College hockey’s Frozen Four tournament is one of the most exciting events in sports. With thousands of fans packed into the arena and millions more watching on TV, it’s the pinnacle of NCAA hockey. If you’re a college hockey fan, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the chance to watch the Frozen Four. Here are some of the best ways to tune into the action.
Watch on ESPN
The easiest way to watch the Frozen Four is on ESPN. As the exclusive broadcaster of the tournament, ESPN offers complete live coverage of every game on its family of networks. The two Frozen Four semifinal games are usually shown on ESPN2, while the national championship game airs on ESPN. So just turn your TV to the right ESPN channel and you’ll be able to catch all the hockey action live.
In addition to the live broadcasts, ESPN will have pre- and post-game studio coverage with analysis and highlights. So you can get immersed in all the Frozen Four storylines by watching ESPN’s comprehensive coverage.
Use ESPN’s streaming platforms
Don’t have access to ESPN’s TV channels? Not a problem. ESPN offers several streaming options that allow you to watch the Frozen Four online or on your mobile device:
- WatchESPN – Stream Frozen Four games live on your computer, phone, tablet, connected streaming device (like Roku or Apple TV)
- ESPN App – Watch on your iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Chromecast or FireTV device
- ESPN+ – ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service has the Frozen Four and other live sports
As long as you have a valid cable/satellite subscription, you can log in with your TV provider credentials to access live ESPN channels through these streaming options. This gives you a ton of flexibility to watch the Frozen Four wherever you are.
Subscribe to a live TV streaming service
Don’t have cable but still want to watch the Frozen Four live? Sign up for an over-the-top streaming TV service. Options like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and DirecTV Stream all include ESPN in their channel packages. Here’s a quick overview:
Service | Price | ESPN Channels |
---|---|---|
YouTube TV | $64.99/month | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network |
Hulu + Live TV | $69.99/month | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network |
Sling TV (Orange & Blue Package) | $50/month | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU |
DirecTV Stream | $69.99/month | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network |
Check each service for current pricing and channel listings to make sure they carry your local ESPN network. With any of these options, you can watch the Frozen Four live without a cable subscription.
Watch conference network coverage
Since college hockey is aligned by conference, dedicated league networks like Big Ten Network (BTN), NESN, CBS Sports Network and others provide additional Frozen Four coverage. These channels offer supplementary studio analysis, press conferences and interviews that complement ESPN’s national broadcast.
If your cable/satellite package or streaming service includes these conference-specific channels, check their programming guide for Frozen Four shows and coverage. As the TV home for Big Ten, Hockey East and other prominent hockey conferences, they provide great behind-the-scenes content.
Purchase single games online
You can purchase live webcasts of Frozen Four games directly from the NCAA. If you only want to watch certain matchups or the championship game, this pay-per-view option may be more affordable than a monthly cable/streaming subscription. Single games typically cost around $10-15 to stream online.
Visit NCAA.com/march-madness-live leading up to the Frozen Four to review streaming prices and purchase access to specific games.
Watch at a sports bar
Heading to a sports bar or restaurant is a great way to watch big games. With the Frozen Four aired nationally on ESPN, most sports bars will have the games on many large-screen TVs. Call ahead to make sure they are showing the tournament. The energy and camaraderie of other hockey fans makes for a fun viewing atmosphere.
Some options like Buffalo Wild Wings or Hockeytown Cafe even specialize in hockey fandom. Arrive early to grab a good seat. Enjoy drink and food specials as you cheer on your team.
Attend the games in person
For the ultimate Frozen Four experience, attend the games live! The 2023 tournament will be held at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on April 6th and 8th. Tickets are available through the NCAA website.
Seeing the action in person lets you fully appreciate the speed and skill of college hockey. You’ll make lifelong memories cheering alongside fellow fans. Arrive early to enjoy all the pre-game festivities too.
If your team reaches the Frozen Four, be prepared for high demand and prices for tickets. Act fast to get seats before they sell out.
Tune into radio coverage
Can’t watch the games live but still want play-by-play commentary? Listen to Frozen Four radio broadcasts. ESPN Radio provides national coverage of both the semi-finals and championship game.
Many local team radio affiliates also carry the tournament. Search “(team name) hockey radio network” to find your school’s station. The passionate calls really enhance the audio experience.
Use a radio app on your phone, tablet or computer to access live streams for free. Just search “ESPN Radio” or your team’s network in the app.
Follow on social media
Twitter, Facebook and other social platforms make it easy to stay on top of all the Frozen Four action. Follow these accounts for live updates, commentary, analysis and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the tournament:
- @NCAAIceHockey – Official NCAA hockey account
- @ESPN – ESPN’s main Twitter feed with news and highlights
- @MyTeamTwitter – Your favorite team’s official Twitter handle
- @ESPNCBB – ESPN’s college basketball Twitter (covers Frozen Four too)
- @ACCHockey – ACC hockey coverage
- @B1GHockey – Big Ten hockey coverage
The #FrozenFour hashtag will be very active throughout the event. Interact with other fans by posting your reactions after big plays.
Watch highlight and recap videos
If you miss part or all of a Frozen Four game, catch up by watching highlight and recap videos after the game. The NCAA and ESPN will post clips of goals, saves and pivotal moments on YouTube and social media.
School athletic departments and fan sites like College Hockey News will also produce recap videos with key plays and analysis. Search “Frozen Four (team names)” on YouTube to find highlight reels.
Watch condensed games on ESPN 3 the next day to see a 20-30 minute version summarizing all the action. This is a great way to quickly relive an exciting game.
Conclusion
The Frozen Four showcases some of the most skilled and intense hockey you’ll see all year. With multiple cable and streaming options available, as well as attending in person, college hockey fans have never had more ways to watch. Take advantage of these viewing opportunities to fully enjoy the road to the national championship.