Thursday Night Football Time: When Does The Game Start?

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Hey guys, are you ready for some football? Specifically, Thursday Night Football? If you're anything like me, you're probably already planning your evening around the game. But before you settle in with your snacks and your favorite jersey, you need to know what time the game actually starts! So, let's dive into everything you need to know about Thursday Night Football kickoff times, the broadcast details, and a little history to get you even more hyped for the gridiron action.

Understanding the Thursday Night Football Schedule

Let's get right to the meat of it: What time does Thursday Night Football usually start? Typically, you can expect kickoff around 8:15 PM Eastern Time. This has become the standard time slot for Thursday Night Football games, and it’s a pretty reliable one to mark on your calendar. Of course, there can be occasional exceptions due to holidays or special circumstances, but 8:15 PM ET is the general rule of thumb.

Now, why this particular time? Well, it's all about maximizing viewership. By starting the game in the early evening on the East Coast, it allows fans across the country to tune in without having to stay up too late. This time also gives people a chance to get home from work, grab some dinner, and settle in to watch the game. It’s a strategic move by the NFL to ensure as many eyeballs are glued to the screen as possible.

But don't just rely on this general rule! Always double-check your local listings or the NFL schedule for the specific kickoff time of each game. Things can change, and you don't want to miss the opening kickoff! Trust me, there's nothing worse than thinking you have plenty of time, only to realize the game started 15 minutes ago. Been there, done that! We will delve more into where you can find the most accurate and up-to-date information a little later.

Speaking of scheduling, it’s worth noting that the Thursday Night Football schedule typically runs for a significant portion of the NFL season. Usually, it kicks off in Week 2 and continues through Week 17, with some exceptions or adjustments depending on the year's specific calendar. This consistent schedule means you can pretty much count on having a Thursday Night Football game to look forward to each week during the season. That's a lot of football, guys!

Where to Find the Most Accurate Game Times

Okay, so I’ve given you the general kickoff time, but where can you find the most accurate info? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are a few reliable sources to check:

  • The Official NFL Website: The NFL's website is your best friend for all things football. You can find the complete schedule, including kickoff times, broadcast information, and even game previews.
  • Your Local TV Listings: Good old-fashioned TV listings are still a great way to double-check game times. You can find these in your local newspaper or on your TV provider's website.
  • Sports Apps: ESPN, theScore, and other sports apps are fantastic for tracking game times and getting real-time updates. These apps will even send you notifications so you don't miss kickoff!
  • Team Websites: If you're a die-hard fan of a particular team, their official website will always have the most up-to-date schedule information.

How to Watch Thursday Night Football

Alright, you know when the game starts, but how do you watch it? The broadcast situation for Thursday Night Football has evolved quite a bit over the years, so let's break it down. For many years, Thursday Night Football was primarily broadcast on traditional television networks like CBS, NBC, and FOX, and NFL Network. This made it pretty easy to access – just flip on your TV and you were good to go.

However, things have changed in recent years, with streaming services becoming a major player in the broadcast rights game. Amazon Prime Video now has exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football, which means that if you want to watch the games, you'll need an Amazon Prime subscription. This shift has been a big deal for the NFL and for fans, as it represents a significant move towards streaming as a primary way to consume live sports.

So, if you're a cord-cutter or simply prefer to stream your content, Amazon Prime Video is your go-to destination for Thursday Night Football. But don't worry, there are other ways to catch the action too!

Here are some ways you can watch Thursday Night Football:

  • Amazon Prime Video: As mentioned, this is the primary way to watch the games. You'll need an Amazon Prime subscription, which gives you access to a ton of other benefits as well.
  • NFL Network: Some Thursday Night Football games are also simulcast on NFL Network, so check your local listings.
  • Local Broadcasts: In some cases, the games might also be broadcast on local TV stations in the participating teams' markets.
  • Bars and Restaurants: If you don't have access to Amazon Prime Video or NFL Network, your local sports bar is always a great option. Gather with fellow fans, enjoy some food and drinks, and cheer on your team!

A Quick Look at the Thursday Night Football Broadcasters

The broadcast team can really make or break a game-watching experience, right? A good announcing crew can add excitement and insight, while a bad one can make the game feel like a slog. So, who are the voices you'll be hearing on Thursday Night Football? Well, it varies depending on the network or streaming service, but here are some of the familiar faces and voices you might encounter:

  • Amazon Prime Video: Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit are currently the main broadcast team for Amazon's Thursday Night Football coverage. Al Michaels is a legendary play-by-play announcer, and Kirk Herbstreit brings his college football expertise to the NFL game. This is a powerhouse duo, guys!
  • NFL Network: NFL Network often features a variety of announcers, including both seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent. Keep an eye on the specific broadcast details for each game to see who's calling the action.

Of course, the commentators and analysts can change from year to year, so it's always good to stay updated on the latest broadcast teams. But one thing is for sure: a solid broadcast team can definitely enhance your Thursday Night Football experience.

The History and Evolution of Thursday Night Football

Now that we've covered the