The NFL season is now underway, this weekend kicking off yearly traditions for fans around the country. But watching your favorite team could pose a problem if you live in that team’s hometown.
The NFL's blackout policy requires home games to be blacked out in local television markets if the game is not sold out 72 hours before the scheduled kickoff. Last season, the NFL blacked out 22 games, a 144 percent increase from the previous season.
For that reason, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Monday urged National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell to reexamine the league's blackout policies which could prevent Ohioans from watching Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns games.
Game attendance is expected to decrease again this year, which could mean even more blacked out games. Brown cited the current economic downturn and high ticket prices for lower attendance.
In the letter to Goodell, Brown asked him to consider working Ohioans that are unable to attend games in person.
"Football has been a long source of pride for communities across Ohio. It is deeply troubling that increasing blackouts could deprive families and friends the tradition of watching their beloved Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoons," Brown wrote. "I ask the NFL to examine its current television blackout policies and develop solutions that allow for franchises to remain viable businesses, while allowing fans to enjoy the game they love, both in person at the stadium or on television at home."
"NFL blackout policies should be revisited as our nation faces the worst economic crisis in generations," Brown continued. "During these difficult times, working families are struggling to make ends meet. Although appealing, attending a football game is simply cost prohibitive for too many Ohioans. The average price for an NFL game ticket is $77 - nearly ten times the hourly minimum wage. The problem will only become worse, as 18 teams have increased ticket prices for the upcoming 2010 season."
In today’s Buzz segment, NBC 4 asked:
What do you think about the policy? Should Brown get involved?
Sound off below or on NBC 4’s Facebook page.
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