The NFL gave the Colts, Bengals and Packers one more day to sell their remaining playoff tickets and avoid local television blackouts on Thursday and with hours to go before the deadline, both the Packers and Colts have managed to sell our their games.
The Colts announced their extension on their website Thursday, about an hour before a previous extension was supposed to expire. Fewer than 3,500 tickets remained for Saturday's wild-card game against Kansas City (11-5). The team had said about 5,500 tickets were left Wednesday night.
On Friday, Colts owner Jim Irsay announced on Twitter that regional hypermarket chain Meijer purchased 1,200 tickets to the game to give to local military families, ending the threat of a blackout for their game Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers announced their game has sold-out Friday afternoon, after a combination of fans sales and a group of Packers corporate partners, led by Green Bay-based Associated Bank, purchased the remaining available tickets.
"We're very thankful to Packers fans, and our partners led by Associated Bank, for ensuring Sunday's game will be sold out," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "A unique season and other factors contributed to having tickets available, but with the support of our fans and partners, we're looking forward to a great atmosphere Sunday at Lambeau Field for the playoff game against the 49ers. We also know fans around the state will be able to enjoy the telecast."
The Bengals (11-5) host San Diego (9-7) and are the only team that hasn't announced a sellout.
Normally, teams must sell out 72 hours before kickoff to have a game broadcast in the local market. They can get one-day extensions if they think a sellout is possible.
