Is the NFL shooting itself in the foot?
Is the NFL shooting itself in the foot?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pounded the Carolina Panthers Sunday, but most fans in the Bay area probably only saw highlights.
That’s because the NFL blacked out another game. The league football fans will actually buy tickets and go to home games, if they know they can’t watch on T.V.
The rule, however, is upsetting fans, rather than encouraging them.
To Cincinnati Bengals fans:
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“I think it does the reverse effect of what they’re trying to do. I think it makes the fans more mad actually that they’re not allowed to see their home team play,” said Alex Schmitz, a Bucs fan.
The NFL refuses to televise home games within a 75 miles radius of the stadium if the stands don’t sell out 72 hours before kickoff.
Former Buccaneer Brad Culpepper thinks the blackout policy is part of the reason why Tampa Bay is not more excited about a winning team.
“There would be much more buzz around town if people were able to see them on television. I mean, this is a 6 and 3 ball club. They’re good,” he said.
None of the team’s home games has been on television in Tampa Bay this season. Fans say the NFL needs to rethink its policy, especially while the Bucs are hot.
“They’re doing well, but I don’t’ think Tampa in general has come back from the recession yet,” said Bucs fan Ron Simon.
Schmitz played football for Tampa Catholic, then later Penn State University. He’s a big Bucs fan, but also a single father of four on a budget, like almost everyone else.
“Christmas time is right around the corner, so people are nickel and diming it right now,” Schmitz said.
Karleen Simon says the NFL is alienating football fans.
“There are a lot of people who enjoy sports and want to be part of the excitement of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and they’re left out,” Simon said.
Fans in several cities have the blackout blues, but the NFL has shown no sign of breaking its long-standing rule.
“Without the buzz, fewer jerseys get sold, fewer hats get sold, fewer T-shirts. So I don’t know if it’s hitting their pocket book or not,” Culpepper said. “I guess they’re smart enough to know whether it’s hurting them or not.”
Last year, the Bucs organization bought back unsold tickets at a reduced rate in order for games to be aired locally. That’s not the case this year. It’s anticipated that the remaining Bucs home games this season will also be blacked out.
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