Buccaneers will take advantage of new NFL blackout policy

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a feel-good vibe going right now with a new coaching staff and they want to get their product in front of as many area fans as possible.

So, the Bucs announced this afternoon they will take advantage of a new NFL policy that allows them to ease local television blackout rules. The Bucs have had trouble getting on local TV for home games the last couple season even though they had a 10-win team in 2010.

This season, if the club can sell 85 percent of non-premium seats at Raymond James Stadium, the game will be televised locally. Previously, that number needed to be 100 percent. This is a big commitment by the Bucs because for any tickets sold over 85 percent, they will have to share a cut with the league, a way of balancing out the system.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune