Minnesota Vikings lower blackout target at Metrodome

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings have decided to take advantage of a new NFL policy that makes it easier to keep home games on local television.

The Vikings announced Thursday they'll reduce their target number by about 6,000 seats to 90 percent of Mall of America Field's capacity. The stadium fits roughly 64,000 fans, and the same number of tickets will still be available for sale. However, now a game would only be blacked out if fewer than 90 percent of tickets were sold.

The Vikings have a blackout-free streak of 144 straight games at the Metrodome since 1998. But after a 3-13 season, keeping that up will be a challenge. The downside of opting for the lower target is the Vikings must forgo more of their revenue to visiting teams.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press