10 Shocking Facts The NFL Don't Want You To Know

7. Blackouts

A fan sits in an empty section of seats prior to an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Michael Dwyer/AP

The league has some of the strictest 'blackout' policies of any sporting body in the world. The policies essentially state that if a game does not sell out 72 hours prior to kickoff, it will not be screened within a 75 mile radius of the stadium.

A team can apply for an extension if they are close to selling out the game in question, and often, local broadcasters will buy the remaining tickets to give away to charities just so the game can be screened.

The policies are designed to help increase ticket revenue and 'on-site' support for the teams.

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