NFL Relaxing Blackout Rules

With the Rams being one of the worst teams in the NFL over the last several seasons, the issue of blackouts hits close to home for those of us here in St. Louis. I have to admit that the organization has stepped up to get us over the hump into sellout range numerous times in the last few years, but there was always a chance that those people who didn’t head over to the Edward Jones Dome wouldn’t be able to see the game. It looks like the NFL has finally realized that their blackout rule is ridiculous, because a report came out on Saturday saying that the league is willing to relax on the blackouts. According to the report in the Wall Street Journal, the league will give teams flexibility to to avoid television blackouts by allowing broadcasts with as few as 85% of tickets sold.

“The at-home experience has gotten better and cheaper, while the in-stadium experience feels like it hasn’t,” Eric Grubman, the NFL’s executive vice president of ventures and business operations told the Journal. “That’s a trend that we’ve got to do something about.”

I have had season tickets since the Rams moved to St. Louis, and I usually attend a bulk of the home games in a particular season. But let’s be honest: watching the game from home can sometimes be a much better way to spend a Sunday, especially if you are into fantasy football and/or you have RedZone or the NFL package. I enjoy heading downtown with buddies and grabbing some early-morning drinks before a noon kickoff, but there’s something to be said for HD televisions, every game at your disposal and only getting off the couch to head to the restroom. The league recognizes this fact, and it’s good to see they’re doing something about it.