinth, but with a little research and maybe a sprinkle of good luck, you'll be virtually high-fiving Rizzo after a game-winning homer in no time. So, fire up YouTube TV, check your lineup, and remember: even if you can't physically be at Wrigley, you can still experience the magic (and maybe the occasional heartbreak) of Cubs baseball from the comfort of your couch. Now, go forth and conquer those viewing obstacles, Cub fan!
