There are a few different ways to watch Chicago Blackhawks games depending on where you live and your preferences for streaming vs cable TV. Here are the main options for getting Blackhawks games during the 2022-2023 NHL season:
Watch on TV with Cable/Satellite
If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch Blackhawks games on the following channels:
- NBC Sports Chicago – Primary broadcaster for Blackhawks games in the Chicago area
- NBCSN – National NHL broadcasts
- NBC – Select national games
- TNT – National NHL broadcasts
- ESPN/ABC – Select national games
Check the Blackhawks schedule on their website or your TV provider’s channel listings to see which games will be on TV in your area. Most games that aren’t nationally broadcast will be on NBC Sports Chicago.
NBC Sports Chicago
NBC Sports Chicago has the rights to air the majority of Blackhawks games in their broadcast territory, which includes Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. If you have NBC Sports Chicago as part of your cable/satellite package, you can watch most Blackhawks games on there.
National Broadcasts
For nationally televised Blackhawks games on NBCSN, TNT, ESPN or NBC, check the schedule to see which games will be shown. These networks are typically available on most mainstream cable and satellite packages.
Stream Games Online
If you don’t have cable or prefer to stream games online, here are some options:
NHL Live/ESPN+
NHL Live lets you stream out-of-market NHL games that aren’t available on your local TV stations. It requires a paid subscription of $99/year or $24.99/month. You can also get NHL Live included as part of an ESPN+ subscription, which is $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
FuboTV
FuboTV is a sports-focused streaming service that includes NBC Sports Chicago and many national channels like NBCSN and ESPN in its base package. Plans start at $69.99/month after a free 7-day trial.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) offers NBC Sports Chicago with its Choice package for $89.99/month. You can get a 5-day free trial first.
Sling TV
With Sling TV’s Blue package ($35/month), you can get NBC and NBCSN to watch nationally televised games. Add their Sports Extra package for $11/month to also get NHL Network.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV includes NBC, NBCSN, ESPN and TNT to cover national NHL broadcasts. Local channel availability varies by region, so check if NBC Sports Chicago is offered in your area. Plans start at $69.99/month.
Listen on Radio
When watching live isn’t an option, Chicago Blackhawks radio broadcasts are available on:
- WGN 720 AM
- 105.9 FM The X
You can listen to WGN online with their live streaming platform. The NHL app and iHeartRadio also let you stream Blackhawks radio coverage.
Watch at a Bar or Restaurant
Catching the Blackhawks game at a local bar or restaurant is always an exciting option. Many sports bars will have the game on their main TVs, especially in the Chicago area. Check ahead to confirm they will have the Blackhawks game on if you want to watch a specific matchup.
Some options include:
- Underground Lounge – Underground sports bar in Chicago’s Loop area
- The Boundary Tavern & Grille – Popular Wrigleyville spot by Wrigley Field
- RM Champagne Salon – Upscale downtown restaurant with a lounge vibe
Attend a Game in Person
Nothing beats the energy and excitement of watching the Blackhawks live in action at the United Center! Here are some tips for catching a game in Chicago:
Buy Tickets
You can purchase Blackhawks tickets through Ticketmaster or StubHub, or directly from the Blackhawks website and box office. Prices range from around $50 for upper level seats to several hundred for lower bowl and club seats.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is available in lots around the United Center for $25-40 per vehicle. Taking public transit is another option – the United Center is accessible from the CTA Pink Line and multiple bus routes.
Food and Drinks
The United Center has plenty of concession stands for hot dogs, nachos, beer and more. You can also check out bars and restaurants in the nearby West Loop neighborhood before or after the game.
Shop for Merchandise
The Blackhawks operate multiple team stores around the arena to pick up jerseys, apparel and souvenirs before or after the game.
Arrive Early
Be sure to get to the arena with enough time to go through security screening and find your seats. Puck drop is usually right at the scheduled game start time.
How to Watch Blackhawks Games Out of Market
If you live outside the Blackhawks TV broadcast territory, it can be tricky to find ways to watch games. Here are a few options:
NHL Live/ESPN+
As mentioned above, NHL Live and ESPN+ let you stream out-of-market games. This will work to watch the Blackhawks if you live outside their broadcast area.
Use a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) tricks your device into thinking it’s in another location, like Chicago. Connect to a Chicago-based server to potentially access local Blackhawks streaming.
Visit an Online Stream Site
Unofficial online streaming sites may have illegal streams of Blackhawks games. We don’t recommend this option due to the risk of malware.
| Streaming Service | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHL Live/ESPN+ | $99/year or $24.99/month | – Get all out-of-market NHL games – On-demand replays |
– No NBC Sports Chicago for local fans – Have to pay for full package |
| FuboTV | $64.99/month | – NBC Sports Chicago included – Cloud DVR to record games |
– Pricier than some options |
| Sling TV | $46/month | – Cheaper option – NBCSN included for national games |
– No NBC Sports Chicago – Limited cloud DVR |
Conclusion
Chicago Blackhawks games are widely available through cable/satellite TV, streaming platforms, radio, bars and attending live at the United Center. For local fans, getting NBC Sports Chicago is key since they broadcast most games in the region. Out-of-market fans will need to use NHL Live/ESPN+ or a VPN to access games not shown nationally.
There are pros and cons to each viewing option in terms of content, reliability, cost and convenience. Evaluate all the methods to decide which provider or platform works for your budget and preferences as a Blackhawks fan. With multiple ways to watch the team this season, it’s easy to follow along with the Blackhawks wherever you live!
