Despite FSU having a better record in the ACC and beating Clemson head-to-head, Clemson has been chosen to play against Nebraska in the Gator Bowl.
QuoteClemson to be invited to Gator Bowl
Posted: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
By GARRY SMITS
The Times-Union
The Konica Minolta Gator Bowl will invite Clemson Wednesday to play in the Jan. 1 game at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, according to multiple sources within the volunteer leadership of the Gator Bowl Association.
The sources said president Rick Catlett and selection committee chairperson Kelly Madden left for Greenville, S.C., tonight.
“You can make the logical assumption that means we’re going to invite Clemson,†one source told the Times-Union.
The invitation to Nebraska will be delayed until Sunday, because Big 12 commissioner Don Beebe will not release teams for consideration by non-BCS bowls until after the Big 12 championship game Saturday between Oklahoma and Missouri.
http://news.jacksonville.com/justin/2008/12/02/clemson-to-be-invited-to-gator-bowl/
Clemson brings more out of town people. The name of the game is putting out of towners into hotel rooms. FSU fans - the ones that don't already live here - can drive over the day of the game, and drive back.
I think it's a great pick. Clemson has the most passionate fans of any ACC team. This is great news for Jacksonville's economy. Now if we can just get another team whose fans travel well.
Nebraska?
Clemson played in the Gator Bowl all-time attendance record game (1989). Average attendance in Clemson Gator Bowls is 74,000, versus 70,000 for FSU. FSU just played in Jax and the attendance was a paltry 45,000.
Clemson fans are totally psyched up over their new coach. In 1981, Clemson beat Nebraska to win the National Championship. I don't THINK they have played each other since.
Clemson is probably the Gator Bowl's committee's favorite team, and with good reason. Picking Clemson is a no-brainer.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 02, 2008, 10:58:35 PM
Nebraska?
Yeah that would be a great pick. I'm sure any Cornhusker fan would love to leave the cold of Nebraska for Florida (just not for a night like tonight, lol).
Considering the attendance at the FSU/CO game I'd say Clemson is a better choice than FSU. I believe Nebraska has a history of travelling well for bowl games.
Quote from: vicupstate on December 02, 2008, 11:02:44 PM
Clemson played in the Gator Bowl all-time attendance record game (1989). Average attendance in Clemson Gator Bowls is 74,000, versus 70,000 for FSU. FSU just played in Jax and the attendance was a paltry 45,000.
Clemson fans are totally psyched up over their new coach. In 1981, Clemson beat Nebraska to win the National Championship. I don't THINK they have played each other since.
Clemson is probably the Gator Bowl's committee's favorite team, and with good reason. Picking Clemson is a no-brainer.
Yeah get ready to see a lot of red and orange all over town that week. I wish the Gator Bowl would go back to ACC vs. SEC though.
On another note, it will be interesting to see what the attendance number will be for this week's ACC championship game in Tampa. They're getting the same matchup that Jax had last year (BC vs. VT).
Yeah, I find this match-up quite intriguing. I'm sure it was a tough choice between FSU or Clemson, but the committee made the right decision.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 02, 2008, 11:33:12 PM
On another note, it will be interesting to see what the attendance number will be for this week's ACC championship game in Tampa. They're getting the same matchup that Jax had last year (BC vs. VT).
Yeah it will be interesting to see. Especially with a worse-off economy than last year. I did find this little nugget on the internet:
"While organizers are noncommittal about the prospects of a sellout in 65,000-seat Raymond James Stadium, they are certain of halting the downward spiral experienced in Jacksonville. The inaugural game, which included Florida State, drew a respectable 72,749 in Jacksonville’s Municipal Stadium, which holds 77,497. Subsequent games without the Seminoles or Hurricanes slipped at a rate of 10,000 fans a year, bottoming out last year with attendance of 53,212.
Not only does Raymond James Stadium have fewer seats, but those seats will also come at a cheaper price. Tickets for the ACC’s game begin at $25, well below the lowest-priced ticket last year of $65. About 14,000 of the seats at Raymond James Stadium are priced at $25."
Source: http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/60735
If Jacksonville had 14,000 $25 seats we'd probably have hit 60,000 to 65,000 last year. It just all depends on the match-up though, bottom line.
How can they sell tickets for so much less? How much is Tampa subsidizing the game? We are in the middle of a controversy about the City "bailing out" last year's ACC game.
I still doubt we see a sellout in Tampa but I think there will be a lot of Hokies.
This year for Jax Clemson is a better choice. This would be FSU's third trip to Jax in just over a year. CBS pressured the Gator bowl to take FSU they are a better national draw but the comity really wanted to do it's part for the local ecconomy.
Quote from: Charles Hunter on December 02, 2008, 10:30:01 PM
Clemson brings more out of town people. The name of the game is putting out of towners into hotel rooms. FSU fans - the ones that don't already live here - can drive over the day of the game, and drive back.
I think Clemson or FSU would have been a good pick as far as attendance goes, but like you stated the bottom line is getting out of town people to come and spend money and book hotel rooms. As far as the ACC championship game, I was dissapointed to see it leave, but maybe now the Gator Bowl can put more emphasis on getting us into the BCS rotation in the future.
Quote from: MattnJax on December 03, 2008, 06:54:18 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 02, 2008, 11:33:12 PM
On another note, it will be interesting to see what the attendance number will be for this week's ACC championship game in Tampa. They're getting the same matchup that Jax had last year (BC vs. VT).
Yeah it will be interesting to see. Especially with a worse-off economy than last year. I did find this little nugget on the internet:
"While organizers are noncommittal about the prospects of a sellout in 65,000-seat Raymond James Stadium, they are certain of halting the downward spiral experienced in Jacksonville. The inaugural game, which included Florida State, drew a respectable 72,749 in Jacksonville’s Municipal Stadium, which holds 77,497. Subsequent games without the Seminoles or Hurricanes slipped at a rate of 10,000 fans a year, bottoming out last year with attendance of 53,212.
Not only does Raymond James Stadium have fewer seats, but those seats will also come at a cheaper price. Tickets for the ACC’s game begin at $25, well below the lowest-priced ticket last year of $65. About 14,000 of the seats at Raymond James Stadium are priced at $25."
Source: http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/60735
If Jacksonville had 14,000 $25 seats we'd probably have hit 60,000 to 65,000 last year. It just all depends on the match-up though, bottom line.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Virginians-are-too-frugal-for-the-ACC-Championsh;_ylt=Aogh8Qm3DQWnyEvKRJkJCZscvrYF?urn=ncaaf,126524
"Tech was obligated to pay the Tampa Bay Sports Commission for 10,000 tickets to the game but has only sold about 3,000 of them.
Virginia Tech assistant athletic director Sandy Smith said Tuesday that ticket sales have been slower than last year, when the game was held in Jacksonville, Fla."
The stadium looks half empty.
I'm betting its more than half empty...an d remember, that's with $25 upper level tickets...which it looks like very few people purchased!
It looks bad. The ACC needs to pick a city, stick with it and grow this game. I of course would love it to be Jax but Charlotte may be bigger ACC fans.
Tampa is off to a bad start. Despite the smaller stadium and reduction in prices, the attendance was about the same as Jax's last year.
QuoteMichael Kelly, ACC associate commissioner for football operations, said 53,927 tickets were distributed for the game, played in Tampa for the first time after a three-year run in Jacksonville, Fla.
Dwindling attendance has been a concern ever since the inaugural title game between Virginia Tech and Florida State drew an announced 72,749 in 2005. The figures slipped to 62,850 for Georgia Tech and Wake Forest in 2006 and 53,212 for BC and Tech a year ago.
Although each school was allotted about 10,000 tickets for Saturday's rematch, the Eagles and Hokies reportedly combined to sell fewer than 5,000. And, with neither Florida State or Miami in the game, and Florida playing for the SEC championship on television later in the afternoon, there was little interest locally.
"It's just the way it is right now. ... Obviously, we're never going to be satisfied until we get this game sold out," Kelly said, adding that ticket sales were affected by the economy and the fact neither school clinched a spot in the game until last week.
The game will be played in Tampa again next year, then head to Charlotte in 2010.
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=283410259
Quote from: thelakelander on December 02, 2008, 11:33:12 PM
On another note, it will be interesting to see what the attendance number will be for this week's ACC championship game in Tampa. They're getting the same matchup that Jax had last year (BC vs. VT).
HA HA HA HA!!! The irony of Miami & FSU not being in that game.
The game belongs in Charlotte!! The ACC will just have to learn the hard way.
If Jacksonville want ACC fans they have to get an annual classic. A Georgia Tech VS Florida State or Miami VS Georgia Tech or something like that. That GA-FL game is big, but if the Bulldogs lose too often they try to end that series. It would be cool if Jacksonville could get an annual FSU vs UF game it makes more sense, don't know why the city has never tried to make that happen. The GA-FL tradition is so long running, thats why I would be against the change.
Quote from: Coolyfett on December 06, 2008, 09:07:18 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 02, 2008, 11:33:12 PM
On another note, it will be interesting to see what the attendance number will be for this week's ACC championship game in Tampa. They're getting the same matchup that Jax had last year (BC vs. VT).
HA HA HA HA!!! The irony of Miami & FSU not being in that game.
The game belongs in Charlotte!! The ACC will just have to learn the hard way.
is there a reason you find it funny that FSU and Miami aren't there....and why would the game be better in Charlotte....with teams that hardly ever sell out nearby and the potential for cold weather?
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 06, 2008, 09:45:04 PM
Quote from: Coolyfett on December 06, 2008, 09:07:18 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 02, 2008, 11:33:12 PM
On another note, it will be interesting to see what the attendance number will be for this week's ACC championship game in Tampa. They're getting the same matchup that Jax had last year (BC vs. VT).
HA HA HA HA!!! The irony of Miami & FSU not being in that game.
The game belongs in Charlotte!! The ACC will just have to learn the hard way.
is there a reason you find it funny that FSU and Miami aren't there....and why would the game be better in Charlotte....with teams that hardly ever sell out nearby and the potential for cold weather?
Looked like the stadium in Tampa was barely a 1/3rd full. ACC teams just don't travel well regardless of where the game is held. Acc would be much better off holding the game at the top ranked teams stadium. And i think its been said before , stop posting in red!
Quote from: civil42806 on December 06, 2008, 09:52:03 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 06, 2008, 09:45:04 PM
Quote from: Coolyfett on December 06, 2008, 09:07:18 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 02, 2008, 11:33:12 PM
On another note, it will be interesting to see what the attendance number will be for this week's ACC championship game in Tampa. They're getting the same matchup that Jax had last year (BC vs. VT).
HA HA HA HA!!! The irony of Miami & FSU not being in that game.
The game belongs in Charlotte!! The ACC will just have to learn the hard way.
is there a reason you find it funny that FSU and Miami aren't there....and why would the game be better in Charlotte....with teams that hardly ever sell out nearby and the potential for cold weather?
Looked like the stadium in Tampa was barely a 1/3rd full. ACC teams just don't travel well regardless of where the game is held. Acc would be much better off holding the game at the top ranked teams stadium. And i think its been said before , stop posting in red!
Yeah, unlike the SEC and Big 12, the ACC is still a basketball conference. The history and tradition will take more time to grow before you have more traveling fans. As I pointed out in an earlier post as well, the schools just arent that big in general, so the alumni bases aren't as large or spread out.
Not sure what the ACC can do to improve the attendance (I don't see why Charlotte is better) other than having teams that matter (ie, national title contenders) play to make the game more relevant. If Va Tech was playing to go to the Natl Championship, more Hokies would have gone to Tampa rather than just "saving up for the bowl game" as they were quoted as saying.
another somewhat interesting note....while everyone is paying attention to the Big 12 (Texas, Oklahoma) and the SEC (Florida, Alabama), guess which conference is rated as #1 in football this year?
Yep, you guessed it...according to Jeff Sagarin's computer rankings, it would be the ACC...with a 6-4 record against the SEC and undefeated (I think 4-0) against the Big 12, and 10 out of 12 teams bowl eligible.
Its just too bad they don't have the die-hard fan support for football that SEC schools have!
Quote from: thelakelander on December 06, 2008, 08:08:16 PM
Tampa is off to a bad start. Despite the smaller stadium and reduction in prices, the attendance was about the same as Jax's last year.
QuoteMichael Kelly, ACC associate commissioner for football operations, said 53,927 tickets were distributed for the game, played in Tampa for the first time after a three-year run in Jacksonville, Fla.
Dwindling attendance has been a concern ever since the inaugural title game between Virginia Tech and Florida State drew an announced 72,749 in 2005. The figures slipped to 62,850 for Georgia Tech and Wake Forest in 2006 and 53,212 for BC and Tech a year ago.
Although each school was allotted about 10,000 tickets for Saturday's rematch, the Eagles and Hokies reportedly combined to sell fewer than 5,000. And, with neither Florida State or Miami in the game, and Florida playing for the SEC championship on television later in the afternoon, there was little interest locally.
"It's just the way it is right now. ... Obviously, we're never going to be satisfied until we get this game sold out," Kelly said, adding that ticket sales were affected by the economy and the fact neither school clinched a spot in the game until last week.
The game will be played in Tampa again next year, then head to Charlotte in 2010.
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=283410259
As host of the ACC Championship game, Jacksonville doesn't look so bad now as far as attendance and support of the game. I think this bodes well for a return of the game after a test run in Charlotte which I think is too cold for the ACC's liking. They picked Jacksonville originally for a reason, and that is a it's warm weather and location. We can't help we get poor match-ups. Charlotte would have the same trouble.
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 07, 2008, 09:24:04 AM
another somewhat interesting note....while everyone is paying attention to the Big 12 (Texas, Oklahoma) and the SEC (Florida, Alabama), guess which conference is rated as #1 in football this year?
Yep, you guessed it...according to Jeff Sagarin's computer rankings, it would be the ACC...with a 6-4 record against the SEC and undefeated (I think 4-0) against the Big 12, and 10 out of 12 teams bowl eligible.
Its just too bad they don't have the die-hard fan support for football that SEC schools have!
yeah...did you see the link I posted at the top of the page? It sums that up pretty well...the ACC was without a doubt (imo) the strongest conference overall. But is that what makes a conference the "best?" It certainly isn't what draws the most attention and hype. You need to have very good teams at the top to legitimize yourself, and the ACC's best doesn't compare at all to any other BCS conference's best except the Big East's. And, well, that aint sayin much this season.
Since we're sort of on the topic, I was curious if anyone could offer some insight...
Why doesn't Jacksonville try to establish a second bowl game? San Diego, New Orleans, and Orlando all host twice in the same stadium. Would it simply be too costly? Would the economic benefits not make up for that? Just wondering...any thoughts?
ACC teams can hang with anyone in the country except maybe the 5 or so elite teams at the top of the BCS standings. The ACC is missing a truly elite team.
But the ACCCG belongs in Charlotte. The weather in CLT the 1st week of December is not much different than Jax MOST of the time so I do not buy the weather argument.
If VT-BC was in Charlotte yesterday it would have been close to a sellout because there would have been 50,000+ Hokie fans there. Almost all possible matchups that could occur would draw better in CLT. And Uptown Charlotte has more to offer fans than downtown Jax any day!
Quote from: Southbanker on December 07, 2008, 06:05:46 PM
And Uptown Charlotte has more to offer fans than downtown Jax any day!
I hear their river and beach are also better ;)
Yeah, unlike the SEC and Big 12, the ACC is still a basketball conference. [/quote]
Why not try to lure the ACC basketball tourny from NC to JAX. IF they won't travel for football, maybe we can steal them for basketball...
QuoteACC can't blame Jacksonville for this one
Submitted by Garry Smits
The second and third years of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship football game in Jacksonville resulted in low ticket sales for games matching Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech and Virgnia Tech vs. Boston College.
And somehow, ACC officials made the implication that it was the fault of the Jacksonville area football fans ... or else they wouldn't have moved the game to Tampa. At the very least, the national media buzz was that Jacksonville couldn't get it done when it came to supporting the game.
Well, now we know ... it's the overall mediocre quality of ACC football and lacklauster championship games that are at fault.
Saturday's rematch between Virginia Tech and Boston College (won by the Hokies 30-12), resulted in ticket sales only a fraction more than last year's game in Jacksonville (53,927 ticket distributed in Tampa, only 715 more than last year). The Associated Press estimated the actual attendance to be less than 30,000. Gator Bowl officials said a bit more than 40,000 people actually were in the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for last year's game.
Not only was the upper bowl of Raymond James Stadium bare, but many seats on the 50 were clearly unoccupied when the cameras panned the seats during the telecast.
Here's the kicker: ACC officials said Tech and Boston College combined for 4,800 tickets sold. The amazing stat is that perhaps Virginia Tech's reputation for fan support has either dropped off, or they expected to win, and decided to sit out the ACC title game in Tampa since they believed they'd be playing in the Orange Bowl in Miami less than a month later.
The mistake apparently is the ACC's for believing that the game could work in Florida -- or it could work if Florida State played Miami every year, as was the rather arrogant expectation. Maybe hard-core ACC fans were right when they believed the game should have been put in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium from the beginning, but here's my question: will people in Charlotte buy more tickets than Jacksonville or Tampa fans for a Virginia Tech vs. Boston College game?
Either way, it's now clear support of ACC title games can't be blamed on Jacksonville football fans. The ACC has a few decisions to make. Either move the game to Charlotte and hope a North Carolina team makes it, or impress upon their member schools and alunni base that they need to start supporting this game by purchasing tickets when their team is in it. It's embarrassing, for example, that Boston College has sold a combined 5,000 tickets or so in the last two years for the title game, the first attempts it ever had to win a conference title.
http://www.jacksonville.com/interact/blog/2008-12-07/acc_cant_blame_jacksonville_for_this_one
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 07, 2008, 08:41:14 PM
Quote from: Southbanker on December 07, 2008, 06:05:46 PM
And Uptown Charlotte has more to offer fans than downtown Jax any day!
I hear their river and beach are also better ;)
Plus you can go whitewater rafting in CLT at the US National Whitewater Center.
Quote from: aj_fresh on December 07, 2008, 08:47:46 PM
Yeah, unlike the SEC and Big 12, the ACC is still a basketball conference.
Why not try to lure the ACC basketball tourny from NC to JAX. IF they won't travel for football, maybe we can steal them for basketball...
[/quote]
I mentioned this in another thread (or maybe in this one...) and it was shown to me that our arena's capacity is about 5 thousand less than all the stadiums that have hosted the ACC tourney this century.
By the way, I really like your pic. It's an angle of our skyline that you dont see very often...almost always from across the river.
Thanks Maximus. It was taken from one of the higher floors of the Hyatt during my wedding weekend.
IMO opinion, if we could host the 1st & 2nd rounds of the NCAA tourny, we could take a shot at the ACC tourny.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on December 07, 2008, 01:43:37 PM
Since we're sort of on the topic, I was curious if anyone could offer some insight...
Why doesn't Jacksonville try to establish a second bowl game? San Diego, New Orleans, and Orlando all host twice in the same stadium. Would it simply be too costly? Would the economic benefits not make up for that? Just wondering...any thoughts?
I don't think there is the market for it. You would also to have a host committee, corporate support and a stadium.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on December 08, 2008, 02:19:13 AM
Quote from: aj_fresh on December 07, 2008, 08:47:46 PM
Yeah, unlike the SEC and Big 12, the ACC is still a basketball conference.
Why not try to lure the ACC basketball tourny from NC to JAX. IF they won't travel for football, maybe we can steal them for basketball...
I mentioned this in another thread (or maybe in this one...) and it was shown to me that our arena's capacity is about 5 thousand less than all the stadiums that have hosted the ACC tourney this century.
By the way, I really like your pic. It's an angle of our skyline that you dont see very often...almost always from across the river.
[/quote]Didnt the origiginal plans for the arena leave room for expansion. I have been in the arena several times and I cant figure out if that one open end at the top could be expanded.
Quote from: aj_fresh on December 08, 2008, 09:25:17 AM
IMO opinion, if we could host the 1st & 2nd rounds of the NCAA tourny, we could take a shot at the ACC tourny.
1st and 2nd round NCAA tourney games often draw fewer than 15,000 fans...so smaller arenas work
the ACC filled up the arena in Tampa (20,000) a few years ago....but tourney demand could sell 30,000+ tickets in DC, Charlotte, Greensboro, or Atlanta.
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 06, 2008, 09:45:04 PM
Quote from: Coolyfett on December 06, 2008, 09:07:18 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 02, 2008, 11:33:12 PM
On another note, it will be interesting to see what the attendance number will be for this week's ACC championship game in Tampa. They're getting the same matchup that Jax had last year (BC vs. VT).
HA HA HA HA!!! The irony of Miami & FSU not being in that game.
The game belongs in Charlotte!! The ACC will just have to learn the hard way.
is there a reason you find it funny that FSU and Miami aren't there....and why would the game be better in Charlotte....with teams that hardly ever sell out nearby and the potential for cold weather?
Oh not at all my man. I don't mind either school. Its just Tampa thought they could do a better job and were banking on a FSU v. UM game just like Jax was. They didn't get it...so that's why it was funny to me. They got the same game Jax has last year sold more tickets, BUT the ticket were cheaper. I will say this, and you all can argue if you like, but Jacksonville is the BEST sports city in Florida. Hands down, I been to Joe Robbie, Raymond James, Tropicana Field & the citrus bowl. Jacksonville has the other cities beat when it comes to sports passion. The ACC game should have never went to Tampa as a replacement for Jax. It should have went to Charlotte. But again I like FSU & UM...hate the other florida college team with a fat lizard as it mascot.
Charlotte is the best location because it is in the middle of the conference. Out of all the conference 5 of the 12 teams are in the Carolina area, 3 are in the DC area, 2 in florida, 1 in new england & 1 in GA, The Carolinas have 5 schools. Hey I am all for Jacksonville events!! Trust me. But an ACC championship game should be in Charlotte. The only other place it may work is Fed Ex Field. Being that the ACC is a coastal conference and not a regional conference it makes sense for all 12 schools to have easy access to the field. Hopefully that makes sense dude.
Quote from: civil42806 on December 06, 2008, 09:52:03 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 06, 2008, 09:45:04 PM
Quote from: Coolyfett on December 06, 2008, 09:07:18 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 02, 2008, 11:33:12 PM
On another note, it will be interesting to see what the attendance number will be for this week's ACC championship game in Tampa. They're getting the same matchup that Jax had last year (BC vs. VT).
HA HA HA HA!!! The irony of Miami & FSU not being in that game.
The game belongs in Charlotte!! The ACC will just have to learn the hard way.
is there a reason you find it funny that FSU and Miami aren't there....and why would the game be better in Charlotte....with teams that hardly ever sell out nearby and the potential for cold weather?
Looked like the stadium in Tampa was barely a 1/3rd full. ACC teams just don't travel well regardless of where the game is held. Acc would be much better off holding the game at the top ranked teams stadium. And i think its been said before , stop posting in red!
Only said in your mind chump!
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 08, 2008, 06:38:03 PM
Quote from: aj_fresh on December 08, 2008, 09:25:17 AM
IMO opinion, if we could host the 1st & 2nd rounds of the NCAA tourny, we could take a shot at the ACC tourny.
1st and 2nd round NCAA tourney games often draw fewer than 15,000 fans...so smaller arenas work
the ACC filled up the arena in Tampa (20,000) a few years ago....but tourney demand could sell 30,000+ tickets in DC, Charlotte, Greensboro, or Atlanta.
Didn't we host the first round games a couple of years back?
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on December 07, 2008, 01:43:37 PM
Since we're sort of on the topic, I was curious if anyone could offer some insight...
Why doesn't Jacksonville try to establish a second bowl game? San Diego, New Orleans, and Orlando all host twice in the same stadium. Would it simply be too costly? Would the economic benefits not make up for that? Just wondering...any thoughts?
I am not against it. That is actually a really good idea ProMax, what bowl game you got in mind?
Quote from: civil42806 on December 08, 2008, 08:31:11 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 08, 2008, 06:38:03 PM
Quote from: aj_fresh on December 08, 2008, 09:25:17 AM
IMO opinion, if we could host the 1st & 2nd rounds of the NCAA tourny, we could take a shot at the ACC tourny.
1st and 2nd round NCAA tourney games often draw fewer than 15,000 fans...so smaller arenas work
the ACC filled up the arena in Tampa (20,000) a few years ago....but tourney demand could sell 30,000+ tickets in DC, Charlotte, Greensboro, or Atlanta.
Didn't we host the first round games a couple of years back?
Yes, we hosted in 2006 and we will host again in 2010.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 07, 2008, 10:52:29 PM
QuoteACC can't blame Jacksonville for this one
Submitted by Garry Smits
The second and third years of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship football game in Jacksonville resulted in low ticket sales for games matching Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech and Virgnia Tech vs. Boston College.
And somehow, ACC officials made the implication that it was the fault of the Jacksonville area football fans ... or else they wouldn't have moved the game to Tampa. At the very least, the national media buzz was that Jacksonville couldn't get it done when it came to supporting the game.
Well, now we know ... it's the overall mediocre quality of ACC football and lacklauster championship games that are at fault.
Saturday's rematch between Virginia Tech and Boston College (won by the Hokies 30-12), resulted in ticket sales only a fraction more than last year's game in Jacksonville (53,927 ticket distributed in Tampa, only 715 more than last year). The Associated Press estimated the actual attendance to be less than 30,000. Gator Bowl officials said a bit more than 40,000 people actually were in the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for last year's game.
Not only was the upper bowl of Raymond James Stadium bare, but many seats on the 50 were clearly unoccupied when the cameras panned the seats during the telecast.
Here's the kicker: ACC officials said Tech and Boston College combined for 4,800 tickets sold. The amazing stat is that perhaps Virginia Tech's reputation for fan support has either dropped off, or they expected to win, and decided to sit out the ACC title game in Tampa since they believed they'd be playing in the Orange Bowl in Miami less than a month later.
The mistake apparently is the ACC's for believing that the game could work in Florida -- or it could work if Florida State played Miami every year, as was the rather arrogant expectation. Maybe hard-core ACC fans were right when they believed the game should have been put in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium from the beginning, but here's my question: will people in Charlotte buy more tickets than Jacksonville or Tampa fans for a Virginia Tech vs. Boston College game?
Either way, it's now clear support of ACC title games can't be blamed on Jacksonville football fans. The ACC has a few decisions to make. Either move the game to Charlotte and hope a North Carolina team makes it, or impress upon their member schools and alunni base that they need to start supporting this game by purchasing tickets when their team is in it. It's embarrassing, for example, that Boston College has sold a combined 5,000 tickets or so in the last two years for the title game, the first attempts it ever had to win a conference title.
http://www.jacksonville.com/interact/blog/2008-12-07/acc_cant_blame_jacksonville_for_this_one
National media buzz?? WTF? Wow, Jacksonville man this is why I always put an "F" in from of "ESPN" n friends. Look Jacksonville gave it a shot, but the ACC was banking on that FSU v. UM match up...this is some David Stern crap they tried to pull. They even put both teams in different divisions hoping for that match up. Yet North Carolina & North Carolina State are in the same division! Sometimes Jacksonville does some things wrong, but how Jacksonville handled and treated the ACC game was not wrong at all. Media wants to blame Jax? Hell no! Blame FSU & UM for not showing up!! Or better yet blame Wake Forest
for showing up. I'm telling you if Jacksonville took the SEC game from Atlanta it would be a totally different story!! What would the media say then? The game needs to be in the middle of the conference geographically. ACC failure is and was not Jacksonville's fault. I mean are there even any major rivalries in that conference? *shaking head*
Wouldn't FSU Miami qualify as a major rivalry?
I think ACC's expectations were a little too big. Generally the conference championships sell out if it is a prime match up and do not when the teams aren't as popular. The SEC is the obvious exception but that game has had 16 years to grow. When the ACC has a Clemson, Virginia, North Carolina or FSU in the game it will do well the other teams won't bring big interest (Miami still a strong TV draw). Jacksonville also had the problem that the loser went to the Gator bowl a few years in a row I think VT was here 3 or 4 time in 2 years. Even the SEC game you can always scalp cheap tickets at the door many were available again this year.
I agree, the ACC just has to wait for Miami and FSU and Clemson to become top teams again. I know how everyone brags how the SEC Championship games are always sold out with huge crowds, but if the game were Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State. I would doubt there would be as huge of a crowd. If you look at it the bulk of the games always have UF, Tenn, LSU or Alabama, sprinkle in Georgia and Auburn too and you will always have a huge crowd. One thing I didn't understand was why the ACC went with Boston College instead of some other team.
They want the Boston TV market. Same with Miami.
Quote from: aj_fresh on December 08, 2008, 09:25:17 AM
Thanks Maximus. It was taken from one of the higher floors of the Hyatt during my wedding weekend.
IMO opinion, if we could host the 1st & 2nd rounds of the NCAA tourny, we could take a shot at the ACC tourny.
Ah, congrats on the wedding then. LOL, I said the same thing about the NCAA tourney, and it's true...the venues for the ACC tournament this century have been larger than the smaller arenas in the first rounds of the NCAA tourney.
Quote from: GatorShane on December 08, 2008, 11:33:33 AM
Didnt the origiginal plans for the arena leave room for expansion. I have been in the arena several times and I cant figure out if that one open end at the top could be expanded.
I do not know. Perhaps?
Quote from: copperfiend on December 08, 2008, 09:31:25 AM
I don't think there is the market for it. You would also to have a host committee, corporate support and a stadium.
True on the corporate support...which is what I was referring to when I said it would be too costly. Then again...having a low-level bowl game early in the Dec 20-23 range wouldnt require a very large payout to the schools/conferences participating.
As for host committee and stadium, that can be done by the gator bowl assoc. and in JMS. The three examples I cited originally all play both bowl games in the same stadium.
Quote from: Coolyfett on December 08, 2008, 08:34:51 PM
I am not against it. That is actually a really good idea ProMax, what bowl game you got in mind?
I didn't have one in mind...I meant create a new one. It can be the FSU vs. Miami bowl if you want. And then just hope the Noles and Canes drop down to our new bowl game.
Quote from: hanjin1 on December 09, 2008, 01:42:22 PM
I agree, the ACC just has to wait for Miami and FSU and Clemson to become top teams again. I know how everyone brags how the SEC Championship games are always sold out with huge crowds, but if the game were Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State. I would doubt there would be as huge of a crowd. If you look at it the bulk of the games always have UF, Tenn, LSU or Alabama, sprinkle in Georgia and Auburn too and you will always have a huge crowd. One thing I didn't understand was why the ACC went with Boston College instead of some other team.
I agree with you. As for your last line, the ACC had a choice to make between BC and Syracuse. I'd take BC any day, in that comparison.
Quote from: copperfiend on December 09, 2008, 01:46:11 PM
They want the Boston TV market. Same with Miami.
actually they came as a pair....Miami agreed to join the ACC only if the conference would add a school in the northeast...so that Miami's "vast" alumni base in the northeast would be able to see them.
Good God, they can barely fill their own stadium
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 09, 2008, 02:48:45 PM
actually they came as a pair....Miami agreed to join the ACC only if the conference would add a school in the northeast...so that Miami's "vast" alumni base in the northeast would be able to see them.
Right...that's why it was either Syracuse or BC. Actually, it was gonna be both, but Virginia refused to approve the expansion unless Va Tech was included. The main downside to this was the traveling issue, with only one school so far up north.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 08, 2008, 10:21:56 PM
Wouldn't FSU Miami qualify as a major rivalry?
Yea maybe...Not like Michigan & Ohio State or Oklahoma v. Texas, but for the ACC I see where it could be major.
FSU and Miami spent the 90s as the premeir rivalry in terms of championship significance.
Quote from: Coolyfett on December 09, 2008, 05:47:45 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 08, 2008, 10:21:56 PM
Wouldn't FSU Miami qualify as a major rivalry?
Yea maybe...Not like Michigan & Ohio State or Oklahoma v. Texas, but for the ACC I see where it could be major.
Sorry, cooly, but Id have to agree with the others on this one. I mean, the two you mentioned are possibly the biggest rivalries in college sports, period, so FSU-Miami might not quite matchup to them, but your condescending attitude towards is not fair at all. These two teams may have fallen off in the last decade (and come on, honestly, almost any school in the country wishes it could "fall off" the way these have...FSU has stayed above .500 throughout and continued its bowl streak, and Miami has only had one losing record...ask storied programs like Notre Dame, Tennessee, Michigan, etc) I was born in '84, so the 90s were my formative years of watching sports. And I just remember FSU-Miami being a quasi-national championship game every year.
Doing a quick google search, the FSU-Miami rivalry is on every top 10 list so far and placed ahead of the UF-FSU rivalry. From an article on scout.com 2 weeks ago: "...no matchup has been more important to the entire landscape of college football for a 25-year span more than this one."
"But from 1987 on, this rivalry has been played at a higher level and with more at stake than any in college football history."
From America's Best and Top Ten (from two years ago):
"Since 1987, Florida State has lost out on playing for the national championship five times because of losses to Miami. The two teams have met 13 times in the last 18 years when both were ranked in the top ten. Since 1983, these two teams have combined for more national titles than any other two rivals in the country."
Don't know what more to say...
Quote from: JeffreyS on December 09, 2008, 07:05:50 PM
FSU and Miami spent the 90s as the premeir rivalry in terms of championship significance.
Its 2008 now though
FSU and Miami isn't as big of a rivalry as alot of people think. FSU fans hate Florida alot more than Miami.
It's hard to argue about stuff like this...entirely opinion based. So, I dont know. For me, well, everyone on this board knows me as a Gator fan, but I'll make my confession: both my parents went to graduate school at FSU so my entirely life a grew up a Seminole fan. While I did hate the Gators, since I grew up watching in the 90s, there was no one I disliked more than the Canes. This game was the biggest game of the year during the 80s, 90s, and first couple years of 2000...and with the whole wide right curse (and wide left, lol)...I hated and feared the canes far more than the gators. It helped me survive the transition when I went to UF.
Then again, this is my personal feeling. You could certainly know others who felt differently, and neither of us can prove much.
Quote from: copperfiend on December 10, 2008, 10:07:27 AM
FSU and Miami isn't as big of a rivalry as alot of people think. FSU fans hate Florida alot more than Miami.
Only recently. Before Urban came in and both FSU and UM's programs went down, UF was the clear third wheel.
It's probably growing up in Jacksonville and not being exposed to the pre-Spurrier games. Perhaps it's also more of a dislike for Gator fans than Hurricane fans.
I grew up as a Miami fan and hated FSU through college in Tallahassee, all the way up until I moved to Jax. Now I have some sort of weird respect for them and their fans. Perhaps because we are both struggling at the same time. Here I find most Gator fans to be pretty obnoctious when it comes down to football and SEC talk (probably has something to do with the close distance between Jax and Gainesville). Especially since Florida continues to refuse to put Miami back on their annual schedule. Anyway, it does seem that the FSU/UM rivarly comes with a decent amount of respect between the two programs while both dislike Florida to a higher degree.
Quote from: copperfiend on December 10, 2008, 10:07:27 AM
FSU and Miami isn't as big of a rivalry as alot of people think. FSU fans hate Florida alot more than Miami.
The Gators own both FSU and Miami now anyway. They are both mediocre.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 10, 2008, 11:51:00 AM
Quote from: copperfiend on December 10, 2008, 10:07:27 AM
FSU and Miami isn't as big of a rivalry as alot of people think. FSU fans hate Florida alot more than Miami.
Only recently. Before Urban came in and both FSU and UM's programs went down, UF was the clear third wheel.
Like when we went to the National Championship game in 1996 12-0 and lost? Or when we returned the next year in 1997 at 11-1 and blew out FSU to win the National Championship. I think someone has selective memory. ;)
Quote from: thelakelander on December 10, 2008, 12:07:34 PM
I grew up as a Miami fan and hated FSU through college in Tallahassee, all the way up until I moved to Jax. Now I have some sort of weird respect for them and their fans. Perhaps because we are both struggling at the same time. Here I find most Gator fans to be pretty obnoctious when it comes down to football and SEC talk (probably has something to do with the close distance between Jax and Gainesville). Especially since Florida continues to refuse to put Miami back on their annual schedule. Anyway, it does seem that the FSU/UM rivarly comes with a decent amount of respect between the two programs while both dislike Florida to a higher degree.
UF is the flagship University of the State of Florida and one of the best in the nation. FSU and UM pale in comparison in athletics and academics.
Quote from: RiversideGator on December 10, 2008, 12:46:08 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 10, 2008, 11:51:00 AM
Quote from: copperfiend on December 10, 2008, 10:07:27 AM
FSU and Miami isn't as big of a rivalry as alot of people think. FSU fans hate Florida alot more than Miami.
Only recently. Before Urban came in and both FSU and UM's programs went down, UF was the clear third wheel.
Like when we went to the National Championship game in 1996 12-0 and lost? Or when we returned the next year in 1997 at 11-1 and blew out FSU to win the National Championship. I think someone has selective memory. ;)
All during UM's probation years. Ever wonder how that impacted recruiting throughout the state ;). See me when you get on the block of schools with at least 5 national championships ;D.
Goodness, RG!! Are you playing to Lakelander's obnoxious Gator fans comment?! Sure I don't know you, but from what I had always read of your comments, I thought you were much more rational than this.
For one, your over-defensive attacks on the state of FSU and Miami football at the moment seems excessive. Obviously the Gators are the dominant football school in the state right now...no need to boast about it or call them mediocre.
Secondly, as a die-hard gator fan and recent alumnus, I proudly agree that UF is the flagship school and an excellent overall academic institution. We also undoubtedly have a superb athletic program perennially ranked in the top three. But that's no pass to belittle FSU or UM, both fine institutions, and depending on the particular academic area, can put UF to shame. And while UF is ranked 49th in the current US News and World Report Rankings, you might also notice Miami is right behind at 51st. And their selectivity (acceptance rate) is higher than ours.
Lastly, your selective memory comment is a tad bit ironic. Yes, UF went to two title games in a row, winning the second one, just as you say. Just two years prior, though, the Seminoles won it all. The year the Gators won the championship, they beat the Noles for the title. Then two years later, the Seminoles started a streak of three straight national title appearances, including one championship. Seems your memory could use a little work...or you managed to repress those years quite effectively.
No doubt, calling Florida a third-wheel was a bit offensive, but it was the truth nevertheless. Third wheel out of three very very good teams at the time. Those '96 and '97 seasons are the only title games UF ever participated in prior to the Urban Meyer era. Compare that to the two decades from '83-'02, when Miami and FSU combined for 7 titles and 14 national championship appearances.
Alright, I'm done...it doesn't make me feel good to defend these teams cause I am a fully converted, die-hard Gator fan. But I have respect for history, and I can only hope that Meyer keeps the recruiting machine going and we come close to matching FSU's ridiculous 14 straight top-5 finishes. If UF repeats this year's performance 13 more times in a row, then, and only then, will we match FSU's glory years. We'd also probably then be able to match Miami's number of national championships. ;D
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on December 10, 2008, 05:47:07 PM
Goodness, RG!! Are you playing to Lakelander's obnoxious Gator fans comment?! Sure I don't know you, but from what I had always read of your comments, I thought you were much more rational than this.
Yes. I was actually just messing with Lake a little. I love the Gators and football but I know it isnt close to being the most important thing in life (unlike some of my fellow fans).
Quote from: RiversideGator on December 10, 2008, 12:46:08 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 10, 2008, 11:51:00 AM
Quote from: copperfiend on December 10, 2008, 10:07:27 AM
FSU and Miami isn't as big of a rivalry as alot of people think. FSU fans hate Florida alot more than Miami.
Only recently. Before Urban came in and both FSU and UM's programs went down, UF was the clear third wheel.
Like when we went to the National Championship game in 1996 12-0 and lost? Or when we returned the next year in 1997 at 11-1 and blew out FSU to win the National Championship. I think someone has selective memory. ;)
does your selective memory remember that the 1 loss in the 1996/1997 year was to FSU...clearly UF was the better team...but they were lucky (when other teams lost) to get a chance to avenge the loss!
Quote from: RiversideGator on December 10, 2008, 06:46:07 PM
Yes. I was actually just messing with Lake a little. I love the Gators and football but I know it isnt close to being the most important thing in life (unlike some of my fellow fans).
Blasphemous!! Football's not the most important thing in life...it IS life.
Ok, I understand now. You're not crazy.
Getting back to the original topic...
Quote
Gator Bowl tickets still selling briskly
By Scott Keepfer
STAFF WRITER
CLEMSON -- Tickets to the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl between Clemson University and the University of Nebraska continue to sell at a surprisingly brisk rate, a Clemson official said this afternoon.
Travis Furbee, assistant athletic director of ticket operations, said the Clemson ticket office sold out of its initial allotment of 13,500 tickets last Monday and requested an additional 1,000 tickets. Furbee said "between 500 and 600" of them have been sold as of this afternoon.
"Usually, a bowl has a good seven- to 10-day selling period, so you'd think it would die down a little, but we've actually continued to be pretty steady," Furbee said. "I know that the Gator Bowl was ecstatic to have us call and request more tickets."
Furbee said he expects the game to be a sellout soon and anticipates "close to 30,000" Clemson fans to be on hand for the game.
Tickets can be purchased online at clemsontigers.com or by calling the ticket office at 1-800-CLEMSON.
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20081220/SPORTS0101/812200304/1025 (http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20081220/SPORTS0101/812200304/1025)
Please post links to articles.
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 10, 2008, 06:52:55 PM
Quote from: RiversideGator on December 10, 2008, 12:46:08 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on December 10, 2008, 11:51:00 AM
Quote from: copperfiend on December 10, 2008, 10:07:27 AM
FSU and Miami isn't as big of a rivalry as alot of people think. FSU fans hate Florida alot more than Miami.
Only recently. Before Urban came in and both FSU and UM's programs went down, UF was the clear third wheel.
Like when we went to the National Championship game in 1996 12-0 and lost? Or when we returned the next year in 1997 at 11-1 and blew out FSU to win the National Championship. I think someone has selective memory. ;)
does your selective memory remember that the 1 loss in the 1996/1997 year was to FSU...clearly UF was the better team...but they were lucky (when other teams lost) to get a chance to avenge the loss!
I love it when people use the "they were lucky to get into the Natl Championship game because someone ahead of them lost" theory. Isnt that what happens every year. It is very rare when a team starts the year at number 1 and runs the table. Most teams end up in the big game because someone ahead of them loses allowing them to move up. Thats just the way it is. Now back to the point of this topic. The Gator Bowl picked Clemson over F.S.U. for 1 reason--Ticket sales.Yes we Gator fans are obnoxious but we show up. The main reason I dont respect so many F.S.U. and Miami arguments is that there are a lot of fair-weathered fans from those teams. F.S.U. had 1 game over 80k in an 82k seat stadium, and that was against Florida when there were easily 20k Gator fans there. And dont even get me started about Miami. Five of their seven home crowds were under 50k. My long rambling point about the Gator Bowl is this. Sell tickets on a consistent basis and we wont have to have these discussions. All 3 are great programs and deserve to be supported in such a manner.
ok Gator boy....let's think about this...
FSU has done very well in attendance over the years given these 2 facts:
1. They were a small woman's college until 1947
2. There are less than 1 million people within 2 hours of Tallahassee
Contrast #2 with UF....where over 5 million are within a 2 hrs. drive,,,,that means that FSU fans have to travel further which was difficult given gas prices this year....and many of them have to find a place to stay overnight which was also made harder because of the economy.
Now I will be the first one to admit that FSU has not put a great product on the field in recnt years and that has also contributed to the attendance decline...so has the constant increase in ticket prices...face value for ACC games this year was $46 and the UF ticket was $56.
oh, and btw...FSU has sold 10,000+ tickets for the Champs Sports Bowl....Clemson has sold about 13,000 for the Gator Bowl...and while they expect about 30,000 Clemson fans here in Jax, the same is expected for FSU in Orlando...so not much difference!
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 21, 2008, 06:14:45 PM
ok Gator boy....let's think about this...
FSU has done very well in attendance over the years given these 2 facts:
1. They were a small woman's college until 1947
2. There are less than 1 million people within 2 hours of Tallahassee
Contrast #2 with UF....where over 5 million are within a 2 hrs. drive,,,,that means that FSU fans have to travel further which was difficult given gas prices this year....and many of them have to find a place to stay overnight which was also made harder because of the economy.
Now I will be the first one to admit that FSU has not put a great product on the field in recnt years and that has also contributed to the attendance decline...so has the constant increase in ticket prices...face value for ACC games this year was $46 and the UF ticket was $56.
oh, and btw...FSU has sold 10,000+ tickets for the Champs Sports Bowl....Clemson has sold about 13,000 for the Gator Bowl...and while they expect about 30,000 Clemson fans here in Jax, the same is expected for FSU in Orlando...so not much difference!
So let me get this straight. You are saying that 60 years of being a full coed university isn't enough time to develop a strong enough fan base. This despite the fact that by F.S.U.fans own admission that UF wsa a third wheel in the nineties ti Miami and F.S.U. That is exactly my point. You showed up when you were playing for Natl Championships every year so what is so different now? As far as your notion of a bad economy being a factor, wouldnt that be a factor for all teams? As for the difference in 30k Clemson fans in Jax vs. 30k F.S.U. fans in Orlando for the Champs Sports Bowl, there is a huge difference. Those 30k Clemson fans will travel here and stay overnight. Those 30k F.S.U. fans will drive to Orlanso the day of the game and leave the same day. Not all but most. Thats the whole reason for picking Clemson anyway. Look I am not trying to knock anyone. Just trying to point out that the Gator Bowl wasnt slighting F.S.U. They were just looking out for there bottomline.
Another plus for Clemson is their fans will likely stay overnight and thus will fill hotel rooms. FSU fans, on the other hand, in many cases would come from locally or would return to Tallahassee or wherever they came from the same day and would not use as many hotels. Part of the Gator Bowl's mission is to help out local merchants including hoteliers.
Yes, RG, that's the main point. (well, shane and others have mentioned that, too)
If Clemson and Nebraska weren't such good choices, I would agree that FSU has a legit beef, but as it is, these schools should easily bring a terrific crowd. Plus, Clemson hasnt played here since the '01 Gator Bowl (no ACC Championship appearances) while the Noles have the annual River City Showdown now. And this will be Nebraska's first trip...hopefully our city looks nice for all the new visitors!
no disagreement from me...Clemson is a great pick.....but let's be real....FSU would have filled the stadium too....the REAL reason for picking Clemson is the hotel rooms and associated spending.
BTW, GatorShane...I love how you only seemed to pay attention to one of my arguments above....the distance/population issue is a major reason why filling the stadium is sometimes very hard at FSU.
Your distance argument is a very valid one for FSU fans. For years we have gotten screwed by hotels in Tallahassee that double (or more) their rates and require a 2 night minimum stay. This year I noticed that some of the hotels backed off of that 2 night minimum rule.
Our attendance was down this year, but personally I think FSU's attendance numbers in Tallahassee are pretty impressive considering the distance that some of our fans travel and the costs. I have also always been impressed by how we travel to away games. I went to 11 of FSU's 12 games this year and there were lots of Noles at the away games...especially GT.
Most of our fans are getting their Champs tickets through other outlets. After my tickets arrived today I can see why. I always buy them through FSU to support the school. And for BCS bowls I always expected lousy seats, but for a lesser bowl I was optimistic that my booster points would get decent seats. NOPE...I am barely out of the darn end-zone. :(
just to close the loop...
The Gator Bowl game is just shy of selling out....and it is expected that Clemson will have around 30,000 fans here....clearly the committee made a very good choice in selecting the Tigers....and from a $ spent in the area standpoint, they made the right decision.
But here's a statement from yesterday's Champs Sports Bowl...
"The announced crowd of 52,692 was the largest ever for the Champs Sports Bowl. Roughly 45,000 of those were dressed in garnet and gold."
Congrats on the win by FSU.
Quote from: tufsu1 on December 28, 2008, 09:20:39 AM
just to close the loop...
The Gator Bowl game is just shy of selling out....and it is expected that Clemson will have around 30,000 fans here....clearly the committee made a very good choice in selecting the Tigers....and from a $ spent in the area standpoint, they made the right decision.
But here's a statement from yesterday's Champs Sports Bowl...
"The announced crowd of 52,692 was the largest ever for the Champs Sports Bowl. Roughly 45,000 of those were dressed in garnet and gold."
No one wanted to escape the dreary Madison winter? I kinda feel bad for northern teams...often coming down south to play what are essentially home games for us southern schools. Anyway...FSU looked very good and Wisconsin looked like the 6th best team in the Big Ten. Oh yeah, they are. Tied for 6th.
As an FSU fan it has been fun to draw Big 10 and Pac 10 teams the last two years.
don't forget the Music City Bowl against Kentucky last year...oh wait, on second thought, let's forget it!
I think already did.
lol. CAUSE THE SEC RULES!!! YEAHH.
j/k. I'm actually one of the few SEC fans that's not that obnoxious.
I was at the game yesterday. They announced the attendence was 67,282. I was sitting on the Nebraska sideline and could see that the 400 section on the Clemson sideline was more than half full. Guess I could say the same for the sideline I was sitting on. It was a good game with an almost full stadium. I think the city finally put together a great event. :)
I was at the game also. Great atmosphere. The Nebraska fans were some of the best I've met.
I was selling beer and such on the Main Concourse over top of Gate #1. All the NB fans were very considerate and nice, and had few things bad to say about Jax. I loved my southern Clemson fans, they enjoyed it as well. Probably one of the best Gator Bowls as of recent. Only gripe, pricey food and beverages.
Well I still think they made the right call for the local immediate economy but the Gator bowl gave up a lot too. FSU brought the champs sports bowl it's biggest crowd ever and ESPN's second highest rated bowl game ever. They get to use FSU's strong national appeal to get even more TV revenue in the future. More people also where given the TV teasers for their city.
http://floridastate.scout.com/a.z?s=16&p=2&c=828596 (http://floridastate.scout.com/a.z?s=16&p=2&c=828596)
On top of that, the "snub" by the Gator Bowl was a factor in FSU deciding not to play a game in 2009 in Jacksonville.
I hadn't thought of that as they did still schedual the game with USF. I hope FSU won't hold a grudge.