Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alec Martinez (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Florida Panthers during the first period of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena Monday, June 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. From left: Jonathan Marchessault (81), Ivan Barbashev (49), Martinez, and Jack Eichel (9). STEVE MARCUS
Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 | 3 p.m.
Since Tuesday's launch of Vegas 34, the new broadcast home for Golden Knights games starting this season, there has been a mixed response on the channel's availability.
Some have seen the channel with no issues. DirecTV customers can find it on channel 34, the local home for Scripps Sports' newest station.
Those watching over the air using an antenna have also been able to access it with channel 34.1.
But I have received many questions via email and 'X' over the past few days regarding the channel's availability — more importantly from Cox Communications customers, and cord-cutting options like YouTube TV and Hulu.
The Golden Knights' first preseason game is Sept. 24, which is when game action will first be broadcast on Vegas 34. For those who have been wondering what's going on, some answers here.
Where is Vegas 34 going to be on Cox?
Perhaps the biggest question that's been asked since Tuesday. As of right now, Cox is not carrying Vegas 34, but it has nothing to do with contractual problems between Scripps and Cox.
Cox's channel lineup is unique because the call numbers are through cable, not over the air. For example, KVCW (The CW) is presented as channel 33, cable 6. Meaning over the air, it's on channel 33, but with cable, it's on a different number.
It will be the same when the channel launches on Cox. Channel 34 is home to the USA Network, and that will not move.
A Scripps spokesperson told the Sun on Tuesday that info for Vegas 34 on Cox will be announced at a later date, presumably before the preseason begins.
All signs point it to airing on channel 38, the former home of NBC Sports Network. Channel 38 is currently off Cox's channel lineup, and Cox customers have told the Sun in conversations with representatives that it is expected to land there.
When it launches is yet to be determined, but keep an eye out in the coming days and weeks to notice any changes.
What about YouTube TV?
Those without cable are hoping to have the means to the free channel on cord-cutting services like YouTube TV and Hulu TV.
As of right now, there is still optimism that it will land on those options. However, there is a twist to keep in mind.
With the Golden Knights announcing their streaming partnership with ViewLift, set to launch on Sept. 24, that may be the option for those without cable, satellite, or antenna.
The new app will be available on the web, iOS and Android devices, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Vizio and Xbox. No pricing for the app has been released yet, but using the model from the Washington Capitals — who also have a deal with ViewLift — an annual subscription costs $49.99.
YouTube TV agreed to a deal in January to air Scripps News, but whether that correlates to Scripps Sports has yet to be confirmed.
If the channel isn't ready for launch by the preseason, cord cutters should be prepared to go through the app.
What channel is it on Dish?
If you haven't been able to locate it, you can find KMCC on channel 32.
Does this impact watching games on ESPN+?
Because ESPN is one of the national rights holders for the NHL, it will not impact those wanting to watch Golden Knights games out of market.
Where can I find the channel in surrounding territories (Northern Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah)?
The best course of action is contact your cable service provider if you are outside of Southern Nevada.
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
