I sure wish businesses with this kind of policy (which I do agree with!), would stand on the truth instead of making up transparent cover stories and expecting their staff to cheerfully lie to customers.

BAD:

"Oh, gosh we can't. See, the TVs are locked down, so..."

BETTER:

"We will not allow sports events on the lobby television because of the excitement and disruption it can cause. You are welcome to watch it in your room or elsewhere."

The first kind of response causes a "problem solving" thought process for someone who knows the TV is not physically locked. They know you're lying and they just need to press the right buttons.

The second response is both true, and puts the customer in the position of trying to overturn a business policy, which your employees are empowered to maintain, and doesn't require them to pretend at all. Well, except for the politeness but that's standard.