THE NFL could see two last-minute changes to fixture times as a result of conflicts with the MLB playoff schedule.
The Seattle Mariners will host game two of the ALDS on October 5th, the same date as the Seahawks’ week five fixture against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Mariners secured their playoff spot with a victory over the Colorado Rockies earlier this week[/caption]
The Seahawks could see games against the Bucs and the Texans rescheduled[/caption]
That game’s 1:05pm start time is subject to change as a result of the clash, with officials reportedly considering delaying the start by up to two and a half hours.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter said: “MLB officials are not expected to decide until Friday when the Mariners will start their Sunday AL Division Series in Seattle.
But on that same day, the Seahawks are scheduled to host the Buccaneers at 1:05 p.m. local time.
“If the Mariners also are scheduled to play at the same time, the Seahawks could push back their kickoff anywhere from 90 to 150 minutes, according to Seattle officials.”
Another fixture being monitored is the Seahawks’ Monday Night Football game against the Houston Texans on October 20th.
Game seven of the ALCS falls on the same date, and although the likelihood that the game would fall in Seattle is not high, the NFL could push that game back as well if it were to happen.
Schefter continued: “There is a similar but less likely scenario that could play out for the Monday night game on Oct. 20, when Game 7 of the AL Championship Series is scheduled to be played.
“A lot has to happen to even get to this point, but if the Mariners somehow wind up hosting Game 7 of the ALCS, the game likely would have to start somewhere around 4:30 p.m. local time, with the Seahawks kicking off some 150 minutes later, according to city officials.”
The changes would have to be made to ensure that local infrastructure is not overwhelmed, due to the two stadiums being neighbours.
There are concerns that such a large influx of people could create hazards, requiring a schedule change to stagger the arrival and departure of fans.
Schefter added: “The infrastructure of the area surrounding the Mariners’ T-Mobile Park and the Seahawks’ Lumen Field is not designed to support two games played at the same time.
“They would create logistical issues that include a chaotic traffic situation along with overcrowding,”
