NFL Sunday Ticket allows fans to watch every out-of-market NFL game live on Sundays during the regular season. However, there are some requirements and restrictions on who can subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket and when the service becomes available each season. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about when you can start using NFL Sunday Ticket.
What is NFL Sunday Ticket?
NFL Sunday Ticket is a premium live game streaming service created by DirecTV. It allows subscribers to watch every out-of-market Sunday afternoon NFL game live or on-demand, from the preseason through the regular season.
Games shown on CBS and Fox in your local market are not available on Sunday Ticket due to broadcast restrictions. You can only watch games that would normally be unavailable in your local TV market.
Sunday Ticket offers different subscription options for both residential and commercial customers, which we’ll explore in more detail later.
Key facts about NFL Sunday Ticket availability:
- Only available to DirecTV satellite subscribers in the US.
- Not available on DirecTV Stream (their streaming platform).
- Regular season only – does not include playoff or Super Bowl games.
- Local games on CBS and Fox are blacked out.
- National broadcasts on NBC, ESPN, Amazon are not included.
- Preseason games are included starting in August.
- Students can get a discounted standalone package.
- Commercial venues can get a bar/restaurant package.
Knowing these requirements and blackout restrictions is key to having realistic expectations about what NFL Sunday Ticket offers. Now let’s look at when you can actually start using the service each football season.
When does the NFL Sunday Ticket season start?
The NFL Sunday Ticket season aligns directly with the NFL regular season schedule. Here are the key dates:
- Preseason – NFL Sunday Ticket starts showing preseason games in August each year.
- Regular season – Games are available each Sunday starting with Week 1 and running through Week 17 in January.
- Postseason – Sunday Ticket does not include any playoff or Super Bowl games after the regular season ends.
The specific date that the NFL regular season schedule begins each year varies. But it’s typically early September, with Week 1 games falling between September 8-14 in recent years.
As soon as the first Sunday of NFL games takes place, NFL Sunday Ticket activates for the season. This gives subscribers live access to all out-of-market games, excluding local broadcasts.
When do preseason games begin on NFL Sunday Ticket?
While regular season access usually starts in early September, NFL Sunday Ticket begins showing preseason games in August before that.
The preseason schedule typically runs for four weeks, starting in early-to-mid August. Here are the approximate preseason start dates from the past few years:
- 2022: Sunday, August 14
- 2021: Thursday, August 12
- 2020: Thursday, August 13
So you can generally expect NFL Sunday Ticket to activate by mid-August at the latest to show preseason games. This gives subscribers an early glimpse of new players and rookies before the regular season kicks off.
Just keep in mind that preseason rosters and playing time tend to be very different from the regular season. Veterans and established starters see limited snaps in exhibition games.
When does the NFL regular season (and Sunday Ticket access) end?
The NFL regular season and NFL Sunday Ticket availability run in sync for 17 weeks from September through early January.
Week 17 of the NFL season represents the end of Sunday Ticket for the year. The last week of regular season games typically takes place between January 1-9.
Once the regular season is over, Sunday Ticket stops showing live games. Availability ends even if you paid for the full-season package.
Postseason games like the Wild Card, Divisional Round, and Conference Championships are not included. The service stays inactive throughout the playoffs leading up to the Super Bowl.
So in summary, you can use Sunday Ticket from mid-August through early January, covering the NFL preseason and regular season.
Are there any blackout restrictions?
NFL Sunday Ticket shows every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game during the regular season. However, there are some blackout rules you need to be aware of:
- Local games: Any games airing on CBS or Fox in your local market are blacked out. You can only watch out-of-market games not shown in your broadcast area.
- National broadcasts: Sunday games on NBC, ESPN, and (starting in 2022) Amazon Prime are unavailable since they are nationally televised.
- NFL Network: Thursday, Saturday, and some Sunday night games shown on NFL Network are not included in Sunday Ticket.
So while the service gives you access to a lot of football, there are still some restrictions based on national and local broadcast rights. Be sure to factor in these blackout rules when managing your expectations.
How do I subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket?
Now that you know when NFL Sunday Ticket is available, let’s discuss how to actually subscribe. There are a few requirements and options:
NFL Sunday Ticket Packages
DirecTV Choice Package
– Must have DirecTV satellite TV service
– Includes NFL Sunday Ticket MAX with all features
– Starts at $69.99/month for 12 months
Streaming-Only for Students
– Available to students at four-year colleges
– Allows streaming without satellite service
– $99 for the season
TV Commercial Packages
– For bars, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses
– Several options starting at $300/month
So regular viewers need DirecTV satellite TV to get Sunday Ticket as part of a package. Students can stream online without satellite. And commercial establishments can get business-specific packages.
Signing Up for NFL Sunday Ticket
Here are the steps to subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket based on your situation:
For residential DirecTV customers:
- Make sure you can install a satellite dish where you live.
- Order a DirecTV package like Choice or higher.
- NFL Sunday Ticket MAX is automatically included.
- Installation takes about 7-10 days after order.
For students:
- Confirm eligibility by verifying your university.
- Provide student ID and other documentation.
- Order Sunday Ticket online directly.
- Access begins immediately after order confirmed.
For commercial venues:
- Pick the right package for your business needs.
- Call 888-420-5483 to order.
- Takes 24 hours to activate after install.
- Usage limited to business address only.
Be sure to factor in the lead time for activating your chosen Sunday Ticket package. Students can get instant access, while satellite and commercial customers need to wait for installation.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key points to remember about when you can start using NFL Sunday Ticket:
- Preseason access begins in mid-August.
- Regular season access starts with Week 1 games in early September.
- Local games and national broadcasts are blacked out.
- Satellite TV required for residential subscriptions.
- Students can stream online without satellite.
- Commercial locations need a business-specific package.
Understanding the service windows, blackout rules, and subscription requirements is crucial to get the most out of NFL Sunday Ticket. Refer to this guide throughout the season to make sure you can watch your favorite teams every Sunday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about when you can start using NFL Sunday Ticket:
Can I get NFL Sunday Ticket without DirecTV?
No. An active DirecTV satellite TV subscription is required to add on NFL Sunday Ticket for residential customers. The only exception is students, who can stream with a student package.
When does the free preview period start?
NFL Sunday Ticket offers a free 7-day preview at the very beginning of the regular season. This allows new customers to try it out before paying.
Are playoff or Super Bowl games available on Sunday Ticket?
No. NFL Sunday Ticket only includes regular season games through Week 17. Postseason games are not included in this package.
Can I pause, rewind, or replay games with NFL Sunday Ticket?
Yes. NFL Sunday Ticket includes DVR features so you can pause live action, rewind, and replay full game broadcasts on demand.
How long is the NFL regular season?
The NFL regular season schedule lasts 17 weeks in total. It runs from Week 1 in early September through Week 17 in early January, followed by the playoffs.
Comparing NFL Sunday Ticket vs. DirecTV Stream
Many fans get confused about the difference between NFL Sunday Ticket and DirecTV Stream. Here is a quick comparison:
Service | NFL Sunday Ticket | DirecTV Stream |
---|---|---|
Overview | Out-of-market live regular season games | Streaming TV with sports channels |
Price | $69.99+ / month | $69.99+ / month |
Requirements | Active DirecTV satellite TV | Internet connection |
Availability | Included for all DirecTV customers | Available to everyone |
Live NFL games | Out-of-market Sunday afternoon games | In-market and national broadcasts |
The key difference is that Sunday Ticket requires satellite TV and focuses solely on out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. DirecTV Stream offers local channels and national sports networks for in-market and primetime games.
Conclusion
NFL Sunday Ticket provides unmatched live NFL game streaming access throughout the regular season. Just be aware of the specific package options and blackout restrictions when using the service. Refer to this guide to know exactly when you can start streaming football each season.
With the proper expectations set, NFL Sunday Ticket offers a great way for satellite subscribers and students to enjoy tons of football action. Just make sure to manage your expectations around preseason timing, local blackouts, and playoff availability. Check our rundown of key dates and facts to maximize your NFL Sunday Ticket experience.