PFT: NFL partially waives blackout rule

[WoodysGirl]

Posted by Mike Florio on September 10, 2009 10:35 AM ET

Though the NFL has consistently said that it won't lift the rule preventing games that aren't sold out from being televised in the local market, the league has made a major concession in this regard.

All blacked out games will be available in the local markets on a tape-delayed basis, via NFL.com.

The free "re-broadcasts" (as the league is calling them) will be accessible at midnight on the day of the game, and they will remain available for 72 hours.

The re-broadcasts will not be available during the Monday Night Football broadcast.

Also, the Red Zone Channel on DirecTV and the similar NFL RedZone product that has been purchased by Dish Network, Comcast, and other providers will include look-ins featuring the blacked-out games. This means that folks who have the Red Zone Channel or NFL RedZone in the markets where the games won't be shown will be able to see snippets of the game long before midnight.

"We understand that the economy is limiting some families and corporations from buying as many game tickets as they had previously," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a release. "These free re-broadcasts on NFL.com will allow our fans that can't get to a blacked-out game an opportunity to see the entire game."

Though some will still claim that the NFL should remove the blackout rule entirely, the significance of this concession should not be underestimated. The league zealously guards its game footage; the fact that the NFL is willing to re-broadcast the blacked-out games via NFL.com at no charge represents an unprecedented gesture.

Meanwhile, we predict that a rash of fans in the blacked-out markets will be avoiding all forms of media until midnight, at which time they can watch the game involving the home team as if it's happening live.

 

[AdamJT13]

Meanwhile, we predict that a rash of fans in the blacked-out markets will be avoiding all forms of media until midnight, at which time they can watch the game involving the home team as if it's happening live.

I've never understood how anyone could do that.

 

[Skinsmaniac]

Meanwhile, we predict that a rash of fans in the blacked-out markets will be avoiding all forms of media until midnight, at which time they can watch the game involving the home team as if it's happening live.

Actually, those who have the basic computer skills to watch on NFL.com will watch live, illegally on some other site. The blackout rule no longer makes any sense with alternative avenues available to watch games.

 

[elcowboi]

I've never understood how anyone could do that.

You know it's funny I've done that plenty of times. On Sunday's when the Cowboys play early I miss most of the game because I'll just be getting home from church. So I watch the game as if it's live and stay away from my phone or the internet. Plus I HATE commercials and it gives me a chance to fast-forward them bad boys. LOL.

 

[ArmyCowboy]

I've never understood how anyone could do that.

Just curious, but why not. I did it plenty of time in Germany and Iraq so that I could watch the game without knowing the outcome.

 

[CanadianCowboysFan]

I've never understood how anyone could do that.

I do it all the time for hockey as my team is eastern based and I live in the pacific time zone. I don't check any sites, listen to radio etc and then go home and watch it "live"

I've done it for the Cowboys too.

There are always a few times you find out the score but still it is not that difficult.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

Just curious, but why not. I did it plenty of time in Germany and Iraq so that I could watch the game without knowing the outcome.

You have awesome self-control. I don't know what was available to you, but with all of the highlights and information available everywhere, not to mention loud-mouth people who know the outcome, it's amazing you could achieve that.

 

[Doomsday101]

I've never understood how anyone could do that.

I avoid news or results of games I know I will only get a chance to see on a re-broadcast. It is not that hard. As for why if I know the end result the event is not that enjoyable because you know the end result

 

[Boyzmamacita]

I avoid news or results of games I know I will only get a chance to see on a re-broadcast. It is not that hard. As for why if I know the end result the event is not that enjoyable because you know the end result

I understand your rationale and it makes perfect sense, but how do avoid the loud-mouths who always want to blurt out the outcome? Maybe you don't hang out with a lot of Cowboys/football fans.

 

[Doomsday101]

I understand your rationale and it makes perfect sense, but how do avoid the loud-mouths who always want to blurt out the outcome? Maybe you don't hang out with a lot of Cowboys/football fans.

I threaten to kick their butts if they say anything to me about the game. :laugh2:

It has never been a case with the Cowboys since I have only missed one game 43 years that was due to my Grand Fathers death. Me and my family have been know to travel out of Houston viewing area to watch the Cowboys live and now with Sunday Ticket and sports bars I always get a front row seat to live Cowboys football. :laugh2:

 

[Boyzmamacita]

I threaten to kick their butts if they say anything to me about the game. :laugh2:

That works every time.

 

[CanadianCowboysFan]

I understand your rationale and it makes perfect sense, but how do avoid the loud-mouths who always want to blurt out the outcome? Maybe you don't hang out with a lot of Cowboys/football fans.

my son tells me the hockey score sometimes but he is only 5. The rest of people I know usually know not to tell me and if they start I just cover my ears and go nanananananana

 

[jubal]

I started in 1977,bought my top loading VHS recorder to tape the Cowboys in the Superbowl. Working shift work and no radios on the job. Sure made life nice. Had to justify to the family by letting them tape speed racer and stuff.

 

[AdamJT13]

Just curious, but why not.

I have to know what's going on as it happens, or I'd go insane. If I couldn't watch the game live and couldn't at least follow it on the computer (if my DirecTV was out, for some reason), I'd have to monitor it on my cell phone. And if I couldn't do that, I'd have to find some other way. If there was no way to do that, I'd have to find out ASAP what happened. I couldn't just watch the reply and pretend it's not already done. I'd fast-forward to the end to find out, then watch the game.

But I guess that's just me.

 

[ArmyCowboy]

I have to know what's going on as it happens, or I'd go insane. If I couldn't watch the game live and couldn't at least follow it on the computer (if my DirecTV was out, for some reason), I'd have to monitor it on my cell phone. And if I couldn't do that, I'd have to find some other way. If there was no way to do that, I'd have to find out ASAP what happened. I couldn't just watch the reply and pretend it's not already done. I'd fast-forward to the end to find out, then watch the game.

But I guess that's just me.

When the game doesn't start until 2300 and you can watch it the next morning, it's not that hard.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

I never liked the blackout rule. It's truly pathetic. If no one wants to go, why make them just to see the game live?