The Real NFL Preseason Scam

The real NFL preseason scam is the amount of money NFL owners steal for games that do not count and starters do not play in. If you purchase anything for a preseason NFL game like tickets, parking, concessions or souvenirs, all of it will cost the same as a regular season game.

That's why the NFL owners have been so stubborn about reducing the amount of games. They like a nice 20 game schedule with 10 home dates (preseason and regular season combined).

When the NFL finally reduced the preseason from 4 to 3 games, they added the 17th regular season game. When the preseason eventually shrinks to 2 games the regular season will jump to 18 games. Either way the NFL owners still have a 20 game season. And if you are a fan that wishes to buy season tickets the NFL makes you buy the preseason games with the package.

The average price of an NFL ticket is $377 dollars. Do the math. A family of 4 will shell out $1500 dollars whether the game is regular season or preseason. Fans who attended yesterday's Patriots 17-3 win over the Panthers (arguably the two worst teams in the league) were treated (sarcasm) to a QB battle royale between Jack Plummer/Jake Luton vs. Jacoby Brissett/Joe Milton III/Drake Maye/Bailey Zappe. Nothing against those guys who are working hard to make their respective teams but are they worth $377 a ticket? Of course not.

While we get the the NFL Preseason scam and as we get ready for the exciting NFL REGULAR season tune in each week day from 2-6 to Craig Shemon and Company on ESPN Southwest Florida.

Here are your Weekend Vibes, 5 things to get you out in Fort Myers this weekend. Good news, the weather is going to be more conducive to outdoor fun than it was last weekend when Tropical Storm Debby pounded the area. It might be weekend of clean up for you.

However, when you need to take a break, there are lots of things to help you escape. For fans of Anime, it's time to gather for an annual event in Fort Myers.

If you're looking for date night or a fun family night out, it's closing weekend for Mary Poppins at The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers. Perhaps a

This is also the last weekend to get those back to school supplies and not pay sales tax in Florida. If you need a reminder of what is included in the tax free shopping and the spending limits, click here.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for August 9th through the 11th. Enjoy these 5 things to get you out in Fort Myers this weekend.

*Please note, events are subject to change. Especially considering the weather. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites. And if you are taking a road trip and need a place to stop for food, check out this great pit stop in Central Florida.

This 80's Tribute Band from England is known for their costumes, theatrics and for playing some of the best hits from decade fo big hair. Fans are also known to show up in their best 80's attire. The Show is 7pm Friday at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheate in downtown Fort Myers. Tickets start at $29. More info here.

This marks year three for the festival celebrating anime and all things related. The entertainment roster is full. You can participate in trivia, there is a lip-sync battle,  panel discussions with special celebrity guests and lots more. Sunday 10am to 5pm at Doubletree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. $20, 10 and under free with an adult. More info here.

The Standard Restaurant in downtown Fort Myers is hosting this weekend event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Enjoy all kinds of family games, giveaways and even take a shot at dunking the mayor and other city officials in a Dunk Tank.  Saturday 4-7. 

This performance at Lee County Alliance for the Arts is a fundraiser for the next Fring Fest. Frank Blocker performs "Southern Gothic Novel," a one-man comedy. He is hoping to help boost the Alliance's budget after Florida's governor slashed art grants across the state this year. Blocker describes the show he wrote as “a cinematic novel in the form of a play done by one person." Its at the Alliance on McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers, Friday, 7:30. Tickets start at $15. More info here.

It's your last chance to see this childhood favorite brought to life on stage at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers. Marry Poppins. It's the stage version of the iconic movie and all of your favorite songs are included. The show wraps up this weekend. Tickets start at $25. More info here.