You're stuck in traffic on I-95, or maybe you're out in the yard and just don't want to stare at a screen for three hours. We've all been there. You just want to hear the game. But figuring out what radio station is the patriots game on shouldn't feel like a two-minute drill with no timeouts.
Honestly, even with all the streaming apps in the world, there is something about the crackle of a local broadcast that feels right. The voice of Bob Socci and the high-energy (and sometimes slightly unhinged) color commentary from Scott Zolak—it's the definitive New England experience. If you are in the Boston area, the answer is easy: 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM). It’s the flagship. It’s where the pregame starts three hours early and where the postgame goes late into the night.
But New England is a big place. If you're up in the North Country or down on the Cape, that 98.5 signal might get a little fuzzy.
Finding the Patriots Radio Network Near You
The Patriots Radio Network is a beast. It’s got roughly 33 stations spread across all six New England states and even a lone outpost in New York. If you aren't in Boston, you’ve still got plenty of options. In Springfield, you're looking for WAQY at 102.1 FM. Over in Worcester, WTAG carries the torch on 580 AM and 94.9 FM.
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Up north, Maine fans usually lock into WBLM 102.9 FM in Portland or WEBB 98.5 FM in Augusta. New Hampshire has a ton of coverage, with WFNQ 106.3 FM in Nashua and WNNH 99.1 FM in Concord being the big ones. Vermont listeners typically lean on WDEV (550 AM and 96.1 FM), while Rhode Island is dominated by WPRO 630 AM and 99.7 FM.
Basically, if you can see a Dunkin', you can probably find a station playing the game. It’s that ubiquitous.
Why the Radio Broadcast Hits Different
Most people think they just need the score. They’re wrong. The radio crew—Socci and Zolak—give you the stuff the TV cameras miss. Socci is the pro's pro; he's been at this for over a decade and his accuracy is top-tier. Then you have "Zo." Scott Zolak played quarterback for this team. He gets loud. He gets excited. He celebrates touchdowns like he just threw them himself.
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It’s local. It’s biased. It’s exactly what a fan wants when the game is on the line.
Digital and Satellite Options
Maybe you don't own an actual radio. It sounds crazy, but plenty of people don't anymore. If you're trying to figure out what radio station is the patriots game on and you only have a smartphone, you have to be a little careful.
The official Patriots app and the 98.5 The Sports Hub app stream the game, but there's a catch: geographic restrictions. If you are within the New England market, you're usually good to go on your phone. If you're outside the region? The stream might get blocked due to NFL broadcasting rights.
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That is where SiriusXM comes in. Every single NFL game is on satellite radio. If you’re a subscriber, you can find the Patriots home broadcast on a dedicated channel each week. It’s the easiest way to hear Socci and Zolak if you’re living in, say, Florida or California.
The 2026 Season Context
The team is in a fascinating spot right now. With Drake Maye establishing himself as a legitimate franchise cornerstone—even earning All-Pro Second Team honors recently—the vibe around the broadcast has shifted from "rebuilding" to "contending." When you listen to the pregame show with Marc Bertrand and Chris Gasper, the conversations aren't just about draft picks anymore. They're about playoff seeding and division titles.
Mike Vrabel being at the helm adds another layer to the radio experience. The "Vrabel X’s and O’s" segments and the live press conferences aired on the Hub give you a level of access that a national TV broadcast just can't match.
Actionable Steps for Gameday
- Check the Dial Early: If you're traveling, scan the FM and AM bands about 30 minutes before kickoff. Most affiliates start their local coverage well before the national anthem.
- Use a Desktop for Streaming: If you're at a computer, the Patriots.com live radio stream is often more "open" than the mobile versions, though blackouts still apply.
- Download the 98.5 App: Even if you aren't listening to the game, their "Patriots Preview" and "Postgame Show" are essential listening for any die-hard.
- Sync the Audio: Some fans like to mute the TV and play the radio audio. It's tricky because of the delay—usually, the radio is a few seconds ahead or behind—but if you have a way to pause your TV or use a radio delay app, it’s the best way to watch.
The bottom line is that 98.5 FM is your home base, but the network is wide enough that you're rarely out of range. Just find your local frequency, tune in, and let Zo's energy carry you through the fourth quarter.