Now that the FCC in fine fashion (5-0) has put one right between the uprights for the point after, there should be much celebrating amongst the everyday joe who is no longer held hostage to the "unsold out stadium" syndrome. I amongst them.
(caveat: I am a season ticket holder for a certain franchise for the past 34 years. This season makes 35. But I don't always attend all games.)
That being said . . . please pass beyond the squiggly football . . .
I am hopefull we will see a change in the operations of the National Football League since this decision has come down. There must be, just to allow the league to keep an active fan base outside and inside the stadiums.
This could be a tolling of the bell if the NFL doesn't get on the stick and realize that now people no longer need to spend anywhere from $300.00-$600.00 an outing if the game isn't sold out. IF you decide to eat somewhere after a game, figure another $150.00. And that quite often is the cost for two people.
But now. No need for a ticket. No body searches. No lines at the concession stands, putting up with drunks sitting next you in the stands (sure as hell can't afford club seats). No need to pay the exorbitant parking fees. No need to drink crap beer and pay $7.00 for the privilege. And then worry about the guy (or gal) who had three triple x malt drinks (ABV 8%) outside the stadium, and is now driving on the wrong side of the freeway.
And maybe, just maybe, because of this decision in favor of the television viewers rights, an overall realization amongst the owners, the NFL Headquarters, and even the players hopefully may occur. A realization that the gravy train could well be over. Gouging is no longer allowed, either on television or at the gate. And scalpers can kiss profits good-bye.
Of course, there will always be games that will sell out and then the scalpers can make money. But the NFL itself will still, in my estimation, have to make some changes
Ticket prices will either stay quite stable for a long while or might even drop. I'm sure the ancillary areas (vendors of various ilk, in and out of the stadium) will feel some of the effect, since the public will have a little more money to spread around the local economy.
There is also the aspect of stadium ownership. Only two teams I know of that own the stadium in which they play. Dallas and the Snyder-ettes outside of D.C. Every other stadium is owned and maintained by, usually, the county in which it stands. And only one team is not in private hands, the Green Bay Packers. (The NFL made quick work to ensure that never happens again.). Now, if the team wants a new stadium, perhaps they may be on the hook for the building and maintenance?
I know, I know. Pipe dreams. But then again, you never know. Stranger things have happened