Chargers Blacked Out, Not Muted

Turner still likes team's home-field advantage

Crowd noise is measured in decibels, not attendance figures.

At least that is what Chargers coach Norv Turner believes heading into Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

For the second time in as many home games this season, a television blackout will be imposed in the local area after the Chargers could not sell out their stadium by the NFL's deadline.

Blackout or no blackout, Turner said Thursday he's confident the team will receive a competitive edge from the home fans at Qualcomm Stadium.

β€œWe'd love to have everyone there,” Turner said. β€œIt was a great atmosphere against Jacksonville, and like I said, we've been a bit victimized going into some pretty loud places. I think Jacksonville was affected by our crowd, and I believe Arizona will be, too.”

The team had over 7,500 general tickets unsold at Thursday's 1:15 p.m. deadline. A stadium must be sold out within 72 hours of a game's start time to avoid a blackout.

On Sept. 19, the Chargers' home opener was blacked out against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was their first non-sellout home game since 2004.

To beat the last blackout, some fans traveled out of the area or turned to the Internet airways. The team is hopeful its next home game, an Oct. 24 tilt with the New England Patriots, will be sold out.

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