Advice for a Pennsylvanian who is thinking about NFL Sunday Ticket

[DaBruinz]

I used to have Direct TV, I bailed because I personally decided it was too much money. The 2007 Season was frustrating because so many games were carried everywhere. I'm going to try and find a bar in Pittsburgh to watch the games, should be more fun and much less expensive. In addition, I may in the future go back to Direct TV and the NFL Sunday ticket once the economy settles down.

I would suggest at least try it out and see if it's for you !

Oh congrats on the Samsung, I just bought a 850 Series 46" myself, amazing TV !! Love how it can act as a front end to a media server over your home network. I can now watch every movie I own without lifting anything but the remote !

Brian - Just let us know how much you spend on drinks at the bar each week.. Then let us know if its more or less expensive.

 

[GostkowSKI]

I'm a displaced Pats fan as well, and what I do is usually go through the schedule and try to figure out in advance what games I will and won't get. Since you're in PA, let me try to help.

Week 1 - MNF. You WILL get it.

Week 2 - 1 PM Sunday game @ the Jets on CBS. Eagles are on @ 1, but FOX has the game. Other CBS games @ 1 are Bengals/Packers, Texans/Titans, and Raiders/Chiefs. I'm going to assume you WILL get that game.

Week 3 - 1 PM Sunday game @ Atlanta on FOX. I'm assuming that it's more likely in PA that they would carry Giants/Bucs at that time, ergo you WILL NOT get that game.

Week 4 - 1 PM game vs. Baltimore on CBS. Depending on where in PA you are, it's either that game you'll get or Bengals @ Browns. I'd say it's a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 5 - 4:15 game @ Denver on CBS. Every other team is either southeast or west coast. I'll assume you WILL get that game.

Week 6 - 4:15 game vs. Tennessee on CBS. It'll either be that, or Bills @ Jets. Again, there's a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 7 - 1 PM game vs. Tampa on CBS. No other PA team is playing at that time, so you WILL get that game.

Week 8 - Bye

Week 9 - 1 PM game vs. Miami on CBS. Again, depending where you are it's either that or Ravens/Bengals, a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 10 - SNF. You WILL get that game.

Week 11 - 4:15 game vs. Jets on CBS. Only other possibility, depending on your location in PA, is Bengals/Raiders. So more than likely, you WILL get that game.

Week 12 - MNF. You WILL get that game.

Week 13 - SNF (as of now). You WILL get that game.

Week 14 - 1 PM game vs. Carolina on FOX. Most likely, you WILL NOT get this game.

Week 15 - 1 PM game @ Buffalo on CBS. Eagles & Steelers are both on FOX, so you'll either get the Pats or the Browns, again depending on your location. 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 16 - 1 PM game vs. Jags on CBS. Unfortunately, the Steelers are on CBS at the same time. You WILL NOT get that game.

Week 17 - 1 PM game @ Houston on CBS. Again, Steelers are on CBS at the same time. You WILL NOT get that game (unless, of course, the Pats are 15-0 at that point )

Hope this helps.

 

[Frezo]

Buy it now before the price goes up. It is worth it! Not only will you see every Pats game but every game during the season.

I see this statement a lot. Is it possible to actually watch every game? Are they replayed during the week or something? If not, what is the programming during week days like?

Thanks

 

[TriplecHamp]

I see this statement a lot. Is it possible to actually watch every game? Are they replayed during the week or something? If not, what is the programming during week days like?

Thanks

Actually it is possible They have this gamemix channel that shows all of the games in little boxes. They also have the redzone channel which shows a team about to score. I have had NFL Sunday Ticket for the last 4 seasons and it has been spectacular. I get to watch every game. I love watching the Pats but watching the Giants and Cowboys/Eagles/Redskins games are awesome, I would get to watch them anyway since I live in Jersey but still. It was really great to watch games like the Colts and Steelers Ravens and Steelers, Cowboys Steelers, Jets and seahawks etc. My main point is that so many great games are played every week and It used to suck having to watch the Jets get blown out and the Giants beat the Rams in dry games. Sunday Ticket is worth it and more.

 

[mgteich]

So, if all you are interested in is patriot games at the time they are played, the cost is over $50 per game.

I'm a displaced Pats fan as well, and what I do is usually go through the schedule and try to figure out in advance what games I will and won't get. Since you're in PA, let me try to help.

Week 1 - MNF. You WILL get it.

Week 2 - 1 PM Sunday game @ the Jets on CBS. Eagles are on @ 1, but FOX has the game. Other CBS games @ 1 are Bengals/Packers, Texans/Titans, and Raiders/Chiefs. I'm going to assume you WILL get that game.

Week 3 - 1 PM Sunday game @ Atlanta on FOX. I'm assuming that it's more likely in PA that they would carry Giants/Bucs at that time, ergo you WILL NOT get that game.

Week 4 - 1 PM game vs. Baltimore on CBS. Depending on where in PA you are, it's either that game you'll get or Bengals @ Browns. I'd say it's a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 5 - 4:15 game @ Denver on CBS. Every other team is either southeast or west coast. I'll assume you WILL get that game.

Week 6 - 4:15 game vs. Tennessee on CBS. It'll either be that, or Bills @ Jets. Again, there's a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 7 - 1 PM game vs. Tampa on CBS. No other PA team is playing at that time, so you WILL get that game.

Week 8 - Bye

Week 9 - 1 PM game vs. Miami on CBS. Again, depending where you are it's either that or Ravens/Bengals, a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 10 - SNF. You WILL get that game.

Week 11 - 4:15 game vs. Jets on CBS. Only other possibility, depending on your location in PA, is Bengals/Raiders. So more than likely, you WILL get that game.

Week 12 - MNF. You WILL get that game.

Week 13 - SNF (as of now). You WILL get that game.

Week 14 - 1 PM game vs. Carolina on FOX. Most likely, you WILL NOT get this game.

Week 15 - 1 PM game @ Buffalo on CBS. Eagles & Steelers are both on FOX, so you'll either get the Pats or the Browns, again depending on your location. 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 16 - 1 PM game vs. Jags on CBS. Unfortunately, the Steelers are on CBS at the same time. You WILL NOT get that game.

Week 17 - 1 PM game @ Houston on CBS. Again, Steelers are on CBS at the same time. You WILL NOT get that game (unless, of course, the Pats are 15-0 at that point )

Hope this helps.

 

[BrianPat]

Brian - Just let us know how much you spend on drinks at the bar each week.. Then let us know if its more or less expensive.

Your assuming a few things. Not much of a drinker myself , I'll be nursing one or two cokes during the game. I'm also going on the assumption that more then a few games will make it on the national coverage like 2007.

The only real loss is watching it from home.

 

[PYPER]

I live in NY and did the math a few weeks ago.

6 games will definitely be on TV for me and another 7 are strong possibilities based on the tv schedule and times of games as well as the Jets and Giants schedules.

With 13 Patriots games possibly being on TV, I'm canceling my sunday ticket. I'd also like to sue them for the right to purchase individual games. Why should I be forced to buy the entire package when I may only want a few games?

 

[supafly]

I'm a displaced Pats fan as well, and what I do is usually go through the schedule and try to figure out in advance what games I will and won't get. Since you're in PA, let me try to help.

Week 1 - MNF. You WILL get it.

Week 2 - 1 PM Sunday game @ the Jets on CBS. Eagles are on @ 1, but FOX has the game. Other CBS games @ 1 are Bengals/Packers, Texans/Titans, and Raiders/Chiefs. I'm going to assume you WILL get that game.

Week 3 - 1 PM Sunday game @ Atlanta on FOX. I'm assuming that it's more likely in PA that they would carry Giants/Bucs at that time, ergo you WILL NOT get that game.

Week 4 - 1 PM game vs. Baltimore on CBS. Depending on where in PA you are, it's either that game you'll get or Bengals @ Browns. I'd say it's a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 5 - 4:15 game @ Denver on CBS. Every other team is either southeast or west coast. I'll assume you WILL get that game.

Week 6 - 4:15 game vs. Tennessee on CBS. It'll either be that, or Bills @ Jets. Again, there's a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 7 - 1 PM game vs. Tampa on CBS. No other PA team is playing at that time, so you WILL get that game.

Week 8 - Bye

Week 9 - 1 PM game vs. Miami on CBS. Again, depending where you are it's either that or Ravens/Bengals, a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 10 - SNF. You WILL get that game.

Week 11 - 4:15 game vs. Jets on CBS. Only other possibility, depending on your location in PA, is Bengals/Raiders. So more than likely, you WILL get that game.

Week 12 - MNF. You WILL get that game.

Week 13 - SNF (as of now). You WILL get that game.

Week 14 - 1 PM game vs. Carolina on FOX. Most likely, you WILL NOT get this game.

Week 15 - 1 PM game @ Buffalo on CBS. Eagles & Steelers are both on FOX, so you'll either get the Pats or the Browns, again depending on your location. 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 16 - 1 PM game vs. Jags on CBS. Unfortunately, the Steelers are on CBS at the same time. You WILL NOT get that game.

Week 17 - 1 PM game @ Houston on CBS. Again, Steelers are on CBS at the same time. You WILL NOT get that game (unless, of course, the Pats are 15-0 at that point )

Hope this helps.

With respect to your theory, this is total BS

If Pittsburgh isn't playing, they televise another AFC North game. The only way we ever get a Pats game, is if Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Cincinnati aren't playing at that time--unless, of course it's a prime time natl TV game

The past few yrs, we've gotten several games per yr out of 17 wks, and those were basically all prime time natl TV games

 

[mgteich]

Direct TV should consider selling the games at $50 per game.

I live in NY and did the math a few weeks ago.

6 games will definitely be on TV for me and another 7 are strong possibilities based on the tv schedule and times of games as well as the Jets and Giants schedules.

With 13 Patriots games possibly being on TV, I'm canceling my sunday ticket. I'd also like to sue them for the right to purchase individual games. Why should I be forced to buy the entire package when I may only want a few games?

 

[Frezo]

Actually it is possible They have this gamemix channel that shows all of the games in little boxes. They also have the redzone channel which shows a team about to score. I have had NFL Sunday Ticket for the last 4 seasons and it has been spectacular. I get to watch every game. I love watching the Pats but watching the Giants and Cowboys/Eagles/Redskins games are awesome, I would get to watch them anyway since I live in Jersey but still. It was really great to watch games like the Colts and Steelers Ravens and Steelers, Cowboys Steelers, Jets and seahawks etc. My main point is that so many great games are played every week and It used to suck having to watch the Jets get blown out and the Giants beat the Rams in dry games. Sunday Ticket is worth it and more.

It sounds nice. Has satellite access changed as far as position? I looked into it years ago and I'd have to have a big ol' maple removed from the front yard. It's right next to power lines so it would be a big deal. I do get all of the Pats games though and of course the rest of the national broadcasts so it really isn't that necessary. With the NFLN replays during the week some missed games are covered too. I'd still be tempted to try it for a season. It seems cool.

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

Would like some advice on this.....

I just got Direct TV for my 52" Samsung LCD and am thinking about subscribing to the NFL Sunday Ticket

Direct TV has an early bird special for $20 off before July 1st so I must make my mind up soon

The price is $56.00 per month billed for 5 months (= $280 for the complete season)

Anyone from out of the Massachusettes area have it and is it really worth the cost ?

I can afford it but I wonder if the Pats will have more nationally televised afternoon games this year then usual which of course would mean I wouldnt need it since my main concern is watching the Pats games without having to watch the Steelers games every week.

Any advice? - Buy it or not?

BUY, BABY, BUY. Been with Directv and Sunday ticket since '96 when I moved away from NE. Too many games are not shown locally, so you end up only seeing 6-7 games. Go for the package with the HD DVR.

 

[supafly]

It sounds nice. Has satellite access changed as far as position? I looked into it years ago and I'd have to have a big ol' maple removed from the front yard. It's right next to power lines so it would be a big deal. I do get all of the Pats games though and of course the rest of the national broadcasts so it really isn't that necessary. With the NFLN replays during the week some missed games are covered too. I'd still be tempted to try it for a season. It seems cool.

Actually, I believe the technology has increased possibly.

I live in a condo plan, right on a major tree line. These trees are huge, over 125 ft high. 2 times someone came out and told me there was NO way it could be done, but my GF was so persistent that on our 3rd opinion they made it work. We've had it for 3-4 months now w/o any problem whatsoever, they simply put it on the roof of our bldg.

They claimed that they can pretty much work around anything anymore, so it may be possible for you--I'd give them a call. Overall, it's about half of what our cable bill was, so it's a good deal all around.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I'm a displaced Pats fan as well, and what I do is usually go through the schedule and try to figure out in advance what games I will and won't get. Since you're in PA, let me try to help.

Week 1 - MNF. You WILL get it.

Week 2 - 1 PM Sunday game @ the Jets on CBS. Eagles are on @ 1, but FOX has the game. Other CBS games @ 1 are Bengals/Packers, Texans/Titans, and Raiders/Chiefs. I'm going to assume you WILL get that game.

Week 3 - 1 PM Sunday game @ Atlanta on FOX. I'm assuming that it's more likely in PA that they would carry Giants/Bucs at that time, ergo you WILL NOT get that game.

Week 4 - 1 PM game vs. Baltimore on CBS. Depending on where in PA you are, it's either that game you'll get or Bengals @ Browns. I'd say it's a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 5 - 4:15 game @ Denver on CBS. Every other team is either southeast or west coast. I'll assume you WILL get that game.

Week 6 - 4:15 game vs. Tennessee on CBS. It'll either be that, or Bills @ Jets. Again, there's a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 7 - 1 PM game vs. Tampa on CBS. No other PA team is playing at that time, so you WILL get that game.

Week 8 - Bye

Week 9 - 1 PM game vs. Miami on CBS. Again, depending where you are it's either that or Ravens/Bengals, a 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 10 - SNF. You WILL get that game.

Week 11 - 4:15 game vs. Jets on CBS. Only other possibility, depending on your location in PA, is Bengals/Raiders. So more than likely, you WILL get that game.

Week 12 - MNF. You WILL get that game.

Week 13 - SNF (as of now). You WILL get that game.

Week 14 - 1 PM game vs. Carolina on FOX. Most likely, you WILL NOT get this game.

Week 15 - 1 PM game @ Buffalo on CBS. Eagles & Steelers are both on FOX, so you'll either get the Pats or the Browns, again depending on your location. 50% chance you WILL get that game.

Week 16 - 1 PM game vs. Jags on CBS. Unfortunately, the Steelers are on CBS at the same time. You WILL NOT get that game.

Week 17 - 1 PM game @ Houston on CBS. Again, Steelers are on CBS at the same time. You WILL NOT get that game (unless, of course, the Pats are 15-0 at that point )

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the rundown - I am in Northeast Pa so I would say that if the Steelers or Eagles are on at the time the Pats play I will not see the game,I also see the Giants getting a lot of TV time on sundays in my area.

I would say that its almost NEVER when the Patriots are broadcast 2 consecutive weeks in a row in my area,Sometimes my local affiliate will put some type of crap non sports related filler like those infamous infomercials on weeks that don't have Pitt or Philly games so nothing is a given - I would guess in me seeing 6 or 7 TV games which is usually what I see every year.

I guess it would be worth it but them charging $100 just to add HD to those games when I am already paying $9.99 for HD is a bit ridiculous but then again they have to try and get some profit on the 700M it cost DirecTv to obtain the Sunday Ticket license (which by the way that License is expiring in 2010 so Dish may be up to the battle for the rights).

Thanks all you guys for all the advice,I will weigh my decision in with the responses set forth in this thread when I am ready to decide for sure in less than 3 weeks.

 

[Deus Irae]

My .02 cents.
I've had the Sunday Ticket for, hmmmmm 7 years (missed one year in a rental house, landlord issue). My question to anyone who states, don't get the Ticket: what is the other option? Great if you have a local bar which tunes in the Pats. That would be a better choice. I've heard that you can get the game on-line, but need skin cream after the game to smooth the face from squinting.
Personally, I like Comcast. The option of instant movies or TV shows that you've missed is way better then Direct TV's formula. But, you can't get the Patriots. Don't care so much about the HD as long as I get my weekly Patriots games. To pass the time I'll surf all the games and it always seems like I catch half a dozen endings of great games each week.
conclusion: go for it.

$300 dollars is highway robbery, especially if you're talking about a team that's as high profile as the Patriots. They'll be the "out of region" game almost every week that they aren't in prime time. That means that people should be able to watch them pretty much every time they aren't in conflict with the local team.

For the few games that they aren't available, there are bars/restaurants which allows for a more diverse experience, there's the internet, and there's the yard work that you've been putting off for 3 months.

In other words, if you can only get 10 games from home and have to go out to 6 games, you've got 6 $50 meals/bar tabs coming to you while you watch the games, if you even feel the need to go out to watch the games.

 

[TriplecHamp]

It sounds nice. Has satellite access changed as far as position? I looked into it years ago and I'd have to have a big ol' maple removed from the front yard. It's right next to power lines so it would be a big deal. I do get all of the Pats games though and of course the rest of the national broadcasts so it really isn't that necessary. With the NFLN replays during the week some missed games are covered too. I'd still be tempted to try it for a season. It seems cool.

I had some problems with some branches being in the way and I think we had to get them cut. Im not sure if anything has changed so far. If you get all of the Pats games im not sure it would be worth it unless you really enjoy watching other games. The only reason my father first ordered it was because he is a niners fan but we both really enjoy watching all of the games. It really comes down to whether or not you like watching other teams in other divisions.

 

[mgcolby]

I see this statement a lot. Is it possible to actually watch every game? Are they replayed during the week or something? If not, what is the programming during week days like?

Thanks

What triple said or you could just get a combination of 8 tv's (I'm at 6, between smaller SD tv's, PC monitors and a laptop to watch a game online). Or you can watch what they call Shortcuts. Shortcuts are 30 minute replays of the game commercial free. Basically every play is shown from the breaking of the huddle or the line getting set. They play these games on a four channel rotation throughout the day starting Wendseday, and it is repeated through Friday.

So it is possible to watch every game if you choose to devote the time during the week. The only drawback to the shortcuts is you lose the rythem/momentum of the game.

 

[sieglo]

I weight this choice every year (I live in the Philly area now).

Basically, I stick with Comcast and head to the bar for games that aren't available. The only problem is you don't get sound. I need to figure out a way to set it up through my cell phone. Maybe I will call my Dad, who lives in MA, and have him leave his phone on through the game, sitting next to the TV speaker.

Does WBCN offer streaming audio that I could acces with my Blackberry? Hmmm....

 

[DaBruinz]

Your assuming a few things. Not much of a drinker myself , I'll be nursing one or two cokes during the game. I'm also going on the assumption that more then a few games will make it on the national coverage like 2007.

The only real loss is watching it from home.

You don't eat food?

 

[DaBruinz]

$300 dollars is highway robbery, especially if you're talking about a team that's as high profile as the Patriots. They'll be the "out of region" game almost every week that they aren't in prime time. That means that people should be able to watch them pretty much every time they aren't in conflict with the local team.

For the few games that they aren't available, there are bars/restaurants which allows for a more diverse experience, there's the internet, and there's the yard work that you've been putting off for 3 months.

In other words, if you can only get 10 games from home and have to go out to 6 games, you've got 6 $50 meals/bar tabs coming to you while you watch the games, if you even feel the need to go out to watch the games.

The Patriots didn't even make the play-offs, Deus. Teams like Pittsburgh and the Titans are going to get the priority over the Patriots. So for you to say that they will be the "out of region game" every week is just BS on your part.

I'd be interested to have someone bring up some of the telecast tables from last year to see what was broadcast where.

 

[Deus Irae]

The Patriots didn't even make the play-offs, Deus. Teams like Pittsburgh and the Titans are going to get the priority over the Patriots. So for you to say that they will be the "out of region game" every week is just BS on your part.

I'd be interested to have someone bring up some of the telecast tables from last year to see what was broadcast where.

I think the Patriots got some player back on the roster that might make a difference.... You might remember that one of their prime time games from last year got bumped or they would have been in prime time for 5 games:

Patriots 2008 schedule announced!

I'll grant you that they are currently only scheduled for 3 prime time games this season, so it may not be 10 games available. People may have to settle for 6-8 at home and the rest elsewhere. Still, even if it were 10 games, you could still have 10 $30 outings for the price of the NFL ticket. That's more than just a plate of wings and a coke.