The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that the club has 3,500 tickets remaining for Sunday's home contest against the Buffalo Bills. Per NFL rules, a certain percentage of non-premium seats need to be sold in order to televise the game locally.
The Chiefs haven't been blacked out locally since December of 1990, a streak of 155 consecutive games.
"This has unfortunately become a more common occurrence in several NFL cities this year," said Chiefs COO Mark Donovan. "The possibility of a blackout is caused by a combination of the current economic climate, inclement weather in December, a non-divisional opponent and our record."
The Chiefs announcement indicates that the team is having some trouble selling the remaining amount.
Last season there were worries of a blackout at times but the Chiefs ultimately "sold out" all the games. This season the paid attendance has generally been somewhere close to 70,000.
If you've been to a game this year, then you know why I'm stressing paid attendance.
The Chiefs have until Thursday at noon to sell all the tickets. If they don't, the league can issue a 24 hour extension. Generally, the NFL will only issue an extension if there's a good chance all the tickets can be sold.
Another option if this continues to come down to the wire is the local television affiliate to buy a block of tickets so that they can still air the game on TV.
For television stations, this is huge because they've sold plenty of advertising space during the game.
On 810 WHB today, Frank Boal reports that FOX has been told to prepare to televise the Saints and Falcons game.
If you're looking to buy tickets to any game this season, I suggest this one. CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
(H/T oldchiefsfan)