vikings/nfl

In general, localities within a 75-mile radius of the team's home stadium are also subject to the blackout. The exact distance varies based on the market.

Big TV ratings

A Vikings blackout would have a substantial impact on the Minnesota fan base, which even in bad times has traditionally given local broadcasters large ratings. Last year, the Vikings finished 6-10 but still averaged a 30.2 rating and a 59 share in the Twin Cities, 10th-best in the NFL.

The Falcons game is scheduled to be televised on local Fox affiliate KMSP (Ch. 9), but a blackout would mean a noon game would air on CBS in the Twin Cities. Secondary markets such as Alexandria, Austin, Mankato, Redwood Falls, Rochester and Mason City, Iowa would also see a different game. There would also be a 3:15 p.m. game televised on Fox.

Blackout rules also apply to customers in those markets who have the NFL Ticket package on DirecTV.

Minnesotans wishing to view a blacked-out Vikings game must travel to a non-local market. Because the Vikings-Falcons game is scheduled to be shown to only 9 percent of the country, a blackout would limit the in-state broadcast to markets with independent Fox stations, such as Duluth.

The game also could be viewed on satellite dishes outside of the Vikings' primary and secondary markets.

"We don't want it to come to that," Bagley said. "We have a great fan base. We want them to know the issue and we want them to show up."

Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com