Another possible conflict for Bucs, Rays
This item is running in Tuesday's paper. Just wanted to throw it out there for the blog audience:
The Bucs could find themselves playing opposite a Rays playoff game for the second time in two weeks. If the Rays and Red Sox advance to a Game 7 in the ALCS, that game would be played Sunday night at Tropicana Field at almost the exact same time the Bucs will be taking on the Seahawks at Raymond James Stadium.
Spokesmen from the Bucs and NBC said Monday it is very unlikely anything could be done to alter the kickoff time of the Bucs' game, even though the games are being played in the same market. It could impact the Bucs in terms of attendance. But on television, football still seems to have an edge here.
When the Bucs and Rays played simultaneously on Oct. 5 -– the Bucs against the Broncos and the Rays against the White Sox in the ALDS -– the Bucs held a decisive edge in television ratings.
While the Rays notched an 11.8 rating on TBS in the Tampa Bay market, the Bucs scored a 22.8 rating on FOX for the 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. time slot. The rating figure is the percentage of television sets in the market tuned in at the time. To be fair, TBS is a cable-only network while FOX is available over the air. Still, the disparity is striking.
"I can't see a scenario other than a disaster where a game would be changed," NBC Sports Communications Director Adam Freifeld said. "Prime-time football has gone up against (playoff) baseball in the past."







LOVE THE RAYS...BUT THE BUCS ALWAYS COME FIRST!!!!!!!SKYRIDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Gtskyrider | October 13, 2008 at 11:23 PM
The Rays lose on this one. Given the fact I live in Milpitas, CA. and this is the first Bucs game televised in this area. It's a no brainer for me. I'm watching the Buc's and if the NFL changes the time and blacks it out in my area I'LL SUE.
Posted by: Drew | October 14, 2008 at 12:26 AM
www.tbo.com wrote an article about Roger Goodell stating the Buccaneers were a model franchise. Is this an apology for the BS taunting penalties or better stated demonstrating to much emotional excitement?
Give me a break!!! If the Zebra's are going to call it, then call it uniformly across the league.
BTW Mr. Goodell, apology not accepted.
Posted by: Drew | October 14, 2008 at 01:10 AM
Rays will take care of business, so there will be no need for a game 7!!
Posted by: CW | October 14, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Are you kidding? This would be a no brainer if there is a game 7. The Rays would be the primary game to watch and the Bucs would be on commercial break. The Seahawks are god awful. Kiffen's defense may have 21 points before half time.
Posted by: DR | October 14, 2008 at 08:55 AM
What a great dilema to have!The RAYS are really in this and can win a WORLD SERIES.....WOW!.....Besides I have a remote ...I`m good at clicking around with it.
Posted by: STIXX | October 14, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Rays Game 7 would be one for the ages, but its a win-win if you miss it to go to (or watch) the Bucs. If Rays WIN, then you get to watch them in the World Series. If the Rays LOSE, then you go home moping and wish you had watched the Bucs. Of course, the Bucs better win, otherwise it turns toa lose-lose!
Posted by: Howie | October 14, 2008 at 10:56 AM
is that a joke? P-I-P bucs, rays on main screen. its a game to go to the WS for fs sake.
Posted by: wesleygene | October 14, 2008 at 12:34 PM
And to the think that idiot who runs Lee Roy Selmons at Tyrone Mall put the Rays game on the big screen dispite the crowd asking for the Bucs game thier instead. As it turns out, he was New York Giants and Boston Red Sox fan. I could've slapped the schit out of him a few times. He's not only out of touch with this area (rating above prove it), he's a complete peice of crap proprietor. Whata bust.
Posted by: James | October 14, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Love the Bucs, but come on, for the Rays they would be playing to get into the World Series. A World Series in Tampa!!!!
This happens maybe once every 10 years? Does no one have tivo, or the record option on cable or satellite--I would watch both via PIP, but a regular season game for my Bucs against a history making game.....
By the way Stephen, what is the explanation on all those ridiculous celebration penalties on the Bucs? i saw worse all afternoon on other games with no flag--pitiful
Posted by: Brian | October 14, 2008 at 02:23 PM
TIVO! TIVO! TIVO!
Posted by: | October 14, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Brian, funny you ask: I am poking around here at the owners meetings on this exact topic. I'm going to address it with the commissioner later, if possible. Bruce Allen seemed to suggest to me that he asked for some clarification, too.
Posted by: Stephen Holder | October 14, 2008 at 03:45 PM
just put two tvs next each other and watch them both
Posted by: mike | October 15, 2008 at 09:41 AM
i saw on my tv guide that espn will show baseball and not football.....so i guess we wont be able to watch the bucs game.
Posted by: alberto | October 15, 2008 at 10:52 AM