NFL should be alarmed that three of four playoff games still not sold out

[Double Barrel]

NFL should be alarmed that three of four playoff games, including Green Bay's home game, still not sold out

It would be a tremendous embarrassment to the league to have three of four playoff games blacked out locally, and likely, the tickets will get sold somehow to avoid that scenario. But there's a bigger issue here. Is this the most stark example that NFL fans aren't too excited to go to games anymore?

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I have no doubt that all of these games will be sold out by the deadline (even if they have to extend the blackout deadlines). No way does NFL, Inc. allow any playoff games get blacked out for the home team(s).

But, interesting that three out of four still have available tickets just days before the games. That's not something we see in Houston for a variety of reasons. We might be wishy washy, but when it's on, IT'S ON!!

 

[BetaV1]

I have no doubt that all of these games will be sold out by the deadline (even if they have to extend the blackout deadlines). No way does NFL, Inc. allow any playoff games get blacked out for the home team(s).

But, interesting that three out of four still have available tickets just days before the games. That's not something we see in Houston for a variety of reasons. We might be wishy washy, but when it's on, IT'S ON!!

What are some of the prices of these tickets, and I'll let you know whether or not I'd be that excited too.

 

[welsh texan]

Just read somewhere that the 49ers-Packers is going to be played at -26C !?

Don't think I'd be venturing out in that weather no matter what the event :o

 

[IDEXAN]

Just read somewhere that the 49ers-Packers is going to be played at -26C !?

Don't think I'd be venturing out in that weather no matter what the event :o

I'm hoping we see that kind of weather in this years SB in Jersey. There def might be some no-shows.

 

[Hookem Horns]

What are some of the prices of these tickets, and I'll let you know whether or not I'd be that excited too.

I think most are going anywhere from the low $100's to mid $300's at face value. Tack on the crazy parking prices, $8 beer, etc, I don't blame anyone for preferring to stay home in a warm house with HD TV.

 

[Double Barrel]

I'm hoping we see that kind of weather in this years SB in Jersey. There def might be some no-shows.

You and me both, man. I'll admit to a little mischievous schadenfreude in my attitude. It's not the average fan in the stands at Super Bowls, so seeing all those celebrities trying to act like real football fans would be as entertaining as whatever goofy halftime show they trot out there.

 

[NastyNate]

What are some of the prices of these tickets, and I'll let you know whether or not I'd be that excited too.

Mid level endzone for 103 bucks a ticket, in pairs. That's damn reasonable for a playoff game.

 

[Marshall]

I have no doubt that all of these games will be sold out by the deadline (even if they have to extend the blackout deadlines). No way does NFL, Inc. allow any playoff games get blacked out for the home team(s).

But, interesting that three out of four still have available tickets just days before the games. That's not something we see in Houston for a variety of reasons. We might be wishy washy, but when it's on, IT'S ON!!

Honestly. why would someone pay hundred or thousands of dollars just to sit in 35 below weather. It doesn't surprise me at all. Just look at the weather forecast.

 

[EllisUnit]

I have no doubt that all of these games will be sold out by the deadline (even if they have to extend the blackout deadlines). No way does NFL, Inc. allow any playoff games get blacked out for the home team(s).

But, interesting that three out of four still have available tickets just days before the games. That's not something we see in Houston for a variety of reasons. We might be wishy washy, but when it's on, IT'S ON!!

This is the affect of what i believe to be the NFL turning the sport into a powder puff league. Hell i love the texans but i have lost most if not all interest in the NFL in general. These guys make millions to play a game, if i spend thousands i want to see players knock the **** out of eachother.

And yada yada about player safety, these guys know what they are getting into when the choose the NFL as their career, same as a soldier knows what he his getting himself into when he enlists. Only difference is these players make way more than the people defending our country !

 

[2012Champs]

This is the affect of what i believe to be the NFL turning the sport into a powder puff league. Hell i love the texans but i have lost most if not all interest in the NFL in general. These guys make millions to play a game, if i spend thousands i want to see players knock the **** out of eachother.

And yada yada about player safety, these guys know what they are getting into when the choose the NFL as their career, same as a soldier knows what he his getting himself into when he enlists. Only difference is these players make way more than the people defending our country !

The wage athletes make have no connection to our service men/women and their wages. It's silly to even bring it up.

 

[Dutchrudder]

It really shouldn't suprise anyone that these 3 games aren't sold out.

Green Bay: Weather.com says it will be a high of -5 degrees on Sunday. Yeah, good luck finding 80,000+ people that want to pay hundreds of dollars to enjoy that game. Remember the Philly/Detroit game earlier this year? They had about 1000 people in the stands by the start of the 4th quarter. Sorry, but open-air stadiums in cold climates are going to be a problem. At least they aren't hosting the Super Bowl or anything...

Cincy: The Bengals have had trouble selling out their stadium for a while now. Even now that they are good, they still can't sell it out. Weather is a high of 34 degrees that day with an 80% chance of snow. Yeah... good luck again.

Indy: Well I don't know about this one. It's indoor, and they have a fighting chance of beating the Chiefs. Maybe too many of the fans left with Peyton. Beats me, I guess Indy just sucks.

 

[welsh texan]

Dutch, am I right in thinking that cincy's problems have a lot to do with geographical location causing issues with the city's loyalty?

 

[ChampionTexan]

Cincy: The Bengals have had trouble selling out their stadium for a while now. Even now that they are good, they still can't sell it out. Weather is a high of 34 degrees that day with an 80% chance of snow. Yeah... good luck again.

Folks in that part of the country shouldn't have too much trouble with the upper 20's to low 30's even with snow. It's not that extreme (as opposed to Green Bay which is freakin' ridiculous). They've got a darn good chance of seeing their first playoff victory in 23 years. So yeah, maybe it's not a surprise, but it's still a crappy reflection on the Bengals, their fans, and the NFL.

 

[Double Barrel]

Honestly. why would someone pay hundred or thousands of dollars just to sit in 35 below weather. It doesn't surprise me at all. Just look at the weather forecast.

Well, the Packers already have 72,000 seats sold when the article was written (Wednesday), so perhaps you'd have to ask those folks.

Why would someone do it? Because it's fun. Yeah, weather is brutal, but NFL playoffs are special events that simply cannot be felt at home. I'd do it if I lived in Green Bay and had the money. The elements certainly would not be a reason not to go for me.

Update on the article: The Colts have sold out, but the Packers and Bengals are still selling them. Like I predicted, NFL extension granted, and Green Bay has 1000 seats currently left.

Colts sell out game, avoid blackout

Someone will step up and buy the tickets.

Bigger picture is that fans are starting to choose the comforts of home and big HD television screens over going to the game, and that's understandable when you look at ticket prices. I would still be a season ticket holder for the Texans if I could afford it. But family first, and that's just life.

 

[Dutchrudder]

Dutch, am I right in thinking that cincy's problems have a lot to do with geographical location causing issues with the city's loyalty?

Dunno, never been there, though I do want to go sometime and check out the bourbon distilleries and Creation Science Museum. Being from Cleveland, I can tell you that the rest of Ohio generally considers Cincy to be part of Kentucky. Kind of like how Houston fans call Dallas "South Oklahoma." Obviously it's a joke, but the sentiment is there.

Cincy is also a very small market in general. The metro population does help a bit, but the city itself is one of the bottom 5 in population among NFL cities. And they have never had the fan loyalty of a team like Green Bay. Couple that with the weather, doubled or more ticket prices for the playoffs, parking passes, and insane concession stand prices, and you end up with empty seats.

 

[disaacks3]

The wage athletes make have no connection to our service men/women and their wages. It's silly to even bring it up.

That wasn't the connection. The connection was knowing what you were getting yourself into when you signed up.

True - The wages are nowhere near the same, nor is the prerequisite talent level. (This from a guy with Officers and noncoms throughout his family)

 

[2012Champs]

That wasn't the connection. The connection was knowing what you were getting yourself into when you signed up.

True - The wages are nowhere near the same, nor is the prerequisite talent level. (This from a guy with Officers and noncoms throughout his family)

Rules are changing to protect a business from lawsuits not because players dont want to knock the crap out of each other

 

[robroy72]

Packers game is sold out; a group of local businesses got together and bought the remaining tix.

 

[Double Barrel]

Rules are changing to protect a business from lawsuits not because players dont want to knock the crap out of each other

yep, players all admit to the inherent dangers and willingly accept those risks.

I think rules are also changing to protect the commodities that fans pay to see: starting caliber QBs.

And let's face it, the NFL has always been evolving toward a passing dominant league. Anyone that denies the on-going trend is ignoring the rather obvious history of the league for the past century.

Scoring puts butts in the seats and players that do it sell merchandise. It's basic business strategy stuff, but some folks would rather live in an illusion/delusion about so-called "integrity of the game".

Would people really watch this game if it was still "three downs and a cloud of dust", circa 1906? Talk about a boring sport.

 

[nero THE zero]

Well, the Packers already have 72,000 seats sold when the article was written (Wednesday), so perhaps you'd have to ask those folks.

Why would someone do it? Because it's fun. Yeah, weather is brutal, but NFL playoffs are special events that simply cannot be felt at home. I'd do it if I lived in Green Bay and had the money. The elements certainly would not be a reason not to go for me.

Update on the article: The Colts have sold out, but the Packers and Bengals are still selling them. Like I predicted, NFL extension granted, and Green Bay has 1000 seats currently left.

Colts sell out game, avoid blackout

Someone will step up and buy the tickets.

Bigger picture is that fans are starting to choose the comforts of home and big HD television screens over going to the game, and that's understandable when you look at ticket prices. I would still be a season ticket holder for the Texans if I could afford it. But family first, and that's just life.

I think in addition to the monetary commitment, especially when considering season tickets, is the time commitment.

I mean, between commuting, parking, tailgating, and traffic on the way out, you are talking about your entire Sunday. And if it's a late game, that is going to likely bleed into Monday due to lack of sleep.

I have a close relative who is a (well off) business owner and has contemplated season tickets for the past couple of seasons. He can afford it as far as the pocketbook goes, but he can't seem to muster the time commitment of it.

So, even if you can get past the huge expense this hobby is, time might not permit.

I don't imagine this is something that is going to get any easier for the NFL.

 

[2012Champs]

I think in addition to the monetary commitment, especially when considering season tickets, is the time commitment.

I mean, between commuting, parking, tailgating, and traffic on the way out, you are talking about your entire Sunday. And if it's a late game, that is going to likely bleed into Monday due to lack of sleep.

I have a close relative who is a (well off) business owner and has contemplated season tickets for the past couple of seasons. He can afford it as far as the pocketbook goes, but he can't seem to muster the time commitment of it.

So, even if you can get past the huge expense this hobby is, time might not permit.

I don't imagine this is something that is going to get any easier for the NFL.

A lot of season ticket owners I know end up giving tickets away pretty often just because of the time issue you bring up

 

[disaacks3]

A lot of season ticket owners I know end up giving tickets away pretty often just because of the time issue you bring up

WE have the issue from time-to-time as well in the Blue Crew, but it's funny how those commitments seem to increase when the team is playing poorly.

It's definitely an all-day affair. I'm not one of the early risers, but I'm usually up cooking before 6am for a noon game and don't get home until ~5pm. Lord knows I'm wiped out by that point.

 

[eriadoc]

yep, players all admit to the inherent dangers and willingly accept those risks.

I think rules are also changing to protect the commodities that fans pay to see: starting caliber QBs.

And let's face it, the NFL has always been evolving toward a passing dominant league. Anyone that denies the on-going trend is ignoring the rather obvious history of the league for the past century.

Scoring puts butts in the seats and players that do it sell merchandise. It's basic business strategy stuff, but some folks would rather live in an illusion/delusion about so-called "integrity of the game".

Would people really watch this game if it was still "three downs and a cloud of dust", circa 1906? Talk about a boring sport.

I think that editorial I linked in another thread worded it the way I can most identify with. I don't have a particular problem with scoring or passing. I don't even care that the record books are being completely reshaped, really. But when there is no real risk for a passer/offense, then it basically becomes a video game. The offense just does what it wants. There needs to be a chance that the offense can fail, and when they do fail, there needs to be a consequence other than an incomplete pass. Left to its own devices, the game actually accounts for that. But the NFL goes in and makes it so QBs almost literally cannot be hit. And there will come a day when they are redshirted. Hell, redshirts in practice get hit with more impunity, to be honest.

When a QB that looks like he's going out of bounds can throw the ball but cannot be hit, the defense is completely neutered. The playing field is not only unlevel, but gone. That's just one example of a real play, but it won't be the last.

 

[infantrycak]

There needs to be a chance that the offense can fail, and when they do fail, there needs to be a consequence other than an incomplete pass. Left to its own devices, the game actually accounts for that. But the NFL goes in and makes it so QBs almost literally cannot be hit. And there will come a day when they are redshirted. Hell, redshirts in practice get hit with more impunity, to be honest.

I hear this refrain all the time and it doesn't match what I see. Sacks are not down a bit. QBs are still getting hit a lot. Check out how many QB's get hurt in a season. Just look at JJ and the most protected QB in the league in their last game. JJ planted Manning several times with no flag.

 

[eriadoc]

I hear this refrain all the time and it doesn't match what I see. Sacks are not down a bit. QBs are still getting hit a lot. Check out how many QB's get hurt in a season. Just look at JJ and the most protected QB in the league in their last game. JJ planted Manning several times with no flag.

Compare sacks per dropback from this year and 30 years ago. And we could always compare fines on defensive players per hit on the QB.

 

[Marshall]

Well, the Packers already have 72,000 seats sold when the article was written (Wednesday), so perhaps you'd have to ask those folks.

Why would someone do it? Because it's fun. Yeah, weather is brutal, but NFL playoffs are special events that simply cannot be felt at home. I'd do it if I lived in Green Bay and had the money. The elements certainly would not be a reason not to go for me.

Update on the article: The Colts have sold out, but the Packers and Bengals are still selling them. Like I predicted, NFL extension granted, and Green Bay has 1000 seats currently left.

Colts sell out game, avoid blackout

Someone will step up and buy the tickets.

Bigger picture is that fans are starting to choose the comforts of home and big HD television screens over going to the game, and that's understandable when you look at ticket prices. I would still be a season ticket holder for the Texans if I could afford it. But family first, and that's just life.

When the tickets were affordable for the average Joe, weather wasn't a problem. Now that they are priced for the well heeled and debutantes, wanting to be seen rather than actual fans, the discomfort is just too much. Market to spoiled brats? You gotta take the bad with the good.

 

[Double Barrel]

I think in addition to the monetary commitment, especially when considering season tickets, is the time commitment.

I mean, between commuting, parking, tailgating, and traffic on the way out, you are talking about your entire Sunday. And if it's a late game, that is going to likely bleed into Monday due to lack of sleep.

I have a close relative who is a (well off) business owner and has contemplated season tickets for the past couple of seasons. He can afford it as far as the pocketbook goes, but he can't seem to muster the time commitment of it.

So, even if you can get past the huge expense this hobby is, time might not permit.

I don't imagine this is something that is going to get any easier for the NFL.

I agree completely.

Two factors in my decision to give up my season ticket was money and time. My baby girl was about to be born, so obviously funds were tight. But even more important to me, between leaving my wife with two kids for entire Sundays (like disaacks3 mentioned, depart early morning and then getting home in the evening completely worn out), and then just being gone for half the season as my youngest son was just becoming a huge football fan, it was pretty much a no brainer decision.

My wife would have supported my addiction if I had kept going, but I kind of felt like I was missing out on something special at home. I have no doubt that I will have a season ticket again in the future, once the kids have grown up and left the nest. But until then, they both sit on my lap during Texans games, and I would not trade this time for anything.

I hear this refrain all the time and it doesn't match what I see. Sacks are not down a bit. QBs are still getting hit a lot. Check out how many QB's get hurt in a season. Just look at JJ and the most protected QB in the league in their last game. JJ planted Manning several times with no flag.

I understand where eriadoc is coming from, but I tend to agree with 'cak.

yeah, there's a "perception is reality" thing going on, where it seems like refs are quick to throw the flag for QBs in the pocket.

However, that said, QBs are just as prone to getting the snot knocked out of them if they keep the ball to long or leave that pocket.

Case in point was Aaron Rodgers injury on MNF. Check out this play. Brutal hit, completely legal, and I do not hear anyone advocating changing the rules to prevent it:

Aaron Rodgers leaves 'MNF' with shoulder injury

I think it's a balancing act by the NFL. They have to contend with past and future lawsuits by the very people who play the sport, while also appeasing many different parts of their fanbase: those that want it safer, those that want exciting games (i.e. high scores with star players), and those that want it old school football. Do all this while still filling seats and selling advertisement.

 

[Double Barrel]

When the tickets were affordable for the average Joe, weather wasn't a problem. Now that they are priced for the well heeled and debutantes, wanting to be seen rather than actual fans, the discomfort is just too much. Market to spoiled brats? You gotta take the bad with the good.

yeah, I don't disagree with you. "My" seats are always Gridiron, Tx at Reliant. Basically the nosebleeds endzones. It's where my season ticket always was (no PSLs!), and where I buy single game tickets if I can get the funds to go.

 

[Marshall]

That wasn't the connection. The connection was knowing what you were getting yourself into when you signed up.

True - The wages are nowhere near the same, nor is the prerequisite talent level. (This from a guy with Officers and noncoms throughout his family)

My son is career Army and I guarantee you the Army is getting a HUGE bargain by retaining his services. What can an Honors graduate in Engineering get in the marketplace compared to an Army salary, even the salary of a commissioned officer?

Anyway, the NFL doesn't deal with snipers, IEDs, missiles, suicide bombers and watching your buddies die for a living. It takes more then mere dollars to serve rather than be served. It takes character.

 

[infantrycak]

Compare sacks per dropback from this year and 30 years ago. And we could always compare fines on defensive players per hit on the QB.

Fouts 17.57 att/sack
Bradshaw 12.4 att/sack
Montana 17.22 att/sack
Young SF only 12.58 att/sack

Brady 19.2 att/sack
Rodgers 12.37 att/sack
Big Ben 11.36 att/sack

Not seeing the big league/time period difference. Instead, there are two QBs who currently standout, one who has been doing it since well before many of the rules changes.

Brees 25 att/sack
Manning 31.3 att/sack

I see no reason why fines are even relevant to the discussion of whether QBs are getting hit. Fined or unfined the QB still got hit.

 

[NastyNate]

When the tickets were affordable for the average Joe, weather wasn't a problem. Now that they are priced for the well heeled and debutantes, wanting to be seen rather than actual fans, the discomfort is just too much. Market to spoiled brats? You gotta take the bad with the good.

Mid level seats were $200 for a pair for the Colts game. Indoors. I think the fans in Indy simply left with Peyton.

 

[EllisUnit]

The wage athletes make have no connection to our service men/women and their wages. It's silly to even bring it up.

No its not, i am comparing player safety to their pay vs active military safety to their pay ! Makes no difference these players know what can happen if they play the game, and they get rewarded greatly for playing.

 

[EllisUnit]

That wasn't the connection. The connection was knowing what you were getting yourself into when you signed up.

True - The wages are nowhere near the same, nor is the prerequisite talent level. (This from a guy with Officers and noncoms throughout his family)

Thank you, i'm glad someone understood it.

 

[2012Champs]

No its not, i am comparing player safety to their pay vs active military safety to their pay ! Makes no difference these players know what can happen if they play the game, and they get rewarded greatly for playing.

Players pay is based off of revenue generation of their business. That business which knew of head injury issues either lied or withheld that information from its employees. The big push for safety is driven by the business who is at risk. The players aren't the ones shying away from contact. Complaining/comparing military service folks pay and danger to athletes is asinine

 

[EllisUnit]

Players pay is based off of revenue generation of their business. That business which knew of head injury issues either lied or withheld that information from its employees. The big push for safety is driven by the business who is at risk. The players aren't the ones shying away from contact. Complaining/comparing military service folks pay and danger to athletes is asinine

Not true at all, it is indeed the players who are making all this happen. Mostly former players but you can see many instances where current players address the issue. And dont give me that BS off revenues, you know what a senator, governor etc makes a year ? I paid in 30K to the federal government last year. I paid in more than most people in the armed forces bring home, Pretty sure the US brings in plenty of "revenue" they just spend the money in all the wrong places.

And it is pretty damn simple TBH, when you get drafted/walk on to the NFL "if you want to play and make lots of $$$" you sign a waiver there for making the league not liable for anything that happens during or after your career. Why do you think at the bottom of ever commercial you see the book long print that you cant read, cause if you die then they arent responsible, and you cant even read the ****.

 

[2012Champs]

Not true at all, it is indeed the players who are making all this happen. Mostly former players but you can see many instances where current players address the issue. And dont give me that BS off revenues, you know what a senator, governor etc makes a year ? I paid in 30K to the federal government last year. I paid in more than most people in the armed forces bring home, Pretty sure the US brings in plenty of "revenue" they just spend the money in all the wrong places.

And it is pretty damn simple TBH, when you get drafted/walk on to the NFL "if you want to play and make lots of $$$" you sign a waiver there for making the league not liable for anything that happens during or after your career. Why do you think at the bottom of ever commercial you see the book long print that you cant read, cause if you die then they arent responsible, and you cant even read the ****.

Sorry entertainers are paid because of the revenue their employers generate directly from the employees activity. The military is a huge expense and doesn't generate billions in profit. It's a simple concept on the wage difference and if you are still confused I can't help you with that. I don't care what you paid as it is irrelevant


Even if you signed a waiver for your employer it doesn't remove all liability from the employer

 

[imatexan]

They all sold out, knew they would.

Although surprised Indy and GB had a little trouble, even with the freezing temps...both fan bases lost a level of respect

As far as prices go I would have loved to pay money to see the Texans in the playoffs this year and every year.