Watching live sporting events is a simple way to enjoy some excitement and bond with friends and family members. With so many different sports played around the world and new ones cropping up all the time, there is always something to watch.
You might be pleasantly surprised to discover how many sports events, games and tournaments you can view with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna connected to your TV. Whether your favorite pastime is watching a ball game, taking in a race or catching top athletes as they go for the gold, you can make plans to spend some quality time on the couch enjoying top sports events for free on OTA TV.
Daytona 500
The first Daytona 500 race took place on Feb. 25, 1959. The 500-mile-long NASCAR Cup Series motor race has opened the NASCAR season every February since 1982 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The speedway is 2.5 miles long and the race requires 200 laps to complete it.
How to watch on OTA TV: Watch the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at 2:30 p.m ET on Fox.
Indianapolis 500
Also known as the Indy 500, the Indianapolis 500 is a 200-lap, 500-mile race with 33 drivers at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. Although it has had a few different titles in the past, the race first took place in 1911, when driver Ray Harroun won in 6 hours, 42 minutes and 8 seconds. Winners receive the Borg-Warner Trophy and traditionally drink milk in Victory Lane as an homage to three-time winner Louis Meyer, who drank buttermilk as a habit.
How to watch on OTA TV: All 17 2023 IndyCar Series races will be broadcast on NBC. Watch the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 28, 2023. The start time is TBA.
Kentucky Derby
This annual horse race held every spring in Louisville, Kentucky, caps the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. Three-year-old thoroughbreds compete in the 1.25-mile race at Churchill Downs, which is brimming with traditions. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown and has taken place continuously since 1875.
How to watch on OTA TV: Coverage of the 2023 Kentucky Derby will begin on NBC on Saturday, May 7, 2023, beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET; post time is set at approximately 6:31 p.m. ET.
MLB All-Star Game
Also known as the Midsummer Classic, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game is an annual game played by all-star players from the American League and National League. The first game took place on July 6, 1933, at Chicago’s Comiskey Park and was designed to boost baseball’s reputation during the Great Depression. Although it was initially touted as the Game of the Century, it became a permanent and favorite part of the sport.
How to watch on OTA TV: Catch the game on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. ET on Fox.
MLB World Series
Starting in 1903, the World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball played between the champion teams of the American League and the National League. The winning team is determined through a best-of-seven playoff. Along with a title, the winners receive the Commissioner’s Trophy.
How to watch on OTA TV: The 2022 World Series will begin Oct. 28 and will be broadcast on Fox. Although the date and time of the 2023 World Series have yet to be determined, it typically begins in October.
NBA Playoffs
The playoffs for the National Basketball Association are a best-of-seven elimination tournament held annually following the regular season.
How to watch on OTA TV: The NBA Playoffs in 2023 begin on April 16, 2023, and ABC will air some games. Check local listings for dates and times.
Stanley Cup Playoffs
This elimination tournament in the National Hockey League consists of four rounds of best-of-seven series. Eight teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs based on point totals during the regular season. The Stanley Cup trophy is awarded to the league champion.
How to watch on OTA TV: The Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin shortly after the end of the regular season on April 13, 2023, although an official date has not been released. Some games will be televised on NBC. Check local listings for dates and times.
Super Bowl
In 2023, Super Bowl 57 will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home to the Arizona Cardinals. It is not yet known which NFL teams will play, but we do know that Rihanna will hit the stage at halftime. The Super Bowl has served as the championship game for the National Football League since 1966.
How to watch on OTA TV: You can view the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, on CBS.
The French Open
Formally known as the Roland-Garros Tournament, the French Open is held over two weeks every year, beginning in late May. The tournament, which takes place at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, France, has men’s, women’s and mixed events.
How to watch on OTA TV: In 2023, the French Open is set to begin on Monday, May 22, 2023, and conclude on Sunday, June 11, 2023. The schedule has not yet been announced, but you can watch matches on NBC.
Tour de France
The Tour de France is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race. While it primarily takes place in France, cyclists also travel through neighboring countries for some legs of the race. The Grand Tour event consists of 21 stages and 2,000 miles over 23 days.
How to watch on OTA TV: The Tour de France will take place from Saturday, July 1, 2023, through Sunday, July 23, 2023, and extended highlights will be broadcast on NBC.
Once you have installed a quality OTA antenna and scanned for channels in your area, you can enjoy all of your favorite sporting events!
