Spectrum another to go dark on UT game
While DIRECTV and Uverse customers in Knoxville are in the clear to watch this weekend’s Tennessee football game, Spectrum customers could have trouble tuning in if negotiations over channels including SEC Network and ESPN are not resolved.
Tennessee’s home opener against Austin Peay, scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 9, will be broadcast on both ESPN+ and SEC Network+, bonus versions of their respective channels owned by The Walt Disney Company.
Charter Communications is in the midst of a weeklong contract dispute with Disney that has wiped nearly 30 channels from Spectrum customers across the country, according to Deadline.
ESPN+ is only available with an ESPN+ subscription, while SEC Network+ is only available to viewers who have access to the traditional SEC Network through a TV provider. Spectrum customers have lost that access during this dispute.
SEC Network spokesperson Amanda Brooks told Knox News one SEC football game and two SEC men’s basketball games per team, per year will be simulcast on both SEC Network+ and ESPN+.
That means, at least for this weekend, you won’t have to switch cable providers to watch Tennessee football. You might just have to purchase an extra subscription.
ESPN+ is a workaround for Spectrum cable customers this weekend
One way around the Spectrum lockout is through an independent ESPN+ subscription, currently priced at $9.99 per month. That price will increase to $10.99 per month starting Oct. 12.
ESPN+ also is available as a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for $12.99 per month with ads. A premium option of this plan is available for $19.99 month, which removes ads from Disney+ and Hulu, but not ESPN+.
Those plans also will increase in October.
ESPN+ does not give subscribers access to traditional ESPN networks, however. That means any games airing on ESPN or SEC Network moving forward will not be available to Spectrum customers or ESPN+ customers unless otherwise noted.
How Nexstar vs. DIRECTV affected Tennessee vs. Virginia
DIRECTV customers in Knoxville experienced a similar challenge last week, with Tennessee’s game against Virginia being broadcast on ABC. In Knoxville, ABC affiliate WATE is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which is in the midst of its own weekslong contract dispute with DIRECTV.
What’s the reason for the Disney-Spectrum dispute?
These contract disputes typically come down to disagreements over costs for services, especially as traditional linear TV viewership continues to decline.
For the first time, linear TV dropped below 50% of all viewership in July, according to Nielsen. At 38.7%, streaming saw record-high views that same month.
Charter recognizes “the current video ecosystem is broken” and hopes to reach a collaborative agreement with Disney − “or we’re moving on,” the company said in a news release.
“The Walt Disney Company and Charter are uniquely capable to lead the way, which is why we are disappointed that thus far they have insisted on unsustainable price hikes and forcing customers to take their products, even when they don’t want or can’t afford them,” according to Charter.
Of course, Disney places the blame on Charter, hence the dispute.
Where to watch the Tennessee football game in Knoxville
Of course, nearly any bar or restaurant in Knoxville should be showing the Sept. 9 game.
Schulz Bräu Brewing Company is among the most popular spots to cheer on the Vols, thanks to bright TVs and a first-rate sound system. The brewery, recently named third-best in the country, is hosting a watch party in its beer garden.
Last Days of Autumn Brewing also will host a watch party, according to Facebook. The brewery is offering $12 pitchers all day and $4 pints during the game to pair with chicken wings and garlic cheese curds.
Looking for a sports bar? The Local Smokey is the newest one downtown, joining Old City Sports Bar, Tommy Trent’s Sports Saloon and Skybox Sports Bar and Grill.
With temperatures looking to be no higher than the mid-80s Saturday, you might want to check out our comprehensive list of patios, some of which are bound to be showing the game if rain holds off.
Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865317-5138. Email ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Instagram @knoxscruff.