The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today announced plans to take advantage of the NFL’s recently-passed measure reducing the percentage of general admission ticket sales needed to avoid local broadcast blackouts of home games. As a result, any 2012 Buccaneer home games that sell 85 percent of non-premium tickets will be televised locally, rather than the 100 percent previously required.


"We hope that this move, along with lower ticket prices, starting at $30 for adults and $15 for children, will lead to more televised Buccaneer home games this year," said Vice President of Business Administration Brian Ford.

The Buccaneers recently announced an initiative designed to sell-out the September 9 home opener versus the division rival Carolina Panthers that offers free parking in select lots, half-off food and non-alcoholic concessions, as well as a giveaway celebrating Ronde Barber's 200th straight start.

The Buccaneers averaged 56,614 fans last season, equaling 86.2 percent capacity at Raymond James Stadium. While the average was over the minimum 85 percent, the percentage must still be met 72 hours prior to kickoff.

PewterReport.com has strongly suggested the Buccaneers adopt the 85 percent benchmark in order to win back fans and provide the product on television for those who still are feeling the effect of a reeling economy.

Below is a list of Tampa Bay’s home games.

Week 1: Sun, Sep 9 - Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay, 4:15 p.m. ET (FOX)

Week 4: Sun, Sep 30 - Washington Redskins at Tampa Bay, 4:15 p.m. ET (FOX)

Week 6: Sun, Oct 14 - Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Week 7: Sun, Oct 21 - New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
 
Week 10: Sun, Nov 11 - San Diego Chargers at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Week 12: Sun, Nov 25 - Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Week 14: Sun, Dec 9 - Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Week 16 : Sun, Dec 23 - St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)