One of the biggest challenges of watching American football in NZ is navigating the time difference. New Zealand is 16 to 19 hours ahead of the United States, depending on the time of year and the specific location of the game. This means that most games will be broadcast during the morning or early afternoon in New Zealand.
Here’s a breakdown of typical game times:
- Thursday Night Football: Friday 1:20 PM NZST
- Sunday Early Games: Monday 5:00 AM NZST
- Sunday Afternoon Games: Monday 8:05 AM NZST
- Sunday Night Football: Monday 12:20 PM NZST
- Monday Night Football: Tuesday 1:15 PM NZST
Finding the Right Venue
To truly enjoy the American football experience with friends, you’ll want to find a venue that caters to your needs. Look for sports bars or pubs that open early for NFL games and offer a lively atmosphere. Some key things to consider when choosing a venue include:
- Large screens or projectors for optimal viewing
- A good sound system to hear the commentary and crowd
- Seating arrangements conducive to group viewing
- Special promotions or deals during NFL games
- An extensive menu with game day favorites and a variety of beer options
Creating the Perfect Game Day Atmosphere
Watching American football NZ with friends is all about creating the perfect game day atmosphere. Here are some tips to help you create an authentic and enjoyable experience:
- Dress in your team’s colors or jersey to show your support
- Prepare some classic American game day snacks like buffalo wings, nachos, or sliders
- Engage in friendly banter and rivalries with your friends to add to the excitement
- Brush up on NFL rules and terminology to better understand and appreciate the game
- Celebrate every touchdown, interception, or big play with high-fives and cheers!
Exploring NFL Game Pass and Other Viewing Options
If you can’t always make it to a pub or sports bar for live games, there are other ways to watch American football in NZ. NFL Game Pass is a popular option that allows you to stream games live or on-demand. With Game Pass, you can watch on your computer, phone, tablet, or smart TV.
Other viewing options include:
- ESPN: Offers live coverage of select games throughout the season
- Sky Sport: Broadcasts several live games each week, including Monday Night Football
- Sling TV and YouTube TV: Streaming platforms offering various NFL channel packages
Joining the New Zealand American Football Community
Watching American football in NZ is even more enjoyable when you become part of the local community. There are several ways to connect with other American football fans in New Zealand:
- Join Facebook groups or online forums dedicated to American football in NZ
- Attend local viewing parties or events organized by NFL fan clubs
- Participate in fantasy football leagues with friends or online communities
- Follow New Zealand-based NFL journalists, podcasters, and content creators
By immersing yourself in the American football community in NZ, you’ll enhance your viewing experience and form lasting friendships with fellow fans.
Conclusion
Watching American football in NZ with friends and a cold beer is an unbeatable way to spend your mornings or afternoons. By understanding the time zone differences, finding the right venue, creating the perfect game day atmosphere, exploring viewing options like NFL Game Pass, and connecting with the local American football community, you’ll be able to fully embrace and enjoy this exciting sport from the comfort of your new home in New Zealand. So gather your friends, grab a beer, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team!