2013 NFC North/NFL Thread

[Spotcheck Billy]

If the Packers game is blacked out, does that apply to Milwaukee or only Green Bay?

Bill Hawker, Packers Corporate Sales, former co-worker of mine at the Bears in text to me "50/50 at this point".

That's where from. Horses mouth.

Why don't you ask Hawker that question then?

[Dish]

Why don't you ask Hawker that question then?

Huh? He has zero to do with Fox affiliates in Milwaukee.

8,000 tickets to go, 25 hours left.

[hairy worthen]

Huh? He has zero to do with Fox affiliates in Milwaukee.

8,000 tickets to go, 25 hours left.

It would be blacked out in Milwaukee, green bay and Escanaba. Fox has nothing to do with it either it is an NFL policy.

[Dish]

It would be blacked out in Milwaukee, green bay and Escanaba. Fox has nothing to do with it either it is an NFL policy.

Fox affiliate does as they may opt to buy the balance for 50 cents on the dollar from the Pack.

This is a remarkable story.

[NavinRJohnson]

This is a remarkable story.

It is. Kind of a perfect storm of short turn-around, holidays, terrible weather forecast, Sunday evening after holiday week, and people typically having no expectation of being able to buy tickets.

All of that said, I fully expect to be sitting on my couch watching the game Sunday.

[Dish]

Some updates...

Even though Milwaukee is outside the 75 mile radius, it has home market status, would be blacked out.

Madison however would not be blacked out.

7500 tickets now left.

Trying to get more info on the 34 cent rule buy back and how that would apply to the Pack.

This isn't a Bears/Packers thing at all, from a business perspective, this is an amazing story if they don't sell out or buy back. Significant ramifications down the road, absolute tipping point on a few different levels for the league and what they want to do this offseason.

[hairy worthen]

Fox affiliate does as they may opt to buy the balance for 50 cents on the dollar from the Pack.

This is a remarkable story.

Yes. Lot of things contributing to this. Team offered playoff tickets after the lion game and then said there would be no refund but money off next year. Poor judgment. Then when tickets went on sale the weather forecast came out, along with low confidence in the team. I think it will not be blacked out one way or another.

[NavinRJohnson]

Trying to get more info on the 34 cent rule buy back and how that would apply to the Pack.

Playoff tix must be purchased at face value. 34 cents only applies to regular season.

[Dish]

Playoff tix must be purchased at face value. 34 cents only applies to regular season.

I believe you are correct sir.

[GGGG]

I believe you are correct sir.

So, that would cost the Packers about $1M correct? 

[NavinRJohnson]

So, that would cost the Packers about $1M correct? 

At the moment that's in the neighborhood. Just looked at the forecast again, and at 5-10 below zero, someone is probably gonna have to cough up $500K or more in order for me to see this game.

[Sir Lawrence]

What happens to the local advertising dollars if it's blacked out? 

[NavinRJohnson]

What happens to the local advertising dollars if it's blacked out? 

It ceases to exist.

Safe to assume themPackers and local affiliates will be talking a lot in the next 24 hours.

[Dish]

It ceases to exist.

Safe to assume themPackers and local affiliates will be talking a lot in the next 24 hours.

This is all part of what is interesting here, as you have the smallest market in the league, I believe even with Milwaukee included. Any local ad revenue is markedly smaller in this scenario. Is it worth Fox Green Bay/Milwaukee to spend that much? You guys would know better than I would. Anyone have a good guess?

[GGGG]

This is all part of what is interesting here, as you have the smallest market in the league, I believe even with Milwaukee included. Any local ad revenue is markedly smaller in this scenario. Is it worth Fox Green Bay/Milwaukee to spend that much? You guys would know better than I would. Anyone have a good guess?

Yes.  I would guess that the Packers and the local television stations both have a huge motivation to make sure the game is televised.

[Dish]

Yes.  I would guess that the Packers and the local television stations both have a huge motivation to make sure the game is televised.

I realize that of course, but let's say it's $1 million they have to pony up (it'll be slightly less I'm sure), is there enough local ad revenue to make a profit? I have no idea, curious if it is a profitable deal.

[hairy worthen]

I realize that of course, but let's say it's $1 million they have to pony up (it'll be slightly less I'm sure), is there enough local ad revenue to make a profit? I have no idea, curious if it is a profitable deal.

Down to 7500 ,  js and green bay press both say that the game will sell out, if not the packers will probably ask for an extension and then the team would buy up the remaining tickets to avoid the pr nightmare. It would probably be under half a mil $ at that point, probably less.

[Spotcheck Billy]

Huh? He has zero to do with Fox affiliates in Milwaukee.

8,000 tickets to go, 25 hours left.

just thought he'd know if MKE was included in the blackout which we now have verified. TMJ4 speculated this AM that if nothing else the Packers would buy up the remaining tix to avoid a blackout

[tower912]

Lovie Smith to Tampa.   

[MerrittsMustache]

Lovie Smith to Tampa.   

Good fit for Lovie. I hope he does well there. Also appears likely that Peanut will end up in TB with him.

[Dish]

Cutler signs for 7 years.

[Hards Alumni]

Cutler signs for 7 years.

Wow.  I wonder how much he is getting.

He will be 37 by the time that contract runs out...

[MerrittsMustache]

Jennings, Slauson, Fiammetta and Gould also sign 2-year extensions.

EDIT: Now reported as 4-year deals for Jennings and Slauson.

[Sunbelt15]

Cutler signs for 7 years.

How much guaranteed?

[Dish]

How much guaranteed?

Not sure yet. These deals were really kept close to the vest.