As the Hall of Fame Game opens the 2015 NFL Preseason, one cannot overlook the hoards of fans that flocked to Canton, Ohio to witness the enshrinement of the eight Pro Football Hall of Famers, and watch the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Minnesota Vikings. With such an excellent crowd at the game, it begs the question whether the league and its teams should play one of their preseason games outside their home stadiums.
Should the NFL Preseason be Played Out of Market?
There are certainly downsides to this idea. The stadiums that serve as homes to the teams rely on the teams to help fill seats, keep jobs, and make money. Another issue that looms large is competition at other venues that could lose out should the NFL come knocking. Season ticket holders for the teams, which often include all home preseason games, would likely be none too happy as well. Finally, one must consider how the stadiums used would likely have smaller seating capacities compared to their regular season fields.
In spit of all the downsides, one must consider the upside. Imagine bringing the biggest circus, the biggest act in the biggest cities, to the people who may not have as much access to it. If you have teams play one game in a different stadium within their market reach, it could target a whole underserved fan population. Could you imagine what it would be like for fans of the New York Jets play at Hofstra? Or the San Francisco 49ers play in Sacramento?
The wide range of locations and chances for teams to expand their fan bases and revenue streams through one preseason game is almost impossible for the NFL to tap. With the unquenchable thirst for football in America as well, why wouldn’t a fan of the Dallas Cowboys watch them go back and play at the Cotton Bowl?
Beyond the in-market possibilities, what about testing and tapping the underserved big markets? With all the rumors and ideas swirling about a NFL team moving to Los Angeles, it may best serve the teams and the expansion subcommittee to see what a preseason game looks like at a stadium that would serve as a temporary home. Furthermore, with the league’s growing interest and money flow from outside the USA, a game in Mexico City could be strongly considered. While one regular season game has been played there, a regular Mexico Series like the London Series could begin with a preseason slate.
While ideas often start small and slow with the National Football League, maybe this idea can catch fire and create some new fans for the biggest U.S. sports league.
