WASHINGTON, D.C. (WFRV) – U.S. Congressman Tony Wied (R-Wis) and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis) have introduced a bill that Packers fans will certainly appreciate.
The Go Pack Go Act was written to ensure that Wisconsinites can watch any Packers game regardless of where they live, in a time when blackout restrictions cause trouble for sports fans.
Lincoln Park Zoo aviary construction to close part of zoo through 2025
In a release from both Congressman Wied and Sen. Baldwin, the bipartisan bill is described as a way to allow Wisconsinites to watch the Green and Gold in-state regardless of whether they’re ‘out of market.’
The following is a statement from Congressman Wied:
“Nothing brings Wisconsinites together quite like the Packers. The Go Pack Go Act is about making sure every Packers fan, from Douglas to Door County, can watch their team without being forced to endure Vikings or Lions broadcasts. I’m happy to join Senator Baldwin to lead this common sense, bipartisan legislation. If you live in the land of Lambeau, you deserve to see the Green and Gold every Sunday. No exceptions.”
The following statement was provided by Sen. Baldwin:
“Regardless of where you live, every Wisconsinite should be able to cheer on the Green and Gold. But right now, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites live in communities where they could get Vikings or Lions games broadcast on their TVs instead of Packers games. It’s wrong and that’s why I’m fighting to fix it so every Packers fan across our state can watch our team play.”
According to the release, over 415,000 people in Wisconsin live in counties considered an ‘out of market’ area, thus preventing them from receiving some, if not all, Wisconsin-based broadcast stations.
The issue means that Wisconsin residents in 13 counties miss out on programming potentially more relevant to their communities, including sports, and that they could miss out on Packers games, instead being stuck with a Vikings or Lions game.
“On November 2nd, the Packers, Vikings, and Lions are all slated to play at the same time and on the same network,” The release said. “That means Wisconsinites on the Minnesota border may be stuck with the Vikings and those on the Michigan border with the Lions instead of the Packers.”
Aspiro begins its $21 million investment to transform inclusive Green Bay campus into modern space
The Go Pack Go Act, if enacted, would require providers to give Wisconsin subscribers access to broadcast television stations in the Wisconsin market.
Packers fans who live in the following counties would benefit:
- Ashland
- Barron
- Bayfield
- Burnett
- Douglas
- Dunn Polk
- Florence
- Iron
- Pierce
- Sawyer
- St. Croix
- Washburn
