SEC Network: What Alabama Fans Need To Know

With the SEC Network just a week away from being launched, many Alabama fans, as well as fans of the SEC, are wondering if or when they will receive the SEC Network. There are also many questions about programming, minimum packages needed and more. We’ve got you covered with a FAQ on all you need to know about ESPN’s new digital network:

Is my provider going to carry the SEC Network?

Currently, several national TV carriers are slated to receive the network when it launches on August 14th. The following providers have signed deals with ESPN to carry the SEC Network on launch date:

• AT&T U-Verse
• Dish Network
• DirecTV
• Charter Communications
• Comcast
• Cox Communications
• Time Warner
• Bright House
• Suddenlink

Several smaller companies, like Cablevision and Google Fiber, will also being carrying the network. Smaller cable companies may also be carrying the network. You can go to getsecnetwork.com to make sure your provider is carrying the network.

What if my provider doesn’t carry the SEC Network?

Several companies have held out against talks of carrying the SEC Network. The best thing you can do is call your provider and push them to sign a deal with ESPN to carry the network. Other than switching providers, customers are powerless if they can’t get the network. At this time, ESPN doesn’t plan to offer the SEC Network as an online-only option.

What package do I need to have so I can get the SEC Network?

We’ve done some investigative journalism and have found the following providers will require you to have the following package in order to receive the network on launch date:

(Updated 8/12/14 with new information via The Tuscaloosa News)

• AT&T U-Verse: U200 or higher in states within SEC footprint, U300 in states outside of  SEC Footprint.
• Dish Network: Americas Top 120+ or higher.
• DirecTV: Choice (150 channel package) or higher.
• Charter Communications: Expanded Basic or Charter Select.
• Comcast: Digital Starter or higher in states within the SEC footprint, Digital Preferred or higher in states outside the SEC footprint
• Cox Communications: Call them for details, 866-961-0027
• Time Warner Cable: TWC Digital Basic and Standard
• Bright House Networks: Standard service or above
• Suddenlink: SL200 or above

Make sure to confirm with your provider if your package will include the network, as packages can sometimes vary by location.

When is the SEC Network scheduled to premiere?

Launch is set for August 14th. The first program will be SEC Now at 5pm eastern, a studio show built almost like Sportscenter, but focused on the SEC.

What programming is currently scheduled to air on the network?

Along with SEC Now, the network will air many classic SEC games on the network leading up to their first live broadcast of a football game between South Carolina and Texas A&M. SEC Nation, the SEC version of College GameDay, will broadcast live from various SEC sites each weekend and ESPN currently plans to host the show on every SEC campus by year’s end.

It should be noted that Alabama’s game with Florida Atlantic on September 6th will be broadcast on the new network. As of now, the network is scheduled to air the following classic Alabama football games on the network for the first two weeks:

• 8/15, 2:00am ET-12:00pm ET: 4 games with the 2009 SEC Championship Game vs. Florida, 2012 SEC Championship Game vs. Georgia, 2013 Alabama vs. Texas A&M and the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship Game vs. Notre Dame.
• 8/16, 3:00am ET-5:00am ET: 2007 Georgia vs. Alabama; 7:00pm ET-9:00pm ET: 2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game vs. Texas; 11:00pm-1:00am: 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship Game vs. LSU
• 8/17, 1:00am ET-3:00am ET: 2013 Discover BCS National Championship Game vs. Notre Dame; 3:00pm ET-9:00pm ET: 3 games with  2010 Alabama vs. Auburn, 2012 Alabama vs. Texas A&M and 2008 Florida vs. Alabama.
• 8/20, 9:00pm ET-10:00pm ET: 30 for 30: Roll Tide/War Eagle.
• 8/23, 12:00pm ET-2:00pm ET: 2008 Florida vs. Alabama; 4:00pm ET- 6:00pm ET: A-Day Game.
• 8/24, 6:00am ET-8:00am ET: 2011 LSU vs. Alabama
• 8/27, 1:00am ET-3:00am ET: 2010 Alabama vs. South Carolina
• 8/28, 1:00am ET-3:00am ET: 2012 Texas A&M vs. Alabama

Can I watch SEC Network programming online?

Of course, provided you have access to the channel on your TV provider. If you do, you can visit WatchESPN.com or download the WatchESPN app on your phone or tablet. There you will be asked for your credentials to your TV provider’s account. You should have access to the live feed of the channel as well as many events the SEC Network will cover.

How many games will be on the SEC network?

ESPN says that over 1,000 live events will be broadcast on the network, including its digital and online platforms. Three football games a week will be on the network.