Football fans anticipating the highly anticipated Eagles-Packers game on Friday may face some obstacles when it comes to following the action. The season-opening matchup, set to take place at Sao Paolo's NeoQuimica Arena, raises concerns for fans due to various factors that could hinder their experience.

One of the major challenges is the limited coverage of the game outside of the Philadelphia and Green Bay markets. NBC, the broadcasting network, has decided to stream the game exclusively on Peacock, their popular streaming app. This decision has caused consternation among fans, as last season's AFC wild-card game between the Chiefs and Dolphins was also exclusively available on Peacock. While the playoff matchup garnered the title of "most-streamed live event in US history" with 23 million viewers, it fell short in numbers compared to games broadcast on traditional TV channels during the same weekend.

This brings up the question of whether fans will be willing to sign up for the Peacock streaming app, which costs $5.99 per month. Despite the historical streaming record set by the Chiefs-Dolphins game, some fans may still be hesitant about using the app, especially if they faced difficulties or frustrations with it in the past.

Adding to the challenge is Brazil's recent ban on a popular social media platform, referred to as "X" in the provided information. This platform has become a go-to for many in the media for sharing live updates during sports events, including game news. The ban was imposed due to the platform's refusal to address misinformation and its failure to appoint a legal representative in Brazil. As a result, reporters and fans present at the game in Brazil will be unable to post live updates on the banned platform.

Attempting to circumvent the ban by using a VPN comes with consequences, as individuals face a hefty fine of 50,000 reais (equivalent to $8,900). This restriction on social media usage poses a significant challenge for fans who rely on real-time updates and engagement with their preferred beat writers during the game.

In light of these challenges, alternative methods of sharing game updates and news may come into play. Reporters on the scene could turn to platforms such as Threads, Instagram, YouTube, or even fringe social media networks like Mastodon and Bluesky. Additionally, outlets like the Philadelphia Inquirer plan to focus on live blog updates contributed by their reporters. However, the absence of X accounts will be felt, leaving fans searching for updates from their favorite beat writers in Brazil with limited options.

Eliot Shorr-Parks, a reporter from WIP, expressed the impact of the social media ban on his work, stating, "It's the biggest week of the year and an incredibly unique experience. The biggest part of my job is connecting to fans and with Twitter gone I've lost a big portion of being able to do that."

As fans gear up for the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, it may be worth exploring alternative options to stay connected and informed throughout the game.