Day: August 29, 2025

Host the Perfect Football Streaming Party
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Host the Perfect Football Streaming Party

Streaming the big game with friends this weekend? From Wi-Fi tips to snack table must-haves, CITYNET has your game-day playbook for hosting the perfect football watch party, without buffering or fumbles.

We’re heading back into what many sports fans argue is the best time of the year … football season! It’s time to rally your friends, shop for snacks, and get your space game-day ready. From where-to-watch to the ultimate snack list to the bandwidth and WiFi coverage you need to host the stream AND all your friends without lag, CITYNET has your guide to hosting the perfect football streaming party!

Know Where Your Team is Playing

First things first: you need to know which channel is hosting your team’s game. And, depending on whether you’re streaming your local high school team, your college alumni team, or your favorite pros, you may have to find the right mix of streaming apps.

College and professional teams might be found on ESPN, CBS, FOX, NBC, or ABC, depending on the league. Check your team’s website for the most accurate information on which network will be airing the game.

After you identify which network will host the show, you’ll need to find a live TV service that carries it. All of the following services work best over a high-speed internet connection, so make sure your setup can handle HD or 4K streaming, especially if multiple devices will be in use. CITYNET has internet plans that are perfect for streaming without buffering or lag!

Friday Night Lights: Streaming High School Games

Many high schools now share their games online. Check with your team’s school district or athletic department for information about how to access the streams.

Catch College Rivalries Live

College football kicks off the season early, and coverage is spread across several streaming services. If you’re following multiple teams, your best bet is to be flexible and have access to more than one app or platform.

YouTube TV includes most of the major channels that air college football, including ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, and more. If you want one app to rule them all, YouTube TV is a solid pick.

Hulu + Live TV is another strong option, offering access to ESPN, ABC, FOX, and CBS (in most areas), making it a reliable choice for watching both local games and nationally broadcast matchups.

If you don’t subscribe to a live streaming service that includes these networks, here are the three must-have apps for streaming college football:

  • ESPN+:  This app streams a wide variety of college football games, particularly from smaller conferences. You’ll also find tons of on-demand shows, highlights, and in-depth commentary. It’s a must-have for die-hard fans looking for more than just the biggest Saturday matchups. Notably, ESPN+ does not include Power Five conference games — you’ll need a separate live TV streaming service for those.
  • Paramount+: If CBS is broadcasting a game, you can watch it on Paramount+. Think of this as your ticket to high-profile SEC matchups and major rivalry games that air on CBS throughout the season.
  • Peacock: NBC’s streaming app is your go-to for Notre Dame games, Big Ten Games, and other matchups NBC covers. It also includes Sunday Night Football, making it a great dual-purpose app for college and pro fans.

Tune In to Pro-Level Kickoffs

If you’re looking to tune in to professional games, you’ll want access to multiple platforms to catch all the action, especially if you’re rooting for out-of-market teams. Here’s where you can stream NFL games this season:

  • NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube TV): This premium package gives you access to every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game. It’s now available exclusively through YouTube TV and is a must-have for superfans who want it all.
  • Peacock: Streams Sunday Night Football live every week.
  • Prime Video: Home of Thursday Night Football, which is a streaming exclusive on Prime and requires an Amazon Prime account to watch.
  • Hulu + Live TV: Includes ESPN and ABC, which means it’s perfect for Monday Night Football and select Sunday games.
  • Sling TV (Orange + Blue): A more budget-friendly option that includes ESPN, FOX, and NBC in select areas and is great for casual fans. It’s important to know that Sling TV does not carry CBS, so you won’t be able to watch games aired on that network.
  • FuboTV: Sports-centric and packed with live NFL channels including CBS, FOX, NBC, and the NFL Network in most regions and is excellent for catching both local and national games.

The Perfect Football Streaming Setting

Once you know where to catch your favorite team(s) and have subscribed to and tested the stream, it’s time to focus on comfort. Whether you’re hosting the party inside or out on the patio, setting the scene properly makes sure that your guests feel relaxed and that you’re able to fully enjoy the action.

Indoor Setup Tips:

  • Provide plenty of seating options for those who need a little back support. Not everyone loves sitting on a hard barstool or slouchy bean bag for four quarters.
  • Leave space for guests to get up for food or bathroom breaks without blocking the screen or knocking into plates and drinks.
  • Adjust the A/C by lowering the temperature just a bit as the room fills up. Add throw blankets for those who like to cozy up.

Outdoor Setup Tips:

  • Check your screen visibility for any light glare or lighting issues before guests arrive. Sunset or automatic outdoor lights can create reflections at the worst times.
  • Keep guests cool by providing fans, misters, or even chilled towels on extra-hot days.
  • Use bug repellants like citronella candles or tiki torches to help keep buzzing pests at bay.

Game Day Fuel

Now for the best part – snacks! Offer food that is easy to grab, easy to clean up,  and appealing to most everyone. Here are some of our game-day essentials:

  • Chips and dip: You’ll never go wrong with queso or guac. Potato chips and French onion dip? Foolproof.
  • A veggie tray: Believe it or not, your guests will appreciate the balance (as long as there’s ranch).
  • Sliced meats, cheeses, and crackers: It’s a classic for a reason.
  • Chicken wings: Is it even a football party without the wings?
  • Cookies, brownies, or mini cheesecakes: You’ll win the night with a sweet finish.
  • Drinks: Water, soda, beer, and maybe a themed cocktail or two. Consider setting up a self-serve drink station with ice and coolers so guests can help themselves without blocking the fridge.

Don’t Forget the Tech!

Multiple guests mean multiple devices, possibly even multiple streams, with guests watching replays on their phones. All of this adds up to one thing: bandwidth demand. That’s why fiber internet from CITYNET is a game-changer.

Citynet customers – make sure to download the Intellifi managed WiFi app and set up a guest network with a fun, themed name! That way, everyone at the party has easy access to the bandwidth they need to catch all the best plays.

With symmetrical download and upload speeds and low lag, fiber handles all your streaming needs, whether you’re watching on the big screen, checking fantasy stats on your phone, or syncing audio across multiple speakers.

Ready, Set, Stream!

Hosting a streaming TV football viewing party doesn’t have to be complicated, but a little planning (and a strong internet connection) can make it unforgettable. From setting up the right streaming services to making sure everyone has a great seat, a plate full of snacks, and a strong WiFi signal, this playbook has you ready for kickoff.

CITYNET is undoubtedly your smartest play on game day.

Digital Security Tips for Modern Cars
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Digital Security Tips for Modern Cars

Computers, phones, watches, tablets … mobile technology is both a convenience and a risk of your personal details in the hands of others. We keep things like “Find My iPhone” and passcodes in place to help protect them. But, is your biggest (literally) source of traveling information secure?

Older cars with analog radios and crank windows may not have to worry about the digital security of their cars. If your vehicle has features like Bluetooth pairing, contact syncing, garage remotes, and built-in WiFi, it now holds a surprising amount of personal data.

Just like your phone or smart home, your rig needs basic digital protection to keep your info secure. CITYNET has outlined digital security tips to keep your modern cars safe.

Connect Only to Trusted Networks

Some cars support WiFi connections for streaming updates, apps, or navigation. If your car supports WiFi connectivity, avoid connecting it to unsecured public networks (e.g., at service centers or parking garages). If needed, use a secure mobile hotspot or your home’s private, encrypted WiFi network powered by CITYNET.

Keep Your Car’s Software Updated

Like cell phone and computer manufacturers, automakers push out updates to improve performance and patch security vulnerabilities. Some cars update automatically, while others require a manual USB update or a dealer visit. Check your owner’s manual or companion app for instructions on how to update your car’s software.

Cellular-Connected Cars

Cars with built-in cellular connections (for remote start, tracking, or diagnostics) can be a backdoor into your personal information. If your car has hotspot capabilities, protect that network like you would your home internet connection with a strong password.

Secure Your Companion Apps

Many carmakers offer apps to start your car, unlock it remotely, or check location and diagnostics. When setting up accounts for these apps, use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and biometric login when available. Don’t reuse passwords across your car app and email or banking. Be careful about sharing access with family, housemates, or third-party services (e.g., rideshare or delivery apps).

Monitor for Suspicious Activity

Cars can be tracked, unlocked, or even started remotely if compromised.

Monitor connected car apps for things like unfamiliar login locations, changes to settings, or alerts for unlocks or starts at unexpected times. Consider changing your passwords if something feels off.

Limit What Your Infotainment System Stores

Even if your car doesn’t have full app integration, your Bluetooth-connected systems may store personal information:

  • Your contacts, recent calls, or text message previews
  • Saved addresses like “Home,” “Work,” or frequent destinations
  • Garage door codes via HomeLink or similar integrations
  • Media playlists or streaming logins

Make sure you keep all of that information secure by clearing navigation and call history regularly. Never label an address as “Home,” and instead use a nickname. If your garage door is linked, check that it is PIN-protected. Avoid syncing full contact lists unless necessary.

Use Valet or Privacy Modes

If your car offers Valet Mode or Privacy Mode, use it when lending your car to others. These modes can limit access to personal data, navigation history, and system settings. Some also disable access to the trunk, glove box, or restrict speed and distance tracking.

Don’t Leave Devices Plugged In

USB ports in modern cars can be used to access your phone or stored data. Avoid leaving flash drives or phones connected when parked, especially in public places.

Be Wary of Third-Party Apps or Accessories

Aftermarket tools that plug into your OBD-II port (like insurance trackers or car monitors) can open up new security risks. Only install accessories or apps from trusted sources and review privacy policies carefully.

Unpair and Wipe Your Data Before Selling or Trading In

When you’re listing your car for sale, one of the first steps you should take is wiping any of your personal data before you begin letting others test drive it. You never know what someone may poke around in while they have access.

Log out of connected services like built-in streaming or app accounts and manufacturer apps (FordPass, myChevrolet, Tesla, etc.). Clear your navigation history and garage door access. Disconnect Bluetooth pairings and home WiFi networks.

Perform a full factory reset if available and unlink the vehicle from your mobile app/account. Delete remote key access if you’ve shared the car with family, rideshare, or third parties.

Secure Your Car’s Digital Footprint with a Secure Connection

Vehicles are now part of your larger connected lifestyle, just like smart home devices, phones, and computers. By managing your car’s digital footprint and pairing it with a secure, fiber-powered connection at home from CITYNET, you create a seamless, safer online experience for every device you own.