I can’t say I’m a huge NFL fan, but I still know that NFL blackouts—when a venue doesn’t show the game due to low ticket sales—are a huge bummer. It’s an especially major downer for NFL fans who’ve been looking forward to the game for days. Recently, while scrolling through NFL news, I stumbled upon a story about Baltimore Ravens’ game blackouts.
At first, I thought it was a pretty lame rule. Why should people be barred from seeing a game just because tickets aren’t selling quickly enough? But, as I learned more about the issue, I started to somewhat understand why they do blackouts. For the Ravens specifically, a lot of the fan base comes from within the region. However, if tickets aren’t selling quick enough, it could mean that the breakout of the virus could be higher than expected in the region.
I also found out that these blackouts only apply to a certain proportion of the tickets being unsold. This means that if only a small proportion of tickets are left, Ravens would still allow other games to be shown. But, if they see a lower percentage of viewership than expected, the NFL has to step in and put a blackout in place.
But, what I don’t get is why these blackouts can’t be done on a case-by-case basis. Sure, it might cost them money to do so, but if more fans are able to interact and enjoy the sport, isn’t that worth it? I mean, even when there are ongoing pandemics, sports are a way for us to connect with each other.
No matter my opinion on the blackout issue, I do know that the NFL should reconsider its policy. It might be a bit costly, but it could also bring in a huge boost to viewership. Plus, the NFL is taking a hit due to the decrease in attendance. Maybe allowing some stadiums to move forward with their games could help the league gain back some of that momentum.
I’ve been seeing a lot of stories of people who can’t physically make it to the games due to travel bans or other safety reasons. It’s so disheartening to think about how unfortunate they are—especially after waiting all year and preparing to make their way to the stadium. This is why the NFL should at least try to make sure that the games are seen by as many viewers as possible. It’s the least they can do in these uncertain times.
That being said, I allow for some leniency—I mean, when it comes to the safety of the public, some things should take precedence over the entertainment. Even so, I think it’s possible to find a balance. A way to ensure the entertainment of the public while also abiding by safety regulations.
The NFL should review their blackout policy. Emphasizing balance and prioritizing safety over entertainment if need be. They could also focus more on making sure those who can’t make it to the stadium are still able to watch the game. The NFL could incorporate more online streaming services or find other ways to make the games more accessible world-wide.
The league has a huge responsibility to ensure safety during these hard times. But, I do believe that we should still have some access to our favorite sport—at least in some way, shape or form. It’s a way for us to stay connected and, honestly, it’s just a great way to de-stress. So, if the NFL is that worried about spreading the virus, why not just enhance safety regulations and open up the games to more people. I think that would be the best of both worlds.