Ticket Problems and Possible Blackouts

PseuFighter

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Dec 22, 2003
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Given their wait-list of 100,000+, I was shocked to read last week that the Packers put 40,000 tickets on sale for this Sunday's WC game. As of right now, they still have something like 8,000 tickets unsold, and they're not alone -- the Colts and Bengals are also having trouble moving tickets for this weekend's games, and they've all requested extensions from the league to sell what's left before blacking out these games locally (which hasn't happened in a playoff game since '02, Baltimore at Miami). Each team had strong immediate on-sales, but they've all but stopped since. The Eagles are the (so far) only team to sell out wild card weekend.
 
Teams are attributing it to short on-sale turnaround times (though the Bengals had an extra week), and a post-holiday wallet crunch (emphasizing that the NFL sets playoff ticket prices). Some on the internets are throwing the "it's way too expensive to attend a football game / sporting event" line out there, but only *two* games all season failed to sell out. If you've been unable to easily attend a regular season game (e.g. Green Bay), I can't see how demand would be actually be down for the playoffs.
 
The Patriots don't seem completely immune to this either, at least when put in perspective. As of this post, ten hours after the waiting list presale started, there are still tickets to be had all over the stadium. I don't ever remember tickets being available on the playoff presale this long after it began. What's worse, about five minutes after the presale started, the number of tickets on StubHub jumped from around 4,000 to just over 5,000, so many on the waiting list thought they'd make a quick buck instead). With more than a week to go, tickets are already dropping under face on there, and given the available supply, I suspect they'll drop to a fraction of the face price by day of game -- which is indicative of a larger problem across sports; with all of these distribution outlets, and rising prices, the "value" of having season tickets seems to be dropping dramatically.
 
So, the NFL, more popular than ever, is having trouble selling tickets to 3 of the 4 playoff games this weekend. Teams are scrambling, local television is concerned, small businesses (i.e. bars) are worried games won't be televised. In the end, we all know the games will be shown; either the tickets are really bought or some local sponsors buy out whatever's left just to get the games televised and pick up some publicity in the process. But it's really strange to me.
 
Thoughts around solving this, and whether it's indicative of a larger problem, and potentially not just limited to the NFL? (think MFY empty playoff games, back when they used to host postseason games).
 
For one, the FCC blackout rule has to go. I think most of us will agree there. Second to that, I really think season ticket holders should be required to purchase tickets to playoff games. In some markets (Carolina, I believe) this is the case. In others, including Green Bay, it's not. Where waitlists are so long, I do think teams could get away with requiring payment for the up to two additional games, much like most (all?) do for those meaningless preseason games that ticket holders actually do get stuck with.
 

kevmyster

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Dec 20, 2006
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Good post. I agree that the blackouts are antiquated and need to go.
 
One reason for the availability of tickets has to be weather related. Green Bay has a 4:40ET kickoff on a day that's expected to have a high of -3F, a low of -19F, and wind chills of Antartica. Another reason, in my opinion, is that the NFL is better on teevee than it is in the stadium. It's a personal preference, but I hate the entire customer experience of live football. I hate it even more when I tally up the day's receipts.
 

dcmissle

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It's a good thing that the NFL derives only 10% of revenue from the gate because this is a long term problem,exacerbated in part by ticket prices being jacked up for the playoffs.

Anecdote: I received notice for ordering playoff tickets but became very busy with work stuff and blew the deadline. I wasn't upset. A few years ago, I'd have never blown that deadline.

What has happened since? Televised games are spectacular. Going to the game, with increased security clearing and restrictions, is more and more a nuisance.

I've had my tickets close to 20 years. Today, I probably would not make the investment.

I feel quite different about attending baseball games, for which the home viewing experience is not nearly as good.
 

Harry Hooper

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Reports are that the Packers wanted season ticket holders to send their $ in weeks ago for the next home game after the regular season, whether it be in the playoffs now or an exhibition game next August. The team's greedy ways cheesed off the Cheeseheads.
 

MyDaughterLovesTomGordon

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Yeah, they jacked my tix from $89 regular season to $144, plus $6 in "fees." So $300 for a pair that's usually under $200. Which is a kick in the nuts. But I bought them.

Then I find out it's 8:30 pm. In Foxboro in January. Lucky to be above zero? Over at midnight, plus an hour to get out of the lot, plus three hours back to Maine. Tough sledding.

I waited 11 years for my tickets, so I'm still pretty into it after only four years, but they don't make it easy. And the 30 mins just to get through security sucks ass.
 

Average Reds

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PseuFighter said:
For one, the FCC blackout rule has to go. I think most of us will agree there.
 
The blackout policy was imposed by the NFL in 1973, back when owners were fearful that televising home games would kill attendance.  Under significant pressure from the NFL and other sports leagues, the FCC adopted the policy in 1975.  They have voted several times to repeal this rule, but the opposition by the NFL (and other sports leagues) has effectively prevented the repeal.
 
Given how much revenue the networks provide to the NFL, I am shocked that that they (the networks) don't demand that the blackout rule be eliminated by the FCC and removed from their contracts with the NFL.  If there are widespread blackouts this weekend, we might finally see some movement on that front.
 
Edit:  fixed brain cramp
 

LondonSox

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Yes I'm trying to focus on the fact that a blackout of a playoff game might finally solve the bullshit of the black out rules.

I'm surprised green bay is having an issue due to the depth of support for that team. But the idea people who might own the Damn team might be unable to watch the game at home rather than expose their children to - 30 for hours etc is so ridiculous that highlighting is great.
The defense is so laughable that the more publicity the better.
 

ZP1

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Jul 15, 2005
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Game attendance is a problem that's going to get steadily worse for teams. The combination of rising ticket prices and better technology is devastating in the long run.  For reference, we're probably only 15 years (if not less) off from technology like this becoming mainstream: 
 
http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/18/next3d-recorded-video-plans-oculus-rift-virtual-reality/
 
Effectively,  the networks could setup this sort of camera setup, and someone at home would have the same exact view as someone who's sitting in a 1k+ 50 yard line seat.  Good luck keeping stadiums full when technology like this is everywhere. 
 

johnmd20

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The gouging of fans does have its breaking point, especially because for most people, the view at home is as good as the view live. Granted, you can never experience the visceral thrill of seeing something live while watching an event on TV, but there is no question going to a game is a lot of effort, financially and physically, and if the prices keep moving up the way they are, some people will just stay home.
 
It certainly doesn't help that the temperatures are going to be as low as they are, but that doesn't excuse Indy's inablity to sell out.
 

bougrj1

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MyDaughterLovesTomGordon said:
And the 30 mins just to get through security sucks ass.
This has what's killed me this year. I got in the security line with 25 minutes to kickoff last week and wasn't in my seats (in the lower level - so not that far of a walk) until after the first couple of plays. I get that there are security concerns and a new bag policy, but hire more people or open up more lines... they've had a year to adjust.
 

NortheasternPJ

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johnmd20 said:
The gouging of fans does have its breaking point.
 
Between ticket prices, ticket prices for the playoffs are even more expensive, forcing season ticket holders to buy 2 games even though they may have none (then not refunding the money and just keeping it til next year), lack of 1pm games for east coast teams, flex scheduling on a weeks notice, increased security (which i don't blame them for), no highlights or red zone during the games (or very very limited in the case of Gillette) the NFL is pushing fans who go to the stadium as far as they can.
 
I can see Packers fans a few weeks ago getting the playoff notice for a bill for all their tickets to two games when Rodgers was out and it looked extremely likely the Packers wouldn't make the playoffs and saying fuck it. Not to mention, this is the first time GB has requested the money up front (even though other teams have always done this)
 
Based on what someone said above about only 10% of revenue coming from the gates, it's clear the NFL doesn't really give a shit about fans going to games in favor of making sure they have as many good matchups on TV. I don't really blame the league, but I don't really want to hear bitching from the league or teams that all the games aren't selling out.
 

koufax32

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Time to start the rumors about the Packers moving to L.A.


The solution ain't rocket surgery. Just lower prices.
 

Corsi

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Are Fantasy Football and the Red Zone channel a contributing factor?  Why sit through only one game on Sunday when I can watch all ~12 from the comfort of my sofa? 
 

Average Reds

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koufax32 said:
Time to start the rumors about the Packers moving to L.A.


The solution ain't rocket surgery. Just lower prices.
 
It's rare to see a post that is both this concise and chock full of idiocy.
 
The Packers have been a community-owned team for decades.  They will never move.  They will never threaten to move.  They will never hold the public up for funding for a new stadium or improvements to the existing one.
 
In accord with the way the rest of the NFL does things, the Packers management asked season ticket holders to make a yes/no commitment for playoff tickets weeks ago when Rogers was injured and playoff hopes looked bleak.  When the Packers beat the Bears and qualified on Sunday, more than 40,000 seats were still unsold. These sold almost instantly - with the exception of a new block of seats added this year behind one of the end zones that most fans dislike.  The fact that these seats are among the most exposed to the elements on a day where the forecast is for temperatures below freezing is making them a tough sell.  But they will sell.
 
Essentially, the Packers not having a sellout is the result of a perfect storm of events and not an indicator that the public (which owns the team) is unwilling to support the team.
 

richgedman'sghost

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Average Reds said:
 
It's rare to see a post that is both this concise and chock full of idiocy.
 
The Packers have been a community-owned team for decades.  They will never move.  They will never threaten to move.  They will never hold the public up for funding for a new stadium or improvements to the existing one.
 
In accord with the way the rest of the NFL does things, the Packers management asked season ticket holders to make a yes/no commitment for playoff tickets weeks ago when Rogers was injured and playoff hopes looked bleak.  When the Packers beat the Bears and qualified on Sunday, more than 40,000 seats were still unsold. These sold almost instantly - with the exception of a new block of seats added this year behind one of the end zones that most fans dislike.  The fact that these seats are among the most exposed to the elements on a day where the forecast is for temperatures below freezing is making them a tough sell.  But they will sell.
 
Essentially, the Packers not having a sellout is the result of a perfect storm of events and not an indicator that the public (which owns the team) is unwilling to support the team.
I think he was joking.. Maybe he should have indicated as such.
 

Senator Donut

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Are Fantasy Football and the Red Zone channel a contributing factor?  Why sit through only one game on Sunday when I can watch all ~12 from the comfort of my sofa? 


There isn't fantasy football and NFL Redzone during the playoffs. All but two regular season games sold out.
 

Corsi

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Domer said:
There isn't fantasy football and NFL Redzone during the playoffs. All but two regular season games sold out.
 
This is true, but is the behavior learned by then?  
 
"I've spent the past 17 weeks happily on my couch, and now it's 5 degrees outside, why change?"
 

Dehere

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There's no chance that any of these games will be blacked out locally. There's "sold out" and then there's "sold out for television". Each team is allowed to set a ticket sale threshold of less than 100% at which their game is considered sold out for television. Ticket sales above the threshold are subject to a different revenue share between the home and road teams, which encourages the teams to set the thresholds as high as they think they can achieve. Nobody knows what these thresholds are except the teams and the league, which gives the NFL some leeway in determining which games are sold out for television purposes. This is one reason why fewer than 1% of regular season games were blacked out locally this year.

IANAL but I think there's some misunderstanding of how lifting the FCC blackout rule would affect the NFL. The FCC rule prevents cable operators from importing the signal of a blacked out game from another market. For example if the Eagles are blacked out in Philly Comcast can't simply take the signal of the same game from a station in New York and make it available in Philly.

The NFL blackout rule is agreed to in a negotiation between private parties. Even if the FCC rule were lifted the NFL and the networks could continue to agree to the blackout rule. Separately, local TV stations are either owned by the networks or they sign affiliation agreements, which could be written to make it a condition of affiliation that the stations not make their signal available to out of market cable providers. A lifting of the FCC blackout rule would make it possible for cable systems to take an out of market signal, but it wouldn't compel local stations to make their signal available. Again, not a lawyer, but I'm not sure that a change to the FCC blackout rule would have much impact on availability of NFL games.
 

SMU_Sox

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Because it's the playoffs? Don't equivalize two different events. Regular season vs playoffs. You're talking two different sets of consumer behavior. Don't take this as evidence of equivalisation until you know that. It's circular.
 
edit: If anything playoff ticket prices should be an indicator of the change of price elasticity for playoff tickets. But again you'd have to present that too.
 

cshea

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A pay-as-we play plan seems like an easy solution for season ticket holders who don't want to pay for 2 games up front. The teams get guaranteed sales on the 2 playoff games, while the season ticket holders don't have to front cash for games that may not be played.
 

Al Zarilla

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dbn

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I find the "it's better to watch at home" refrain interesting.  I enjoy watching NFL games MUCH more at the stadium compared to on TV.  I wonder if this is in part because I rarely attend NFL games, so that when I do it is a real treat.  
 
Over the past ~dozen years, I've been to a few (non-Pats) games at Heinz field, a PGH @ Jacksonville game, a NE @ SD game, and the recent MIN @ BAL snow storm game, but have only paid for the tickets for a couple of them.  I imagine it is harder to enjoy when one has in the back of one's mind the knowledge that you'd have a lot more money in your pocket if you were watching at home.  For the games I did pay for the tickets, and the $$ blown on concessions for all of them, I didn't mind the expense because I go so rarely.
 
Also, why is there such a long security line at Gillette?  I don't ever remember a security-related delay to get in at any of the 4 stadiums to which I've been.
 
MyDaughterLovesTomGordon said:
Yeah, they jacked my tix from $89 regular season to $144, plus $6 in "fees." So $300 for a pair that's usually under $200. Which is a kick in the nuts. But I bought them.

Then I find out it's 8:30 pm. In Foxboro in January. Lucky to be above zero? Over at midnight, plus an hour to get out of the lot, plus three hours back to Maine. Tough sledding.

I waited 11 years for my tickets, so I'm still pretty into it after only four years, but they don't make it easy. And the 30 mins just to get through security sucks ass.
 
This sounds pretty horrible.  I know that I could/would get pumped for a live Patriots playoff game, even in the freezing cold, but add in the long waits, long drive, and getting home in the wee-hours (plus not being able to drink since you are driving) might be a deal-breaker for me.
 
Does anyone take the T to Gillette?  It's too bad there aren't more/better public transit options, especially for people who don't live in Boston.  I took light rail (still involved a little driving, to get to the lots) to the games in BAL and SD.  I wonder if having better ways to get to and from the stadiums would help attendance significantly.  
 

Lose Remerswaal

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MarcSullivaFan said:
This is pretty cool:

@JimIrsay: Meijer's a superstar in our community. Bought 1200 tix and giving to local military families. Game on WTHR. BLUE OUT, not black out.
 
 
Al Zarilla said:
According to Bloomberg, a local merchant in Indy swept in and bought all the remaining seats for KC-Indy. Two more to go.
 
The Colts have announced that corporate partner Meijer has purchased the remaining 1,200 non-premium tickets to Saturday’s game against the Chiefs, making it a sellout.  The tickets will be donated to local military families.
 
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/03/colts-sell-out-playoff-game-thanks-to-sponsor-buying-1200-tickets/
 
Come on Al, you're better than this.
 
NortheasternPJ said:
 
Between ticket prices, ticket prices for the playoffs are even more expensive, forcing season ticket holders to buy 2 games even though they may have none (then not refunding the money and just keeping it til next year), lack of 1pm games for east coast teams, flex scheduling on a weeks notice, increased security (which i don't blame them for), no highlights or red zone during the games (or very very limited in the case of Gillette) the NFL is pushing fans who go to the stadium as far as they can.
 
I can see Packers fans a few weeks ago getting the playoff notice for a bill for all their tickets to two games when Rodgers was out and it looked extremely likely the Packers wouldn't make the playoffs and saying fuck it. Not to mention, this is the first time GB has requested the money up front (even though other teams have always done this)
 
 
 
Sox have done this for years.  Most seasons I ante up when the postseason bill comes, even when I know they aren't going to make the playoffs.  In 2012 I didn't ante up and took my chances.  If they had suddenly turned around and gone 26-4 in September I'd have been kicking myself, but those are the chances you take.
 

NortheasternPJ

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dbn said:
Also, why is there such a long security line at Gillette?  I don't ever remember a security-related delay to get in at any of the 4 stadiums to which I've been.
 
I'm not sure what gate he was going in, but I don't think I've waited more than 5 minutes to get in to any game this season. I think i've been to 5? We get there about 45 min before kickoff and just go in the side gate next to the Fidelity Clubhouse and go right in. The only times I've waited that long is when that gate is closed and everyone was forced to go to the main gate.
 
I'm not sure if the gates on the other side of the stadium are worse though, we never go over there.
 

Nick Kaufman

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I ll be in the minority and say that the blackout rule isn't so bad in that it forces teams to focus on attendance.
 
The paradox is IMO that while the TV experience is getting to be as good or better than the experience of watching a sporting event live, one thing that makes the TV experience fun is a stadium full of people cheering and making noise. An empty stadium makes for a lesser viewing experience.
 
I agree that over the long term this is going to be a problem that all leagues are going to face. What's happening here seems more like a one off accident.

Why don't nfl teams do variable pricing?
 
Dec 10, 2012
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I agree with Nick, in the sense that you need to give fans an incentive to come to games and you need to give teams/NFL an incentive to charge lower prices.
 
And I think military families agree with us, wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
 
 
 
And Associated Bank and other WI corporations did the same in GB as in Indy and Cincy (Cincy not to completion, yet)
 

( . ) ( . ) and (_!_)

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Nick Kaufman said:
I ll be in the minority and say that the blackout rule isn't so bad in that it forces teams to focus on attendance.
 
The paradox is IMO that while the TV experience is getting to be as good or better than the experience of watching a sporting event live, one thing that makes the TV experience fun is a stadium full of people cheering and making noise. An empty stadium makes for a lesser viewing experience.
 
I agree that over the long term this is going to be a problem that all leagues are going to face. What's happening here seems more like a one off accident.
Why don't nfl teams do variable pricing?
 
But I'm not sure that NFL teams are doing this or at least are not giving enough incentives to go to games.  Expensive beers, no red zone. Long lines, etc...
 

( . ) ( . ) and (_!_)

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NortheasternPJ said:
 
I'm not sure what gate he was going in, but I don't think I've waited more than 5 minutes to get in to any game this season. I think i've been to 5? We get there about 45 min before kickoff and just go in the side gate next to the Fidelity Clubhouse and go right in. The only times I've waited that long is when that gate is closed and everyone was forced to go to the main gate.
 
I'm not sure if the gates on the other side of the stadium are worse though, we never go over there.
 
So if I want no long wait then I need to be in my seat over a half hour before kickoff?
 

Al Zarilla

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Lose Remerswaal said:
 
 
 
Come on Al, you're better than this.
 
 
 
Sox have done this for years.  Most seasons I ante up when the postseason bill comes, even when I know they aren't going to make the playoffs.  In 2012 I didn't ante up and took my chances.  If they had suddenly turned around and gone 26-4 in September I'd have been kicking myself, but those are the chances you take.
 Bloomberg did say local merchant without identifying that the "local merchant" was a partner with the Colts. Later, I Googled it and found the real truth. But, thanks.
 
It did sound too good to be true though, a "local merchant" buying that many tickets. 
 

Spacemans Bong

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Harveys Wallbangers on Baseball primer, who is a Wisconsin guy, has done a good job explaining this. The Pack doing the money up front thing for the first time in the middle of the season has likely pissed off a lot of people, and the predicted sub-zero with windchill temps are not helping. Even in Wisconsin, who the fuck wants to freeze to death while watching a football game? 
 

alydar

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This is my first year as a season ticket holder at Gillette, although I have used the Waiting List as a means to attend many playoff games over the past 12 years.  Here's what I like about actually going to the game:
 
1) Going with different people.  I made it to 6 games this year, and I went with 6 different groups of people -- a great way to keep in touch with various aspects of one's life, especially since going to an NFL game is rare enough for most people that they don't care that my seats are total nosebleeds.  
2) Tailgating.  Of course, when it is freezing or wet, this is far less fun.
3) Actually watching football.  No ticker on the bottom to distract me, no commercials, and being able to focus on a particular player on any given play (which isn't to say things like the foghorn on third down are benefits of being there).  Likewise, being around a lot more Patriots fans than fit into my living room.
 
When the weather is crappy, tho, all three of those things suffer (and even in the dome in Indy, I'm sure poor tailgating weather is a detriment).  Harder to enjoy the game or your company when you are miserable -- or, if you're 'hosting' people with your tickets, you are worried that your friends / family / co-workers who are your guests are miserable but don't want to say anything, even if the weather isn't too bothersome to you personally.  
 
It does bug me that StubHub has such an active market for Patriots tickets not because I'm against the free market by any means, but rather because the Patriots explicitly prohibit you from selling there.  If they really cared, I wish they'd enforce.  Or change the policy and make it okay.  But I don't like this nether-region of what one can and can't do with tickets.  
 
Edit: to add to that final point, there are currently 0 tickets for sale on the official patriots re-sell site via Ticketmaster, for season ticket holders and wait list members, but 5579 on Stubhub.  
 

koufax32

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Average Reds said:
It's rare to see a post that is both this concise and chock full of idiocy.
 
The Packers have been a community-owned team for decades.  They will never move.  They will never threaten to move.  They will never hold the public up for funding for a new stadium or improvements to the existing one.
 
In accord with the way the rest of the NFL does things, the Packers management asked season ticket holders to make a yes/no commitment for playoff tickets weeks ago when Rogers was injured and playoff hopes looked bleak.  When the Packers beat the Bears and qualified on Sunday, more than 40,000 seats were still unsold. These sold almost instantly - with the exception of a new block of seats added this year behind one of the end zones that most fans dislike.  The fact that these seats are among the most exposed to the elements on a day where the forecast is for temperatures below freezing is making them a tough sell.  But they will sell.
 
Essentially, the Packers not having a sellout is the result of a perfect storm of events and not an indicator that the public (which owns the team) is unwilling to support the team.
Yeah that was sarcasm. Living in Jacksonville I hear this line every year...even though it's been years since blackouts were a problem. The story never follows the same pattern when other franchises have more recent problems like TB, CIN, etc. Mini rant over.

I agree that changing the rules will eventually happen. Dropping prices will sell more tickets but probably at a net loss as most of these situations are just a few thousand short out of 60-65k. Dropping prices is the easiest solution. Changing the rules is the most cost effective. Follow the money.
 

lexrageorge

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The local blackouts are archaic.  Back when the Patriots were blacked out all the time, I don't recall a single person deciding to go to the game at the last minute simply because it wasn't on TV.  And the blackouts aren't putting butts in the seats in Jacksonville either.  
 
EDIT:  And, I should add:  as a fan, the profit margins of the networks or of NFL Enterprises is not of any concern of mine.  
 

NortheasternPJ

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( . ) ( . ) and (_!_) said:
 
So if I want no long wait then I need to be in my seat over a half hour before kickoff?
 
Oh I agree with you. But it's nice that when we get in stadium at 3:55 we can watch the end of the 1pm games on the big screen, especially games that are big factors to the Patriots. Ohh wait we can't since they just show the spinning Patriots logo on the screen or DMC walking around the field doing nothing to rap music blasting (and I like a lot of rap music). No problem, I'll put RedZone on on my phone with the Patriots app, oh wait that doesn't ever work for more than 30 seconds.
 

NortheasternPJ

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lexrageorge said:
The local blackouts are archaic.  Back when the Patriots were blacked out all the time, I don't recall a single person deciding to go to the game at the last minute simply because it wasn't on TV.  And the blackouts aren't putting butts in the seats in Jacksonville either.  
 
Plus, if it's blacked out how many people say "fuck it, i'll just catch the endof the scoring drives on RedZone"
 

Hendu for Kutch

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dbn said:
Over the past ~dozen years, I've been to a few (non-Pats) games at Heinz field, a PGH @ Jacksonville game, a NE @ SD game, and the recent MIN @ BAL snow storm game, but have only paid for the tickets for a couple of them.  I imagine it is harder to enjoy when one has in the back of one's mind the knowledge that you'd have a lot more money in your pocket if you were watching at home.  For the games I did pay for the tickets, and the $$ blown on concessions for all of them, I didn't mind the expense because I go so rarely.
 
I think it's a much different experience going to games in places like NE and MIA, where it's a real bitch to get there and get out afterwards, vs. a place with an easily accessible stadium.  I've been to both of those stadiums, and you just know you're in for several hours of suck before/after.  The experience on TV vs. being there isn't so large that it's worth it to a lot of people.  I don't know if NE has gotten better since Patriot Place was built (I haven't been in a few years).
 
Having been to games @SD and @NYJ, it was just so much easier and getting in/out doesn't nearly factor into the decision as much.
 

Fisks Of Fury

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( . ) ( . ) and (_!_) said:
 
So if I want no long wait then I need to be in my seat over a half hour before kickoff?
 
I wouldn't go that far.  Which gate are you using? I come in the BofA gate, and I don't think I've waited more than 5 minutes to get in for years (*playoff games excepted). We usually head in 30-20 minutes before kickoff, which gives me plenty of time to hit the head, grab a couple beers and walk to my seats (which are admittedly very close to the entrance) and still have time to settle in and watch the end of warm-ups.
 

Ralphwiggum

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My family has had season tickets at Gillette since 2006 and I love going to the games, especially cold and snow games (not so much rain games, which suck).  I love the tailgating, even in the cold weather.  And I love the feeling of camaraderie in the stands when it is freezing cold outside.  To me, no game experience in any other sport can compare (and I have been a Sox season ticket holder for over a decade).  
 
All of that said, when I go to the games I know it is a huge investment of my time, so I don't get worked up about the lines, how early I have to be there, how long it takes me to get home, etc.  If I can't deal with all of that stuff, I just don't go to the game.  It is about the whole game day experience for me.  It is completely unlike the Sox where you can safely arrive just before the game starts and be out of there right after it finishes (although the actual length of the game is much more up in the air in baseball, especially the post-season).
 
Because of that, though, I am more selective about the Pats games I go to.  I can't make it this weekend because I have all four of my kids for the weekend and I can't ask my wife to watch her three step kids along with our 6 week old baby while I go drink my face off in Foxboro for the night.  It kills me that I can't go but there is nothing I can do.
 
The blackout rule is idiotic for that reason, though.  You are asking fans to spend not only their money but invest a significant amount of their weekend into attending the game.  Sometimes that is great, but people's circumstances differ and sometimes even if there are tickets available it just isn't an option to go (for financial reasons or otherwise).
 

MyDaughterLovesTomGordon

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Jun 26, 2006
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Fisks Of Fury said:
 
I wouldn't go that far.  Which gate are you using? I come in the BofA gate, and I don't think I've waited more than 5 minutes to get in for years (*playoff games excepted). We usually head in 30-20 minutes before kickoff, which gives me plenty of time to hit the head, grab a couple beers and walk to my seats (which are admittedly very close to the entrance) and still have time to settle in and watch the end of warm-ups.
 
You must have magic powers that allow you to bend the space-time continuum, then. At 20 minutes before kickoff that line is always at least a mob out to the first curb and usually well past it. 
 

Fisks Of Fury

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MyDaughterLovesTomGordon said:
 
You must have magic powers that allow you to bend the space-time continuum, then. At 20 minutes before kickoff that line is always at least a mob out to the first curb and usually well past it. 
Not sure what to say. It's almost always out to the first curb, but it moves very quickly in my experience, I haven't had to wait more than 5 minutes in recent memory. Perhaps you're just so attractive that you invite a prolonged pat-down?
 

bougrj1

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Jul 14, 2005
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Fisks Of Fury said:
Not sure what to say. It's almost always out to the first curb, but it moves very quickly in my experience, I haven't had to wait more than 5 minutes in recent memory. Perhaps you're just so attractive that you invite a prolonged pat-down?
Have you gone to many games this year? I agree that in previous years they've moved pretty quickly - but now you have to go through 3 checkpoints... the first to make sure you're not bringing a bag, the second for every individual to get the security wand as they check for any devices and make sure you take keys/phones, etc. out of all of your pockets, and the third to scan your ticket.
 

Jer

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Jul 17, 2005
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bougrj1 said:
Have you gone to many games this year? I agree that in previous years they've moved pretty quickly - but now you have to go through 3 checkpoints... the first to make sure you're not bringing a bag, the second for every individual to get the security wand as they check for any devices and make sure you take keys/phones, etc. out of all of your pockets, and the third to scan your ticket.
This was my experience in the two games I attended (1st two home games). I think the searches are fallout from the marathon bombing.
 
Have things sped up as the season progressed?
 
In years past I cruised in just like Fisks described. Usually much faster if you go wide around the herd.