Will There Be Any NFL Blackouts on Opening Day of the 2010 Season?

Attending an NFL game is an expensive affair. Tickets prices, parking costs, stadium food, merchandise, and not to mention the cost of gas just to get to the game all add up. With the US economy experiencing a poor state of affairs, and a stringent NFL blackout policy, you just may see fewer games on the television for the 2010 NFL season due to television blackouts. Most NFL teams have already sold out for the season so they probably will not see any NFL blackouts. The Green Bay Packers have a long history of having their games sell out. The Cincinnati Bengals have a 53 games sell out streak, and also do not expect to have any NFL blackouts this year. However, there are several teams that will see NFL television blackouts throughout the 2010 season.

What is an NFL Blackout?
Rules within the NFL stipulate that if a stadium has not sold out three days in advance of a game, then the game can not be shown on any station that broadcasts a signal within 75 miles of the stadium. In essence, the game will not be shown on the local television market. The policy is meant to entice fans to come to the stadium and buy tickets for the game. Over the past few years a number of NFL teams had their local games blacked out.

Which NFL Teams will have NFL Blackouts in 2010?
According to the USA Today, there were 23 NFL television blackouts last year, a five year high. This number is expected to trend higher as the economic down turn continues. The Detroit Lions have experienced 4 NFL television blackouts last year. The team played poorly on the field, and Detroit is an economically depressed area, so you can be certain that the trend of NFL blackouts will continue in the Detroit NFL market.

The Oakland Raiders had seven television blackouts last year, the majority of their home games. This is a team that has also under performed on the field with poor quarterback play, so expect NFL blackouts for home Oakland games.

The St Louis Rams had three blackouts last year, more than the total number of games that they won. They are expected to see less television time, as there has not been much on field improvement for the upcoming 2010 season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have also experienced blackouts over the past couple of seasons due to waning fan interested. the prospects for winning this year are bleak for the Buccaneers. More NFL blackouts for the Buccaneers are likely.

Most other teams are safe from television blackouts. However, do not be surprised if you see games blacked out in Carolina and in Phoenix.