The team asked a bankruptcy judge to force Citadel to decide, by May 17, whether it will honor its $3.8 million contract to broadcast the Titans’ games during the 2010 season. Citadel’s first payment on that contract is not due until Aug. 15.

“The Titans need to know immediately whether Citadel intends to assume or reject the agreements so they can attempt to mitigate any damages that may arise,” the team said in court papers.

The Nashville football team says it can’t wait months for Citadel to decide if it will use its Chapter 11 case to cancel its contract. If the contract will be canceled, then the team needs to begin looking soon for another broadcast partner, otherwise Titans fans won’t hear the games when the season kicks off in late August.

“Failing to do so will cost the Titans some of their fan base,” the team said.

A spokeswoman for Citadel did not return calls seeking comment.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 27.

Citadel’s network broadcasts the play-by-play team of Mike Keith, the “Voice of the Titans,” and Frank Wycheck, the former tight end and “Music City Miracle” hero, throughout Tennessee and into parts of eight other states.

In addition to the right to broadcast the games, Citadel’s contract entitles the company to a luxury suite and 200 tickets for each Titans home game at LG Field.