The Miami Dolphins were granted an extension by the NFL to sell enough tickets to have their AFC East Division rivalry game against the New York Jets televised on Sunday.
Under the league's revised blackout policy, the Dolphins need to sell 85 percent of non-premium tickets to have their game televised locally. A source tells the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the Dolphins need to sell "several thousand" tickets to get the game on local television
The Dolphins reportedly purchased an undisclosed number of tickets to get last week's home opener on television, but didn't expect to be in this position following the team's win against the Raiders, and considering the New York following in the South Florida area.
Here was an interesting point made by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
The Jets game was expected to sell well enough on its own merits, considering numerous New York fans in South Florida and the Dolphins coming off an impressive victory against the Raiders behind rookie quaterback Ryan Tannehill. Factor in Tim Tebow and former Dolphins coach Tony Sparano with the Jets, and the game offers arguably the most compelling story lines of the eight-game home schedule.
The relaxed blackout rule this season reduces the number of tickets the Dolphins must sell in the 100 and 400 levels by about 9,000. Tickets for the club level and suites do not factor into the blackout equation.
Dolphins CEO Mike Dee said last week that keeping the games on local television has been a priority of Stephen Ross since he purchased the franchise.
For more information on the Miami Dolphins, check out the SB Nation blog The Phinsider and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more news and information on the NFL check out SB Nation's NFL hub.