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When it comes to the NFL offseason, there are a handful of days the hardcore fan would consider a holiday:
The first day of free agency. The first round of the draft. The first day of training camp.
Add another, for the truly hardcore: NFL schedule release day. There's nothing like breaking down the ins and outs of the season-to-be. The long road trips. The division games. The opener. The finale.
This year, that particular holiday will be April 16, according to a report by the Sports Business Journal.
Source: NFL releases its schedule April 16, giving the league 3-1/2 weeks to work out an agreement with MLB/Orioles for the kick-off game.
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) March 21, 2013
The issue with MLB is an interesting one -- the Super Bowl champions may not be able to open at home, as has been the custom for several seasons now. The Orioles are playing in Baltimore that week, leaving the Baltimore Ravens in a logistical pickle.
The conflict could even end up causing the Ravens to open on the road -- say, in Denver. A chance for revenge could be the entire focus of this offseason, Broncos country.
In the meantime, mark your calendars. April 16, 2013 is a holiday.
[H/T Arrowhead Pride]