The Miami Dolphins will continue their streak of non-blacked out home football games this week, thanks to the team and WSVN-Channel 7 in Miami. The team bought approximately 10,000 tickets in order to keep the game on TV in the local markets.
This marks the third time in four home games this season that the team had to step in to buy the remaining tickets. The sellout means the Dolphins will air in the Miami area. However, the Orlando and Jacksonville markets will continue to carry the previously scheduled New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons, and the Tampa Bay market will be limited to just one game at the 1pm time slot, since the Buccaneers are hosting the Houston Texans at that time.
NFL rules state that a game must be sold out no later than 72 hours before the game to lift the blackout. The Dolphins have not had a regular season game blacked out since 1998. The Dolphins must sell approximately 62,000 tickets each week in order to have the game qualify as a sell out. Sun Life Stadium's maximum capacity is 75,540, however the NFL does not count luxury boxes or club seat in calculating sellout criteria.
Previously, the Dolphins had partnered with Bud Light to ensure the games would meet the criteria. The tickets were then offered to season ticket holders as extras. This time, the Dolphins will focus on giving the tickets to active duty military personnel, as well as veterans, in support of the Veterans Day holiday and the NFL's "Salute to Service" campaign.
"These tickets are a small token of appreciation to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country," Dolphins CEO Mike Dee said.
Tickets are still available for the game through the Dolphins box office, or through The Phinsider's own ticket sales page. From The Phinsider's tickets page, you will find lower level, 50-yard line tickets in the $60 range, or you can go after some of the "Make an Offer" deals available right now.