Bears Game Start Time Today

Are you wondering "when does the Bears game start?" You've come to the right place. This guide will provide you with the most up-to-date information on the Chicago Bears' game start times, helping you catch every touchdown, tackle, and thrilling moment.

Understanding NFL scheduling can be complex, with game times often shifting due to national broadcast selections and potential bye weeks. We’ll break down how to find the definitive start time for each Bears game, ensuring you never miss a snap.

Understanding Chicago Bears Game Day Schedules

Chicago Bears game day schedules are subject to change throughout the season. The NFL determines broadcast slots week by week, which can impact start times. Sunday afternoon games are most common, but evening and even occasional Saturday contests can occur, especially later in the season.

How to Find the Official Game Time

To get the most accurate information on when the Bears game starts, always refer to official sources. The Chicago Bears' official website and the NFL's official website are the best places to check. These sites will have the most current schedule, including any last-minute adjustments.

Checking the Official Chicago Bears Website

Visiting the official Chicago Bears website (chicagobears.com) provides a direct link to their game schedule. You can typically find this information under a "Schedule" or "Game Day" section. It will list opponents, dates, times (usually in Eastern and Central Time), and broadcast networks.

Leveraging the NFL Official Website

Similarly, NFL.com offers a comprehensive schedule for all teams. Navigating to the Bears' team page will display their upcoming games with start times clearly indicated. This is crucial for staying informed, especially during pivotal matchups or playoff pushes.

Factors Influencing Bears Game Start Times

Several factors can influence when the Chicago Bears game starts on any given Sunday, Monday, or Thursday. The most significant is television broadcasting rights. Major networks like FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN bid for the rights to broadcast specific games each week.

Television Broadcasts and Network Selections

Networks often select high-profile matchups or games featuring popular teams for prime-time slots (Sunday Night Football on NBC, Monday Night Football on ESPN/ABC) or key Sunday afternoon windows (typically 3:25 PM CT on FOX or CBS).

This selection process can lead to shifts in start times. A game that might have originally been scheduled for a 12:00 PM CT slot could be moved to a 3:25 PM CT or even a prime-time slot if it gains national interest.

Flex Scheduling in the NFL

Starting around Week 5 of the NFL season, the league employs "flex scheduling." This allows them to move games between Sunday afternoon windows to ensure the most competitive or compelling matchups are broadcast to the largest audiences. — XRP Price: Latest USD Trends & Analysis

This means that a Bears game's start time isn't necessarily locked in months in advance, especially for games later in the season. Always check the schedule weekly to confirm the exact start time.

National vs. Regional Broadcasts

Games can be either nationally televised or regionally broadcast. National broadcasts (like Sunday Night Football) will air across the country at a set time. Regional broadcasts are shown in specific geographic areas, and sometimes the Bears might be part of a doubleheader broadcast, meaning their game could be in either the early or late window on FOX or CBS.

Special Circumstances: Holidays and International Games

Occasionally, the NFL schedules games on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. These games often have unique start times, different from the standard Sunday schedule. The Bears have played on Thanksgiving multiple times.

Furthermore, the NFL has expanded its international games. While the Bears haven't been a frequent participant in these London or Germany matchups, it’s a possibility that could affect their schedule and start time if it were to occur.

Typical Kickoff Times for the Chicago Bears

While specific start times vary, there are typical kickoff windows for Chicago Bears games, especially during the regular NFL season.

Sunday Afternoon Games

The most common start time for Bears games is Sunday afternoon. This usually falls into one of two windows:

• Early Afternoon: 12:00 PM CT (Central Time)
• Late Afternoon: 3:25 PM CT (Central Time)

These times are dictated by the broadcast networks' doubleheader schedule. If the Bears are in the early game, they kick off at noon. If they are in the later game, it's a 3:25 PM start.

Sunday Night Football

Sunday Night Football (SNF) on NBC is a premier broadcast slot. Games in this window typically start at 7:20 PM CT. A Bears game being featured on SNF means a late start but high visibility.

Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football (MNF) on ESPN and ABC usually begins at 7:15 PM CT. A Bears appearance on MNF indicates a prime-time, nationally televised event.

Thursday Night Football

Thursday Night Football (TNF), often broadcast on Amazon Prime Video and sometimes simulcast on other networks, typically kicks off at 7:15 PM CT. These games offer a mid-week NFL experience.

Saturday Games

Late in the season, particularly in December, the NFL may schedule Saturday games. These can have various start times, often falling into the afternoon windows (e.g., 12:00 PM CT, 3:30 PM CT) or even a night game.

How to Stay Updated on Bears Game Times

In today's digital age, staying updated on when the Bears game starts is easier than ever. Relying on just one source can be risky, so it's best to utilize a combination of reliable platforms.

Utilizing Sports Apps and Notifications

Many popular sports apps, such as ESPN, theScore, or Yahoo Sports, allow you to customize notifications for your favorite teams. By setting up alerts for the Chicago Bears, you can receive immediate updates on game times, scores, and important news.

Setting Up Alerts on Your Phone

Ensure your app notifications are enabled for the Bears. This way, as soon as a game time is confirmed or changed, you'll get a ping on your phone. This is often the quickest way to learn about any schedule alterations.

Following Official Social Media Channels

The Chicago Bears' official social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) are excellent resources. They frequently post schedule updates, game time confirmations, and relevant broadcast information.

Twitter for Real-Time Updates

Twitter, in particular, is known for its real-time information dissemination. Following accounts like @ChicagoBears or @NFLonFOX/CBS/NBC will ensure you get timely updates directly from the source or the broadcasters.

Consulting Sports News Websites

Major sports news outlets like ESPN.com, NFL.com, CBS Sports, and others provide constantly updated schedules. Bookmark these sites or check them regularly throughout the week, especially as game day approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What time is the next Chicago Bears game?

To find the exact time for the next Chicago Bears game, please refer to the official Chicago Bears website, NFL.com, or a trusted sports app. Game times are updated weekly and can change due to broadcast selections.

Q2: Are the Bears playing today?

Whether the Bears are playing today depends on the NFL's current schedule. You can quickly check this information on the Chicago Bears' official website or any major sports news platform. A quick search for "Bears game today" will usually yield immediate results.

Q3: What channel are the Bears games usually on?

Bears games are typically broadcast on FOX or CBS for Sunday afternoon games, NBC for Sunday Night Football, and ESPN/ABC for Monday Night Football. Thursday Night Football is often on Amazon Prime Video. The specific channel depends on the game's assigned broadcast window. — Iowa Falls, IA Homes For Sale: Find Your Dream Home

Q4: How do I know if a Bears game is flexed to a different time?

NFL "flex scheduling" allows for games to be moved to different time slots to maximize viewership. If a Bears game is flexed, it will be announced by the league and widely reported by sports media outlets. Always check your local listings or the official NFL schedule weekly. — Miss Universe 2025: How To Watch Live

Q5: Do Bears game times change for playoff games?

Playoff game times are determined by the NFL based on the playoff bracket and broadcast availability. While generally set for specific days (e.g., Saturday or Sunday wild card games), the exact kickoff time is confirmed closer to the date of the game and can be influenced by other playoff results.

Conclusion: Never Miss a Bears Kickoff Again

Knowing "when does the Bears game start?" is essential for any dedicated fan. By utilizing official resources like the Chicago Bears and NFL websites, staying informed through sports apps and social media, and understanding the factors that influence scheduling, you can ensure you’re ready for every kickoff.

Bookmark your preferred sources and check them regularly, especially in the latter half of the season when flex scheduling is in effect. Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to track the Bears’ schedule and enjoy every moment of the game. Go Bears!