FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Despite dropping a 25-14 contest to the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, the Patriots' third preseason appearance, which was highlighted by playing time for the starters in the first half, proved to be a must-see game for Patriots fans.
Under Friday night lights, the Patriots led all local programming for the third-consecutive week and delivered a 14.0 household rating and 27 market share in the combined total of WBZ-CBS and WMUR-ABC stations in the Boston (Manchester) DMA, demonstrating the excitement of fans for the return to football. This marked an 11 percent ratings increase over last year's Week 3 preseason game, also a Friday night matchup on the road against the Detroit Lions.
In the Boston market, the Patriots went up against the AL East-leading Red Sox on Friday night, who registered a 4.7 household rating and 9 market share to the Patriots' 11.5 rating and 22 market share.
Additionally, WBZ's Patriots All Access delivered a 4.2 household rating and 5th Quarter was the top-rated program in its time period with a rating of 3.8.
The Patriots will conclude preseason action next week when they take on the New York Giants on Thursday night for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium. The game will be broadcast locally on WBZ with Bob Socci handling play-by-play duties, Scott Zolak leading color commentary and Rob Ninkovich providing analysis from the sideline.
