Vikings, Cards trying to sell remaining tickets to avoid blackouts

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Plenty of good seats are still available for Minnesota's playoff game against Philadelphia.

The Vikings reported 8,000 tickets remaining at noon New Year's Day for Sunday's game against the Eagles. The NFL has granted an extension until 3:30 p.m. local time Friday to reach a virtual sellout, but the possibility of a local TV blackout looms.

The blackout would not only encompass the Twin Cities, but secondary markets in the region as well. It includes satellite, cable and over-the-air systems, so nobody in the area could watch the game unless they're in attendance at the Metrodome.

Vice president of sales and marketing Steve LaCroix said the team has hired extra holiday help to solicit potential buyers. The Vikings haven't had a game blacked out since 1997.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals received the same extension. As of Thursday afternoon, Arizona had 3,700 tickets remaining.

"Based on the activity we've seen over the last couple days and particularly in the last 24 hours we're very optimistic that this extension will get us where we need to be," said Ron Minegar, the team's executive vice president/chief operating officer.

The Cardinals have sold out all 30 games played in three seasons at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Information from the Associated Press was included in this report