NCAA Tournament in Europe

If the games are that important to conflict with your trip around Europe, why don't you stay home and watch them? Then travel when you can interact with the places you are going?

The only option I can think of is to find some place that has an Armed Forces Network satellite receiver. But I doubt you'll find one in Prague or Athens (no US military stationed there). Even with all the satellite channels I recieve in Germany, the only US team sport I ever see broadcast live is the NFL. I've never seen any NCAA games on TV (not that I've looked, though...).

Ouch, Nigel... It was just a simple question basically asking for sports bar recommendations. The tournament is not anywhere near as important as my trip, and I'm obviously not going to cancel it when I leave in 4 days, but if my alma mater keeps advancing it'd be nice to watch. One of my favorite memories from traveling was being able to watch UNC beat Duke while in the Virgin Islands; not only did I meet some other Americans who I am currently still friends with 5 years later, but it was really fun to share that experience with locals and get them into the game as well.

Jenessa,
By any chance will you be carrying a lap top with you? I've been watching games live on my computer for a flat fee of about $4. Assuming you can get internet access (and are awake at the right times) you should be able to stream the games live. (If I'm wrong, someone please correct me.)

Matt, unfortunately the NCAA tournament is "geo-protected" this year. Thus, we cannot see it here in Europe. I have a "slingbox" so I am able to watch US television through that, but the online option is unavailable. Too bad because this year we had the Super Bowl online. Hulu, cbs.com, and other options are just not available... I'm not even sure that the sports bars over here can "purchase" the tournament rights. Not sure many want to? NBA is big, but the college game not so much. The NCAA tournament is not being advertised at sports bars where I live...

It's understandable how watching UNC beat Duke would cement life-long friendships.

Ron, that is not entirely accurate. I have the Sky (Italia) package and it includes a channel called ESPN America. They have been showing all the games of the NCAA Tournament so far.

I will send you updates Jenessa since I'm volunteering for the Final Four here in the Mile High City!

Rik - you're correct. I should have been more clear. I was referring to the "online" options. There are several cable services that DO have ESPN American... Unfortunately, it's not on OUR local cable service, but we did watch this channel in Italy! I asked a few local bars here in the last couple of days and they seemed quite "uninterested" in the tournament. Chalk it up to another one of those things you miss when living in Europe... Denmark is not as basketball crazy as Italy, but I am learning a lot about 'handball."

I'm flying thru Charlotte Tuesday to London before flying down to Pisa. Sometimes you've got to enjoy what you can get, and give up what you cannot control. Sometimes you can get live U.S. TV, and sometimes you can't. It depends on the hotel or bars' satellite systems. KY is going to be tough to beat.

Jenessa, I found myself in a very similar position many years ago -- was in Hawaii at end of a year's travels, and even there it was very difficult to find sports bars showing games/the time difference, etc. One idea...reach out to the U.S. embassies -- they may have recommendations. BTW, I'm a Jayhawk, so if you DO get to watch Sunday's game, it'll probably be the last one for the Heels. :)
(Rock Chalk...)

All it takes is the mere mention of college basketball to bring out the Charlotte folks. Janessa, I understand your desire to see the games. I wish I had some advice to offer. Maybe there's an ex-pat club in Prague that could help you out? But Carolina is going down today, so you will soon be put out of your misery! LOL!

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I'll certainly be keeping up with the games online at the very least. Leaving tomorrow so not only do I get to watch tonight but I'm soooooo excited! Thanks again!! And bring on the jeers, Heels are still going to bring ANOTHER championship home!

Well I guess your problem is solved now thanks to KU...