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The NFL blackout rules are designed to force a team's fans to attend home games when they aren't sold out by a certain date. Here are some of the short and long-term implications of blacking out local NFL games and the groups they affect
Publicity
The NFL blackout rules damage the NFL's image because it enhances the stereotype that the NFL is too concerned with profitability and doesn't care about their fans' well-being. While American families are struggling from the recession, many NFL organizations have maintained and even increased ticket and concession prices. Having to spend $10 on one beer is absurd, and having to spend nearly $5 on bottled water is barbaric. Double that if it's in Tampa Bay or Jacksonville (markets that, ironically, blackout often).
It's difficult to say that the NFL puts their fans first when one combines the excessive costs for attending an NFL game with the blackout rules and the drama stemming from a potential NFL lockout. The NFL is setting themselves up for a disastrous fan response if a lockout does transpire in 2011.
The blackout rules have damaged the NFL's image, but who are the three primary groups of people that suffer from the NFL's blackout rules?
Loyal fans
Some of the NFL's most loyal fans currently can't afford to attend a game, much less season tickets. The blackout rules punish these fans for their financial hardships. These fans will still be unable to attend games and will have limited access to watching the event. These fans can become increasingly frustrated with this treatment and may find something else to occupy themselves with on Sundays. The NFL risks permanently losing loyal fans in markets prone to blackouts.
Young fans
Young people are one of the most attractive target markets for struggling football franchises because they're more susceptible to marketing efforts. Younger fans aren't as set in their beliefs and interests as older individuals. Younger fans also give a football franchise more potential for long term success because of longer life expectancies. Even if young fans become disinterested with the franchise, there is the possibility that they'll return. This could occur if the franchise starts winning again (local bandwagon fans) or when these fans reach their midlife crisis moments, "I miss going to franchise x's football games from when I was a kid; I'm going to start going again!"
Unfortunately, most young fans don't have the resources to attend a NFL game without a guardian's financial assistance. How can these franchises expand their fan base when young fans are prohibited from consistently viewing their games? Children won't establish a bond with their local team if they're getting blacked out every four weeks. At best, these fans will look for another NFL alternative, such as the Dallas Cowboys (since they're televised nearly every week). Worst case scenario, they'll give their attention and money to other major sporting venues, primarily the NBA and college football.
Local businesses
The fans aren't the only victims of the NFL blackout rules. The NFL is crippling the businesses of sports bars that rely on local telecasts. This becomes an avalanche effect on surrounding businesses. With fewer people attending the sports bar due to the blacked out games, there are fewer people who'll be available within the area to shop around at the surrounding businesses.
The blackout rules are a detriment to fans, businesses, and the NFL itself. With the advancement of online streaming, they're also outdated and ineffective.
Online streaming
Online streaming gives fans the option of watching games over the internet. Many fans will resort to streaming when they can't afford to attend a game or they have no interest in viewing it live. As more fans learn about streaming, the blackout rules will become increasingly irrelevant.
Overview
The blackout rules are one of the things that jeopardizes the NFL's long term growth and its bond with their fans. With the evolution of online streaming, the blackout rules will become a costly approach for the NFL as it'll only damage their image.
More From Associated Content
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