DE PERE (NBC 26) -- The NFL is telling a De Pere Cinema to stop showing NFL games.
The owners of the De Pere Cinema got a letter from the league after a November game against the 49ers. The letter said the cinema isn't authorized to show games, but the cinema owners said it's something they've done for 20 years.
"It just doesn't make sense to me,” said owner Mike Radue. “So, we are sending a letter back and requesting more explanation as to why we don't qualify."
The NFL said there are three criteria for establishments to show games: First, no admission fee is charged; second, the game is shown on a television type commonly used at home; third, the establishment is engaged in the business of showing regular and daily sports programming to its patrons.
NBC 26 reached out to the NFL legal office for answers and received this response:
"This is a longstanding NFL policy that prohibits the mass out-of-home viewing of NFL games at commercial establishments beyond bars and restaurants. The policy protects the free over-the-air telecast and the league's copyright. Establishments such as bars and restaurants are exempt as they are engaged in the business of showing regular and daily sports programming."
There will be no game this Sunday at the De Pere Cinema, but the owners hope the tradition can soon continue.
