Pats/Bills moved to 4:25

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

I have a college friend who is a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. (yes, poor choice of friends, etc., but he's OK otherwise, LOL)


His son recently returned from a tour of duty in the Navy and had long been planning to marry his long-time girlfriend, this Sunday. That way they have time for a honeymoon before she returns to work (teacher) and before his next commitment.


Hearing of the plans, the Dad (my friend) gulped and said "Sure, if we can do it at 7PM (Pacific time, they live in San Diego) so that the Cowboys game is long over, in plenty of time".


So there it is, all planned. The wedding this Sunday at 7PM Pacific.


That should be late in the 2nd quarter for the flexed Cowboys game, a winner-take-all battle for a playoff spot!!!

 

[PatsFanSince74]

This league certainly is considerate of the fans who attend the games, isn't it?

Let's think about this...

69,000 or so people will actually attend the game...

By the middle of October, there had already been ten NFL games with more than 25,000,000 TV viewers this season. (10 NFL Games Top 25 Million Viewers this Season ? up 400% From This Time Last Year - Ratings | TVbytheNumbers)


hmmm...69,000 or many millions...I wonder which they'll choose?

As a Pats' fan, I am truly envious of those of you who have been able to witness "in the flesh" Tom Brady evolve from a skinny Sixth Rounder to a guy on anybody's shortlist for GOAT and, as a Pats' fan, I am also truly grateful to those of you who make some "noise" and give the Pats the advantage of an energized Home fan base.

However, the bottom line is that the League knows that the Krafts can keep those 69,000 seats filled for decades off of a long waiting list. In fact, the NFL is even getting ready to stick it to less attractive franchises by trying to lift the "blackout rule" and locally televise games that have not been sold out (even crappy teams in small markets host teams like the Broncos, Packers, Pats and Steelers with large national followings).

One of the few things that Jerry Jones has gotten right is to focus on the "fan experience" in his new stadium; apparently, it's an amazing place to visit and watch a game. Comfortable (i.e., warm) venues, lots of "stuff" going on, ginormous HDTV screens, wireless connectivity and great food provided in attractive, convenient ways are an important part of the future of the NFL's "in person" product.

But, the League knows that there will always be enough die-hard fans of its premier franchises (see the list above and add a few of your choosing) to sit in cold, drafty stadiums, deal with "OK" catering and endure hours in traffic to keep those 69,000 seats filled in a critical mass of markets.

In other words, thanks, but don't expect this to change anytime soon.

 

[upstater1]

I've been attending home playoff games with my brothers and friends since the 2003 season. Every year. We were in our early 30s then, mid 40s now, older bro just hit 50.

We're from NYC and SW Connecticut. No one wants to go anymore. No one wants to sit in the weather. Only me.

Didn't think this day would come!

 

[oldrover]

I've been attending home playoff games with my brothers and friends since the 2003 season. Every year. We were in our early 30s then, mid 40s now, older bro just hit 50.

We're from NYC and SW Connecticut. No one wants to go anymore. No one wants to sit in the weather. Only me.

Didn't think this day would come!

I must agree with your brothers and friends. Sitting at home, toasty warm, with food and drink plentiful and right at hand... beats driving/parking/sitting/freezing your tailgate off at the game.

But then... I'm old.

 

[signbabybrady]

I am not sure why competiveness is really part of this discussion as the only week that flexing a game has anything to do with competiveness is the last week of the season. All other flex's have nothing to do with making sure a game is meaningful but rather so it is able to be viewed by the most viewers possible live and at a home.

Also the idea that the people attending are the only ones paying is laughable as the sponsership money far outweighs the ticket and concessions money. And it is the population at home watching on TV that generates this revenue. We all pay for it and should all be considered by the NFL when making a change and if the end decision is to the benefit of one of those paying groups over the other doesnt mean they are s***ting on the other just they felt the benefit to one outweighed the inconvenience to the other.

Personally I would rather see them increase their revenue through flex scheduling then by upping the ticket prices.

 

[Angry Man]

Ok so last week Pats/Ravens were flexed from 8:30 to 4:25. Game was nationally televised on CBS and we got it here in NY.
I just saw NFL updated their schedule they put Giants game at 1pm and Jets game on at 1pm they never put them on at same time in NY unless their games fall on a religous holiday so their is an open time slot for 4:25 here in NY. I hope we get Pat's game not Broncos or maybe both doubleheader on CBS & FOX.

The506 shows you are getting Pats/Bills for the 4:25 PM CBS game. Meanwhile I'm stuck with The Forehead on CBS here... oh wait I got Sunday Ticket so I'm NOT stuck with The Forehead. Yay me!

 

[mgteich]

The NFL maximizes its audience. This strategy leads to higher television contracts. This leads to more revenue and higher pay for the players and higher profits for the owners. And yes, ticket prices don't go up as much as they would have have.

I see nothing wrong with the NFL trying to maximize its audience.