NFL shuts down Cranston Super Bowl screening
By Dana Griffin
@danagriffinABC6
Park Theatre executive director, Yusuf Gandhi said, “We didn’t want to fight with them so we said lets cancel it; what else can we do?”
Gandhi was shocked to learn that by showing the Super Bowl on a massive screen, it violates the NFL’s copyright rules.
“She says because its copyright infringement, we will have to take action against you,” said Gandhi when asked about a penalty.
U.S. Copyright prohibits admission fees, screening the game on a TV that exceeds 55-inches and having a “substantial number of persons” present.
The park theatre seats up to 1,000.
In
Another way of getting around public Super Bowl parties is by the way you advertise. You can’t use the name ‘Super Bowl’ or use official team logos.
Wes’ Rib House manager, Morgan Nahrwold said, “Doesn’t really make much sense to me why they’re shutting it down. And they’re missing those ads; they’re missing a spot to watch the game.”
The rules only apply to public screenings, not private parties.
“I kind of think it’s a shame. People just want to go out and have fun and enjoy themselves. They weren’t being charged, I mean it’s obviously a huge franchise. I think they have plenty of funds to go around,” said Nahrwold.
The theatre’s unsure how the NFL found out about the screening, but it may have been their public advertising of the event.
The NFL does give privileges for huge screening parties, but they’re usually for official sponsors.
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