ESPN Gameplan?

Submitted by Tauro on

As I live in Canada, there are times where our TV coverage is extremely frustrating.  I cannot get the Notre Dame v Michigan this weekend on TV unless I subscribe to a special sports package.  I am loathe to do so since it involves a 6 month commitment and funds are tight these days.

So, looking around at my options, I come across ESPN Gameplan.  Anyone use this service before?  Is it good?  I can spend the $15 for a one-day pass so I can watch the game, but want to ensure it is worth it.

TXmaizeNblue

September 8th, 2011 at 1:44 PM ^

I'm pretty sure you must have a cable/satellite package that includes ESPN.   I was in the same boat, but finally broke down and jumped on the new DirecTV promo.   I'm paying $40 a month for high-speed internet and was looking to watch games on my ipad via ESPN3 ap, only to find out that I cannot have access to it without a cable/satellite package with ESPN on it.  Unfortunately, they know what they're doing.

pasadenablue

September 8th, 2011 at 1:47 PM ^

dont get gameplan unless you're 100% sure it'll let you watch the game.  it is only for games not televised on the espn networks in your area.  that means michigan will almost never be on it.

 

if you want to watch, but don't want to pay, your only real option is to try and find a stream.

Future Us

September 8th, 2011 at 1:48 PM ^

I'm a Canadian with the same problem. I have the "Super Sports Package" but I'm not so sure that the Michigan game will be on that either.

Are there any other Canadians with a solution to see the game? Otherwise it looks like I'll have to drive to Buffalo to watch the game on ESPN at a bar.

Tauro

September 8th, 2011 at 1:55 PM ^

We do not get ESPN in Canada - not permitted due to our 'Canadian Content' law.  We have TSN (partially owned by ESPN) which is airing NASCAR and the US Open Women's Tennis final.  TSN has the rights to the Saturday night games and will not release this game to another cable sports provider.  Sigh.

They are listing the Michigan game on the Gameplan schedule, so I can only assume that means it will be available.  There is a special link on ESPN Gameplan for Canadians (and residents of other countries) so I believe it bypasses the requirement to have ESPN on your cable package.

pasadenablue

September 8th, 2011 at 2:11 PM ^

sounds like your best bet then.  i used to pow-wow with other cfb fans (fsu fans, miami fans, clemson fans) on gameplan back in college (i went to school in pasadena, hence the username) and we'd split the cost amonst us so we could watch our games.  it was a decent experience.

 

i would still call them up and get a verbal confirmation that you'll actually be able to watch the game.  nothing would be a punch in the crotch like paying money to see a game that you can't see.

tf

September 8th, 2011 at 2:11 PM ^

I can't speak to any complexities specific to your situation.  It's also been several years since I had to rely on ESPN Gameplan to watch a Michigan game.  However, if the service works now like it did then, it was just like any other PPV event on cable and was indistinguishable from any normal Michigan broadcast.  The $15 cost included all-day access to all available games, and once or twice I even took advantage of that and watched some other games I wouldn't normally have seen.

So, if you determine Gameplan actually allows you to watch the game, and assuming the service hasn't changed, I believe it's a very good option.  Personally, given the choice between paying $15 for Gameplan and trying to find a consistent and high quality stream, I'd spend the $15 every time.

Tauro

September 8th, 2011 at 2:28 PM ^

Thanks to everyone who responded!  I have e-mailed ESPN to confirm if this game will be available on Gameplan.  I will let you all know the response I receive.

Serenity Now

September 8th, 2011 at 3:51 PM ^

I've been using ESPN Player (https://www.espnplayer.com/espnplayer/console) for a few years now (even before it was known as ESPN Player), and outside of some technical issues last year when they redid the whole format, I have been pleased with the service. 

The College GamePass is 150US$ a year, but now you get  Football and Basketball (and some other college sports) in the same package.  Most games that are on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 will be available, and even some other feeds have in the past (some SEC noon games of the week).  You also have daily packages for select weekends.

I have a PC with a good graphics card, which I plug into my 46" Samsung top-of-the-line LCD TV and the picture quality is usually pretty nice to very very good (for a web service).  On my 24" monitor, the quality is very very good to great with a similar PC/graphics card setup.

 

Darth Wolverine

September 8th, 2011 at 8:27 PM ^

I had the game plan package from ESPN a few years ago and it was just OK. The games were not in high definition, which was awful (and that may be changed this year, I don't know), and there really weren't that many good games on the game plan package. To me it was not worth it after the fact and I probably won't ever do it again. Most of the great games every Saturday are on normal TV, but in your case since you live in America's hat, you might need to get the package, but who knows if they will show Michigan games in it.

 

Or, if you have XBOX, you can try to watch it on the ESPN application there, but your Internet service provider needs to be partnered with ESPN to do so. You can look into that (again, if you have XBOX).

NBlue

September 8th, 2011 at 10:36 PM ^

I live in Canada and have ESPN Player, it shows everything and the quality is actually better than ESPN3 (from what I've seen from relatives who have ESPN3 in the US).

Everything that is on an ESPN network, even regional games, you will get.

Also, for those who are asking, the Rogers Super Sports Pack and the Bell NCAA package are both showing the game, but its not on network TV.

Hope that helps (I'll be at the game!)

 

 

 

Tauro

September 9th, 2011 at 2:25 PM ^

Or partial one at least - ESPN responded stating they have forwarded my question to the responsible individual/department.  If I get a further response, I will let you know.

However, the game is listed on the Gameplan site as one of the games available.