Sports talk shows and the internet are abuzz with fans lamenting the high ticket prices to view the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight on TV, but some more affordable options do exist.
Since two sites that planned to stream the event online (boxinghd.net and sportship.org) have been forced to abandon that plan after being faced with legal action, the options for an English language broadcast online are further limited.
To watch the fight for free, spectators can to turn to some foreign television stations with the caveat that the broadcast won’t be done in English.
Mexican stations Televisa and Azteca will be broadcasting the Mayweather-Pacquiao boxing fight for free, which might be accessible through some regional plug-ins for Google Chrome or elsewhere across the internet. Another option might be to check with local Mexican restaurants that often carry Mexican television stations for soccer matches to see if any are showing the fight.
Likewise, cable TV stations in Manny Pacquiao’s home country of the Philippines will also be broadcasting the fight for free.
Closer to home, Dave and Buster’s will be showing the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight at almost all of its locations nationwide. The chain is offering VIP seating for the fight on a first come, first serve basis. VIP tickets to Dave and Buster’s can be purchased through Ticketbud.com. For more information or to find a nearby Dave and Buster’s, visit BestSportsBarEver.com.
Hooters is another chain restaurant where boxing fans can watch the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight on Saturday night. All Hooters locations are said to be airing the fight and at most locations, it’s $30 to guarantee a seat in advance and $20 at the door the day of the fight, with no seat guaranteed. However, advance seating is recommended as one Atlanta location noted, “At the rate we’re going, we’ll already be sold out.” To find a nearby Hooters, visit www.hooters.com.
Less than ten Buffalo Wild Wings locations will be showing the fight due to high licensing fees. Customers will also need to pay a $20 cover charge at those locations.
Other options include checking with local establishments such as sports bars or casinos, although fans should expect to pay cover charges to watch the fight at many locations.
The weigh-in for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight will be held at 6 pm ET tonight with free live coverage on ESPN, HBO, Showtime, and sbnation.com.
Coverage of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight begins at 9 pm ET on HBO and Showtime pay-per-view television with rates running $99 for high-definition broadcasts and $89 for standard definition.
The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight will not be available on HBO Go or HBO Now.
Nationwide, the most accessible places to watch the fight seem to be Dave and Buster’s and Hooters as well are larger local sport bars in major cities.
Being dubbed one of the biggest boxing fights in history, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao takes place at 9 pm, Saturday May 2 in Las Vegas at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
A free replay of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight will be airing this weekend, Saturday May 9 at 9 pm ET on Showtime and HBO.
Have A Question? Ask Jessica!
-
Jessica: Hi, I'm Jessica, the Consumer Press AI, can I help you with a consumer question?
