The Buffalo Bills didn't bite on the NFL's relaxed blackout policy, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will, thank you very much.
The Bucs have struggled to attract ticket-buyers in recent years. Under the new measure, selling 85 percent of tickets -- as opposed to 100 percent -- prevents a television blackout. Seems wise, but it comes with a catch. The Bucs are stuck with the 85 percent threshold all season. If the team catches fire and starts selling out the house, it's on the hook to split revenue with the visiting team on every ticket sold above 85 percent capacity.
This roll of the dice was enough to keep the Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers from revising blackout levels for the season.
"We hope that this move, along with lower ticket prices, starting at $30 for adults and $15 for children, will lead to more televised Buccaneer home games this year," said Brian Ford, the team's vice president of business administration, in a statement released by the Bucs.
Teams face a Sunday deadline to decide on blackout restrictions for 2012.
It's not the offseason's most jaw-dropping storyline, but it's a measuring stick for how teams perceive themselves in 2012. How would you like your favorite team to play this one? Tell us below.
