On the heels of a four-game losing streak, and being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, it came as no shock when the Buccaneers announced on Thursday that Sunday’s final home game against the St. Louis Rams will be blacked out.


So far in 2012 only the October 21 game against the Saints, and the December 9 Eagles games have been broadcast locally. Sunday’s blackout will mark 19 of the last 23 home games that failed to sell out and lift the NFL-mandated blackout rule.



Back in July Tampa Bay announced plans to take advantage of the National Football League's 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% of non-premium tickets would be televised locally, rather than the 100% 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 Buccaneers Vice President of Business Administration Brian Ford on July 13.



Along with the lowered ticket prices and blackout threshold selected, the Buccaneers have offered 12-month interest free payment plans and earlier this year unveiled a half-season ticket package.

Recently the Buccaneers announced that the price of 35 percent of seats will be reduced next season, and the remaining prices will remain the same. This is the fifth season in a row with a price increase on tickets for Bucs games at Raymond James Stadium.