Bengals current blackout streak longest in NFL

CINCINNATI - Despite a 3-2 record, the league's number one total defense and a young, exciting team, the Cincinnati Bengals continue to struggle when it comes to putting fans in Paul Brown Stadium.

The team announced Tuesday that Sunday's home game against the Indianapolis Colts will not be shown on local television due to lack of ticket sales. An 0-5 start and Peyton Manning on the sidelines is not appealing to Indianapolis fans who normally travel well.

This will be the seventh straight home blackout, the longest current streak in the National Football League. Fans who live in the Bengals' markets of Cincinnati, Dayton and Lexington will have to either go to the game or take other measures in order to watch Cincinnati try to improve to 4-2. Even in the Bengals' two losses, the team was in a position late to win the game.

NFL policy states that games must be sold out 72 hours in advance of kickoff to be televised locally. In year's past the team was granted extensions which helped them reach the number of tickets sold to be classified as a sellout. However, similar to the team's first three home contests of 2011, too many tickets remain unsold.

Prior to the Nov. 21, 2010, game against the Bills, the Bengals had sold out 57 consecutive home games dating back to 2003. However, another losing season and lack of interest in the team has led to a number of empty seats at Paul Brown Stadium, despite the good start this season.

The Bengals recently unveiled a family four pack of tickets. With the purchase of four or more $65 tickets to the game against the Colts, Pepsi and Gold Star Chili will team up to provide fans with $65 in Bengals Bucks to be used for food and drinks at concession stands inside Paul Brown Stadium.