Jaguars must sell 2,210 tickets by 8 PM Saturday

Team granted 24-hour deadline extension to avoid blackout

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars were granted a 24-hour extension and must sell 2,210 tickets by 8 p.m. Saturday to avoid a Monday Night Football TV blackout.

Team officials believe the community will come through.

Keith Billingslea is one Jaguars fan who was trying to beat the blackout deadline Friday by buying tickets at EverBank Field. He said he hopes the Jaguars game against the San Diego Chargers is full of excitement because of the recent replacements.

"A new everything, a new owner, new coach," Billingslea said. "I mean, what's going to happen next? And I have a feeling we can do it."

While fans are chipping in buying the last few tickets, small business owners like Janet Johnson are purchasing more than their fair share.

"It's not at all for myself," Johnson said. "I'm hoping I don't even have to go. I'm going to give them to clients and friends, and hopefully I can get my husband to go with a friend. I just feel like I want to be part of the solution."

The team is confident ticket sales will pick up at the box office, adding an extra boost to the spirit of the team by the show of support from the community.

"We've moved a lot of tickets this week, but we can't be complacent and stop now. We've got to finish strong," said Macky Weaver, Jaguars senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Fans who prefer watching the game on TV fear they'll be in a tough spot come Monday.

"I'm not happy. I want somebody to go out there and buy the tickets," said Ralph Sinn, who plans to watch the game on TV. "I know I should be there, but I enjoy it too much at home."

Other fans cite high ticket prices and poor team performance as reasons for not buying tickets.
"I don't like to lose, I like to win, so I think if they put together a winning team, they won't have no problem filling the stadium," Jaguars season ticket holder Joe Pitts said.

Whether at home or at the stadium, the Jaguars anticipate everyone will be able to enjoy the game. It's believed businesses will step up and buy most of the tickets.

In fact, Lender Processing Services has already donated 1,000 to local military members.