We would all like to take the family to a game, but lets face it, the cost of taking a family of four to a live professional sports event can cripple most family's budgets. Then there is the matter of actually attending the game, dealing with the traffic, missing significant parts of the game to deal with concessions and bathroom needs - and - of course there is always the drunk three rows back who can be heard throughout the stadium, his lesson in vocabulary, probably not the one you want your kids to pay attention to.

For me, there can be no better option than watching the game from the comfort of my own living room. First of all I can actually fit into every seat in the house and they're all comfortable. Caution, when watching alone you may have a tendency to fall asleep, I will address this later. There are no known traffic conditions I am aware of in my home, except for the odd toy on the floor, (my kids are young). Concessions are just a few short strides to the kitchen and as far as bathroom facilities - I have two to choose from. The only off-colored language comes from my uncles, but that is a family matter that needs not be taken up here.

Let's talk cost. I purchased a 47", LCD, 1080P capable television, that fits my living room perfectly. Shop around, you can find real good deals on some brand name equipment that won't wipe you out financially. Remember this is an investment in family entertainment; you'll save in the long run. For what I paid for my television and mounting (you got to get it mounted) - I would have spent on just three pro sporting events. I am going to watch way more than three games - I guarantee it!

Now, what to watch. For me there was no other choice but satellite, for many reasons. I just spent my hard earned money on this beautiful HD TV; I wanted a provider that would give me the most High-Definition programming I could get. I wanted a provider that could not only bring into my living room - my local teams, but every other sporting event known to man - In other words, if it is being played I should see it and I should see it in HD.

Switching from cable to satellite was not an easy decision, but it helped that a friend of mine had it and raved about. Having watched it, I knew that the picture quality was superior to my cable and he seemed to have an endless supply of channels, some of which my cable company did not offer.

I ordered satellite and brought into my home a ticket to every sporting event I could wish for and some I didn't know existed. My local pro sports teams are in crystal clear high-definition as well as about 85% of all the other sports programming. I also ordered an HD-DVR (this is your protection, in case you fall asleep).

I have to say - I am like a kid in a candy store with all of this sports programming; With satellite I literally can watch college football from every conference in the country. There are channels I couldn't get with my cable provider such as the NHL Network, NFL Network, and NBA TV. The programming also included all of the premium movie channels for the wife and more children's programming than the kids can handle, because it is not just about me - even though it is!

So to recap, I no longer suffer from road rage. My wife cooks better than the stadium vendors. The only verbally challenged people I encounter are relatives and I have to do deal with them anyway. I no longer have to go to a bar to watch a game I can't see. When it is snowing and 20-below at the game, it is still 72-degrees in my living room and the DVR makes me a better husband and father.