The Patriots host the Ravens tonight, and while a "MNF" appearance "might be an event worthy of civic celebration" in other locales, for some Patriots fans it is "something to be tolerated -- or, in many cases, avoided altogether," according to a front-page piece by Dugan Arnett of the BOSTON GLOBE. According to SeatGeek, the Patriots are "one of the few teams in the NFL whose ticket demand shrinks for a Monday night game." On average, tickets to a 1:00pm ET Sunday game ($282), 4:00pm Sunday game ($307) and Sunday night game ($324) "fetch considerably more on the secondary market than does a Patriots Monday night matchup ($228)." The only tickets cheaper "are those for Thursday night games, which pose the same logistical challenges as a Monday night tilt, without the added prestige." If there is a "silver lining to the Monday night hassles, it’s that the cheaper secondary-market ticket prices can open things up for fans not willing or able to swing the cost of a Sunday game" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/12).
STRAIGHT CASH, HOMIE: In Boston, Ben Volin noted the Patriots from '13-16 have spent $500,083,836 in cash, the "third-lowest amount of cash over this four-year period" among all other NFL teams. The 89% threshold is $493,549,500, so the Patriots are "in compliance" with league regulations. The Panthers are the "only other team to spend less." However, the four-year timeframe "doesn’t take into account any large contracts the Patriots handed out" in '11 or '12. The Patriots also "may not be done spending, as they also have until March to spend cash that counts" toward '16. However, this reinforces the notion that the Patriots "spend their money wisely, and are lucky to have a star quarterback" in Tom Brady who "doesn’t push for every last dollar" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/11).
SHIPPING OFF FROM BOSTON: In Boston, Jeff Howe reported the Patriots are "viewed as a strong candidate to play an international game" during the '17 season, whether in London or Mexico City. Patriots Owner Robert Kraft has been a "longtime supporter of the league’s interest in playing international games." The team has played twice in London, beating the Buccaneers in '09 and the Rams in '12. The Patriots are "again interested in playing overseas," though they "almost certainly wouldn’t give up a home game" in '17 (BOSTON HERALD, 12/11).
