Da Bears on the Road: Your Survival Guide for Out-of-Market Fans
You, a loyal Chicago Bears fan, find yourself tragically exiled from the Windy City. Fear not, for the game-day spirit can travel far and wide! But how, you ask, can you witness the glory (or, perhaps more likely, the struggle) of Mitchell Trubisky's (...or whoever's under center these days) gridiron adventures when you're stuck in a land filled with fans of... shudder lesser teams?
Cutting the Cord Without Cutting Yourself
First, let's banish the barbaric practice of caveman television: cable. We've got streaming services now, folks, and they're a glorious buffet of options. Here's a rundown to get you started:
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NFL Sunday Ticket: The reigning champ, this subscription lets you roam the virtual gridiron at will, picking any game you fancy. Think of it as a Sunday buffet, but instead of questionable mystery meat, it's all Chicago Bears (with a side of whatever unfortunate team shares the field). However, there's a catch: NFL Sunday Ticket often requires a separate subscription on top of your existing streaming service, so it can hit your wallet harder than a Khalil Mack sack.
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YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket: Here's a twist! You can bundle NFL Sunday Ticket with YouTube TV, which gets you local channels and other goodies. It's pricier than a basic YouTube TV subscription, but if you're a die-hard Bears fan drowning in a sea of cheeseheads (looking at you, Wisconsin), it might be worth the investment.
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Streaming Services with Local Channels: Hold on, partner! Don't underestimate the power of the lowly local channel. Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV can get you CBS, FOX, NBC, and sometimes even ESPN, depending on your location. These channels might broadcast Bears games, especially if they're playing a primetime game or a matchup with your local team. Just be sure to check the broadcast schedule beforehand to avoid a Trubisky-sized disappointment.
Free Options (Because We're All About Saving Money)
Let's be honest, who doesn't love free? Here are a few ways to catch Bears games without breaking the bank:
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The Official Chicago Bears App (with limitations): Diehard fans, rejoice! The Bears app lets you watch games live...if you're on an iOS device. Sorry, Android users, you're stuck in the stands (of the friend zone) on this one.
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The Official Website (with limitations, again): Similar to the app, the Bears website offers a free live stream, but again, only for iOS devices. Look, we're just the messenger here. Maybe write a strongly worded email to the IT department?
Shady Tactics (We Don't Recommend, But We Won't Judge)
There's a whole other world out there filled with "alternative streaming methods." We won't delve into those here, but let's just say they involve navigating the internet's back alleys and might leave you with more malware than a rogue Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary. We strongly recommend sticking to the legit methods listed above. Watching the Bears shouldn't feel like dodging tacklers on a penalty-filled drive.
Bonus Tip: Embrace the Misery (or Glory)
Look, Bears fans, we all know it can be a rollercoaster. So find your fellow Chicago expatriates and turn watch parties into full-blown support groups (or victory celebrations, if the football gods are feeling generous). Surround yourself with jerseys, dip your snacks in ketchup and mustard (it's a Chicago thing, don't ask), and commiserate (or celebrate) with the passion that only Bears fans can truly understand.
Remember, Bears fandom is a lifestyle, not just a TV show. So grab your preferred beverage (adult or otherwise), find your fellow fans (or a sympathetic therapist), and get ready to cheer on the Monsters of the Midway, no matter where you are in the world!
