When it comes to blackout policies, no league is more strict than the NFL. The league forces broadcast companies to locally blackout any games that aren’t ‘sold out’ (which they deem 85% in non-walkup ticket sales), even preseason contests.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been struggling to sell tickets know this but are determined to get around the policy. Only problem – how does one do so? By purchasing any remaining tickets for the remainder of the season, that’s how.
Per Pro Football Talk:
"It means that the team will buy any tickets necessary to meet the reduced 85-percent minimum necessary to get the games broadcast in the Tampa area.“In appreciation for the loyal support of our fans throughout the Tampa Bay area, we have committed to televise the remaining seven home games of the 2013 season,” Buccaneers co-chairman Bryan Glazer said."
In doing so, Tampa Bay, who had playoff aspirations will now allow the broadcasts to go through so fans who are unable/don’t attend the game can still watch.
I’m not sure if Tampa Bay fans would be happier if they couldn’t watch and their team be in the playoff hunt, though, there’s still time for a turnaround and now fans will be able to watch it in the comfort of their own home.