Browns-Bengals blacked out in Cincinnati

[Big Bid'Ness]

Fromrofootballtalk

The NFL’s streak of blackout-free weeks has come to an end.

The Bengals have announced that Sunday’s game against the Browns will not sell out and will be blacked out on local television in Cincinnati, along with the two other television markets within 75 miles, Dayton, Ohio and Lexington, Kentucky.

It has to be considered a disappointment for owner Mike Brown that the Bengals, who are having a surprisingly good year, haven’t been able to rally enough local support to fill their stadium. This is the eighth time in their last nine home games that they’ve failed to sell enough tickets to get on local TV; only their November 13 game against the Steelers was a sellout, and that was thanks in large part to the legions of Steelers fans who made the trip.

The Bengals have three more home games after the Browns on Sunday: The Texans on December 11, the Cardinals on December 24 and the Ravens on January 1. The next two are likely to be blacked out, although if a playoff spot is on the line in Week 17 against the Ravens, that one could sell out.

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

Sad really, I don't see how fans don't want to show up and watch the team, I guess fans will just always boycott Mike Brown no matter what the team is doing, which is sad, they should be out there supporting this young team. If I lived closer, I'd be there.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

I still don't quite get the need to blackout the games.

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

I still don't quite get the need to blackout the games.

I still don't see how you can be 6-4 and in playoff contention and still not be able to fill up your stadium...

 

[NV]

I still don't see how you can be 6-4 and in playoff contention and still not be able to fill up your stadium...

Ask the Rays..

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

Ask the Rays..

They've always had that problem though, which is weird. They aren't the only Tampa team that has had that problem, the Bucs have as well.

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

"Not really," he said. "Even the Pittsburgh game. I think we only sold out because how many daggone Pittsburgh fans came? We want the people that want to watch us play and want to root us on. That's all that matters. It doesn't matter how many of them it is."

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Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth isn't surprised Sunday's game isn't sold out.

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[RipCity32]

Don't get how a game with 2 teams from the same state can't sell out lol.

 

[elcheato]

Woulda sold out in Cleveland :unsure:

 

[Pugz]

They've always had that problem though, which is weird. They aren't the only Tampa team that has had that problem, the Bucs have as well.

the heat do, too. its just florida. they have more tourists and part time residents then they do real "fans".

but blackouts are stupid. i really dont see why they do it.

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

I think they are too, but that doesn't hide the the fact that the stadium should be filled up, because it should be. People can use the economy or whatever else as an excuse, but still I don't believe that.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

the heat do, too. its just florida. they have more tourists and part time residents then they do real "fans".

but blackouts are stupid. i really dont see why they do it.

my only guess is they're trying to send a message? Force the fans to fork up the extra $$ to buy a ticket so everyone else can watch it on TV?

I have no idea what the prices are for Bengals games, but I know for Giants games i haven't been to the new stadium and unless I win a radio contest or something I probably never will go. just way too much $$ for an upper deck seat.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Blackouts generate revenue.

Buy tickets, or don't see the games.