Kansas City Chiefs fans are expressing their displeasure after their team's final preseason game before the regular season was moved to a different TV station that many in the area cannot access due to the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
Some Kansas City Chiefs fans are feeling frustrated and disappointed after learning that their team's final preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night will not be televised in Kansas City due to the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The game will instead be broadcast on KMCI instead of the usual KSHB, as the DNC will preempt the football game on the latter channel.
Fans are also unable to stream the game on NFL Network due to blackout restrictions. This has led to widespread criticism and questions from fans on social media.
Chiefs Fans Outraged Over Preseason Game Blackout Due to Democratic National Convention
"For the second time this pre-season, Channel 41 is moving their coverage of the Chiefs game to Channel 38," a Reddit user wrote, via The Kansas City Star. "Youtube TV does not carry Channel 38, so once again I will not have access to watch this game. Why is Channel 41 paying for the rights to broadcast these games when it is not accessible for many in their market? Does the Chiefs front office care?"
The Chiefs' first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars also caused issues for fans, as it was moved from KSHB to KMCI due to the Summer Olympics in Paris. DirecTV customers were unable to watch the game because they do not have access to KMCI, and NFL Network's feed was also blacked out.
Chiefs Fans Outraged Over Preseason Game Blackout Due to Democratic National Convention
More social media reactions to the Chiefs-Bears game came on X.
"I’m trying to figure this out," one X user wrote. "Thursday’s game is blocked in my area on YouTube TV, even though I live local to KC. It’s on 38 the spot, which doesn’t have it’s own app or channel on YouTube TV. "But why can’t I watch it on NFL network’s broadcast of this? Can anyone explain?"
Chiefs Fans Outraged Over Preseason Game Blackout Due to Democratic National Convention
Chiefs fans may be particularly irked by the blackout as the preseason finale is typically a time for teams to evaluate their roster and make final decisions before the regular season begins. While head coach Andy Reid has indicated that key players are unlikely to see significant playing time, fans still want the opportunity to watch their team.
The Chiefs' regular season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5 will be nationally televised, so fans will not have to worry about any blackout restrictions or other issues. However, the DNC will conclude on Thursday, so it remains to be seen whether the Chiefs' final preseason game will be made available to a wider audience.
In the meantime, fans who are unable to watch the game on television will have to rely on streaming services such as NFL Game Pass or live radio broadcasts.
