National Football League

Report: Bills fan prevents blackout

Published Dec. 25, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

An elderly upstate New York restaurant owner purchased more than 7,000 tickets to this Sunday's National Football League game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots to save the team from a local blackout during their final home game of the season, the Buffalo News reported.

Russell J. Salvatore, 77, bought between 7,000 and 8,000 non-premium tickets and will give them to members of the military and charitable organizations involved with young people.

“The timing couldn’t be better,” Salvatore said. “It’s Christmas. It’s the last game of the season. What a way to go.”

Under an agreement the NFL has with local broadcasters, games are not televised locally unless they sell out.

In a statement, the Buffalo Bill organization said it was, "very appreciative of the loyalty and support from Bills fans this season. We especially thank Russell J. Salvatore of Russell's Steaks, Chops & More for his generosity by purchasing the remaining tickets to our game against the Patriots, which has enabled the game to be televised locally this Sunday."