Chiefs fans frustrated as DNC throws wrench in viewing final preseason game vs Bears on TV

KMCI in the Kansas City area will have the DNC on TV, and NFL Network's stream is blacked out

Some Chiefs fans are not happy with only being able to see one of the team’s three preseason games, as their final one before the regular season Thursday night against the Chicago Bears won’t be on TV in Kansas City due to the Democratic National Convention. 

The Chiefs-Bears broadcast in the area is set to air on KMCI instead of the usual KSHB. However, the DNC will be on TV instead of football. 

NFL Network is also airing the game, but due to blackout restrictions, fans in Kansas City won’t be able to stream the game on there instead. 

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Chiefs fan pouts

A Chiefs fan watches the team in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers during the Red Kingdom Block Party in the Power and Light District on Feb. 11, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Reed Hoffmann/Getty Images)

"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 was a problem as well for Kansas City fans. It was carried by KSHB, but due to the Summer Olympics in Paris, the broadcast moved over to KMCI. 

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With DirecTV customers not having KMCI, and NFL Network once again blacking out their feed, fans weren’t able to see the game. 

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 looks on

Chiefs fans celebrate at Union Station during the Super Bowl LVIII victory parade on Feb. 14, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Now, if there is any caveat to fans not being able to watch the game, this preseason finale isn’t expected to see Chiefs starters playing, as head coach Andy Reid doesn’t want any injuries for key players before the start of the season. 

Patrick Mahomes played in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, where he made a behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce in a mediocre performance. But players like Mahomes and Kelce have proven enough in past seasons to not need the extra playing time before Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens rolls around. 

At the same time, most Bears starters won’t be playing Thursday night, including No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. 

While Chiefs fans may be irked they can’t watch their team’s final preseason game, their regular season opener on Sept. 5 will be nationally televised, so there’s no blackout restrictions or anything to worry about. 

Kansas City Chiefs fan upset

A Kansas City Chiefs fan during Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Feb. 11, 2024. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

The DNC in Chicago ends Thursday, with main programming beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT. 

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Authored by Scott Thompson via FoxNews August 22nd 2024