Cincinnati Bengals need a strong week in ticket sales

We hate bringing it up... this is the story that never dies. If it were our choice, this story would fade quicker than a Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs. For some reason it won't and we can't explain it, nor are we inclined to defend it any longer. After all, the Bengals have reached the postseason for three straight years and four of the last five... and we're still stuck on this?

Cincinnati is enjoying a good week in ticket sales, but they need the trend to continue before declaring a sellout for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bengals recently announced that they taking part in the 85 percent sellout rule, allowing the team to declare a sell out with only 85 percent of capacity -- therefore 8,000 tickets less to sell.

"The thought process is simple -- we want the games sold out for local TV so as many fans as possible can watch," said Andrew Brown, Bengals director of ticket sales. "Having games on TV locally does not benefit the club financially, but it’s in the best interest of the fan base, and we believe it’s in the club’s best interest as well to make local broadcasts more achievable."

If the Bengals are unable to sell 85 percent of their non-premium seats by 1 p.m. on Thursday, the game will be blacked out on local television. If sales continue with a relatively good pace the team may receive a 24-hour extension from the league.

Tickets for Sunday’s game may be purchased here and here (the official CJ link). Fans also may contact Ticketmaster by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets also may be purchased through the Bengals Ticket Hotline at 513-621-8383, or toll-free at 866-621-8383 (TDTD), or in person at the Paul Brown Stadium ticket office.