How To Watch Kentucky's First Football Game
Incase you didn't already know, watching Kentucky's season-opener this weekend will be a little different than normal. Due to a new TV deal assigned throughout the Southeastern Conference a few seasons ago, each school has agreed to have at least one game on their schedule to be a streamed-only matchup and Kentucky's slot happens to be the very first game of the season.
Saturday's game against Miami (Ohio) will kick off at 7 p.m. ET and will not be on cable or satellite. It will be streamed exclusively on the SEC Network+ and ESPN+ so you must have one of those. The SEC Network+ is complementary to SEC Network viewers and accessible with your TV provider credentials. SEC Network+ can be accessed through the ESPN App on smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or at espn.com/watch. An audio live version form of the game will be available as usual on the UK Sports Network radio broadcast for free, inside the UK Athletics App, at UKAthletics.com and/or on all radio network affiliates including WBUL 98.1 FM / 630 WLAP AM in Lexington.
Question you might have regarding the stream (answers per ESPN) Q: If a game is on ESPN+ or SEC Network+, can I watch it on TV? A: SEC Network+ and ESPN+ are not television channels, but they are available via the ESPN App on your TV through connected streaming services and devices. Q: What is the difference between SEC Network and SEC Network+. A: SEC Network is a live 24-hour television network. SEC Network+ is a complementary digital platform providing hundreds of additional digital only events to fans through the ESPN App on connected devices. SEC Network+ is not a television channel. Q: What is the difference between SEC Network+ and ESPN+? A: SEC Network+ is complementary to SEC Network offering exclusive digital events. It is accessible with your TV provider credentials and is available via the ESPN APP on smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or espn.com/watch.
Q: If a game is airing on both SEC Network+ and ESPN+ simultaneously, where do I watch? A: Both streams will be available in the ESPN App. SEC Network authenticated subscribers of AT&T TV, Cox, DIRECTV, DISH Network, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Optimum, Sling TV, Spectrum TV, Suddenlink, Verizon Fios, Xfinity TV, YouTube TV, Vidgo, members of the NCTC, as well as those with access to SEC Network through TV connected devices, can watch the game via SEC Network+. If you do not have access to SEC Network, you can access games via a subscription to ESPN+.
Q: ESPN+ is a paid subscription. Do I have to pay separately to access SEC Network+? A: No. SEC Network+ is complementary
Q: Will the games on SEC Network+ and ESPN+ look any different? A: These games will have the same production value as games across all ESPN networks. For games airing simultaneously on SEC Network+ and ESPN+, both feeds will have the same on-air commentators and game coverage.
Q: Am I able to watch the network on my mobile phone or similar device? A: Yes, SEC Network is available on SECNetwork.com and on connected devices. It is accessible with your TV credentials and can be accessed through the ESPN App on smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or espn.com/watch via participating providers.
Q: Can I pay to subscribe to SEC Network or SEC Network+ online, Pay-Per-View or via ESPN3 if I can’t get it on TV? A: No. However, with a cable or satellite subscription you can access the network using your TV credentials through the ESPN App on smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or via espn.com/watch.
While this may feel odd for some, just understand that this is the only football game of the year (for UK) that will be this way, but, remember this process and how to do it because there will be guaranteed at least 1 basketball game this season that will be the same way. It is ESPN and its affiliate in the SEC Network trying to modernize their broadcasts and we're all adapting with the times. The content quality of the game(s) will still look the same.