It was just announced that game has been sold out. I would certainly hope so. If the Lions couldn't sell out a game that would likely clinch a playoff spot for them, for the first time since the days we were debating a certain stain on a certain blue dress, that involved a certain President -- then they might as well pack that franchise up and move it somewhere else. That also means the game will be on local TV. That's a good thing for many people, but disappointing to others. Why? Bear with me here.
Some have suggested that will be the loudest crowd in the history of Ford Field. Yours truly doesn't think so. Why?
Because it's on Christmas day. Unless the Lions and the NFL get some sort of waiver from Michigan law, that means no beer, no mixed drinks, no alcohol at all will be available in the stadium -- period. If that be the case, whatever the tail-gaters may have chugged in the parking lots before the game will quickly wear off. Sure, there will be the initial adrenaline surge when the contest begins, and it will start out loud, but as the game wears on, those that are used to restoking their own fires at 8 or 10 bucks a pop won't be able to reload. Throw in TV time-outs, team time-outs, coaches' challenges with official reviews, the break between the 1st and 2nd quarters, 20 minutes for halftime, and by the 3rd quarter, playoff berth at stake or not, it might just be interesting to see just how loud, or subdued, that crowd actually becomes.
Let's not forget the vast majority of Lions' fans that won't be in the stadium. They won't have the option of going to their favorite sports bars to hang out with their friends and watch the game on big screens. All those places will be closed. They will get no such waiver. Guaranteed. Hence the disappointment of not only the potential patrons, but all the bar owners, bartenders, waitresses, etc. They would have made big bucks during this game. It appears Santa will be bringing them a lump of coal instead.
Who wins? The party stores on Saturday. People will be loading up to watch the game on the tube the following day. Perhaps, in a small way, the Ford family too, along with their various stadium sponsors.
Considering all the toilets and urinals that may not get flushed this Sunday, their water bill might be considerably lower on Christmas day. HO HO HO.
John, a little attention to detail would help your credibility. After you wipe the egg from your face, you might want to amend this. The game is at 4:00 on Christmas Eve, not Christmas day.
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