Chargers fans and local businesses are learning quickly - TV blackouts can be costly.
Irene Anderson was planning on having a big Chargers party at her house for her son's birthday. But since the game will not be on local television, she instead found herself at the Qualcomm Stadium ticket office on Saturday buying tickets for the game.
It will be a nice surprise for her son. Not so nice for her checkbook.
"We thought about it for a while because tickets are so expensive," said Anderson. "That's the reason we don't come to many games anymore because tickets are so expensive."
The Chargers announced on Thursday that Sunday's home opener against Jacksonville would be blacked out because 7,000 tickets were still available. It's the team's first blackout of a regular season or post season game since 2004. It's been tough for serious fans.
Carmen Castro was also spending money unexpectedly. She paid $150 dollars for view level seats.
"I think maybe last week's game had a lot to do with it, but hey, you have to support your team," said Castro.
But sports bars and restaurants may be feeling the biggest blackout blow.
Ray Corallino of Miller's Field in Pacific Beach says he normally has 350 to 400 people watching a game at his sports bars on Sundays.
"We're going to lose about 33 percent of our business on Sunday," Corrallino said. "We'll lose anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 for one day."
Unfortunately, it may be another difficult weekend for the next Chargers home game on Oct. 3. The team announced earlier this week, there are still 12,000 tickets available for the game against Arizona.
