NEW YORK -- The NFL will allow teams to use video scoreboards to encourage crowd noise in stadiums during entire plays.
Although the scoreboards can only use audio prompts until 20 seconds remain on the play clock -- down from 30 seconds -- video prompts now can be used any time. Those videos also were limited to the final 30 seconds on the play clock until the 2013 season.
That's the latest change the league is allowing in an attempt to enhance the fan experience in stadiums. Last week, teams were notified they must place cameras in their locker rooms to provide video only, with the footage being displayed on the video boards and also on team apps.
Teams have control over content.
Home teams also will be required to show replays on the video boards after all scoring plays, turnovers, challenged plays, first downs and receptions where the receiver ends up out of bounds. Multiple replays of any play automatically reviewed must be shown "with the very best camera angles available."
Visiting teams now must be introduced as a unit 10 minutes before kickoff.
The NFL also says 98 percent of tickets for 2013 regular-season games already have been sold. That includes season tickets, individual game seats and group sales.