Tech and Georgia in the Dome? A capital idea, I say
It's a mighty nice building. Tech and Georgia could put it to mighty good use.
It might not happen. If you were betting, you’d probably bet against it happening. But I hope it does. I hope Georgia and Georgia Tech play one another in the Georgia Dome.
Try it once. Try it in 2011 at the beginning of the season, as opposed to the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Try it and see how it flies. If both sides agree it’s a dud, then everyone can walk away and go back to the November status quo. But I’m guessing it won’t be a dud.
I’m guessing the game will be good for both schools, good for the Dome, good for Atlanta, good for the state. I’m guessing one turn under the off-white roof will serve to juice a series that’s just getting juicy again. (As we know, Tech-Georgia as a concept only works when there’s the real possibility of Tech winning. Tech won last season and should win again this time. Whoa, Nellie.)
Any change regarding the game will be met with resistance on both sides. Tech fans won’t want to give up a home game. Georgia fans won’t want to play such a heated game so early. (Oklahoma State is still fresh in Bulldog minds.) Each constituency will be reluctant to switch a game that has been a November staple since Bobby Dodd was a stripling. But you know what? Sometimes change is good.
The lure of the Dome in August/September is that a mere game will become an Event. The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic has seen only two installments, and both have been rousing successes. But the teams involved — Alabama twice, Clemson and Virginia Tech one each — aren’t Georgia-based. Imagine if two Georgia teams played in the Georgia Dome in prime time on the first Saturday of a football season. That would be way bigger than any split national telecast on the crowded Thanksgiving calendar.
To this non-Alabamian, it has always seemed a shame that the Alabama-Auburn game moved from Birmingham to the two campuses. I understand why Auburn fought for such a change — the Tigers were tired of playing in a city that has long been a Tide stronghold — but the colossal rivalry seemed to lose something when it exited ramshackle Legion Field. The game stopped being a showcase and became just another home-and-home.
Remember the painted wording across the facade of the upper deck at Legion Field? “Football capital of the South.” Birmingham can no longer make that claim. Having Tech and Georgia play in the Dome would cement Atlanta’s case as the new capital of Southern collegiate football. We already have the SEC championship game and the Chick-fil-A Bowl. A Tech-Georgia Kickoff Classic every third season would clinch any argument.
Loading ...Tech athletics director Dan Radakovich released a statement to fans Wednesday. Its intent was to calm fears but also to make a case for nuanced consideration. Radakovich articulated his point nicely: “This scenario would simply provide a one-year interruption in our regular home-and-home pattern. In other words, the 2010 game would be played in Athens as scheduled, the 2011 game would be played at the Georgia Dome, then, the 2012 game would remain a home game at Bobby Dodd Stadium to resume the normal home and home rotation.”
Then this: “We are far from having any type of an agreement on this model, but for us it is an intriguing discussion from a long-term schedule standpoint.”
And it is. It’s so good an idea it merits more than discussion. It merits trying, if only once. But I suspect that if the schools do try it, they’ll like it so much they do it every third year.
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251 comments Add your comment
Dawg Hatin' Jacket
October 7th, 2009
8:20 pm
First
Jim Grogan
October 7th, 2009
8:22 pm
Huge national exposure. I like it!
lonelystoner
October 7th, 2009
8:23 pm
I think it would be an advantage for both teams if only to switch to/from odd to/from even years in the home/home games.
Gordon
October 7th, 2009
8:25 pm
Tech doesn’t play anyone well in the dome, and doesn’t play UGA well in Atlanta. If it wasn’t for the bad Jasper Sanks call, UGA would be going for 10 in a row in Bobby Dodd. But we have won 3 of the last 6 (and 3 of the last 3 with a coach not named Chan Gailey) in Athens. Let’s play in Athens every year.
Sal
October 7th, 2009
8:25 pm
Wow, looks like no one gives a damn.
BIG SURPRISE!!
rock hard cocks fan
October 7th, 2009
8:26 pm
They have college football in the State of Georgia??
Dawg Hatin' Jacket
October 7th, 2009
8:27 pm
No no no. Not ever. The game must remain at the end of the season. Otherwise it will start to lose importance.
First game of the season, teams haven’t even figured out their character yet. First game of the season, not as much is riding on that game. First game of the year, the season isn’t make-or-break at that point. Even when one team is down, beating the hated rival at the end can help a team salvage something. Maybe knock the other one down a peg. When both have had a good year, game is even more important because bowl bids are on the line. All that goes away playing in September.
I don’t care about how much money it will put in Atlanta’s coffers. That isn’t why the game is played. I’d rather see UGA and GT play other ACC/SEC opponents in alternating years. That would be better for the Kickoff Classic long-term. It would bring in the precious dollars and it would preserve the UGA/GT tradition. If college football is about anything, it is about tradition.
Go Jackets.
roçk hard coçks fan
October 7th, 2009
8:28 pm
They have college football in the Great State of Georgia??
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
October 7th, 2009
8:30 pm
This doesn’t really make sense for Tech. Why would they give up home field advantage? I would be all for it, but only when the game is supposed to be at Tech. We already have one neutral site game.
Also, one of my favorite sporting events used to be UGA-Tech at the Omni every December. That’s a neutral site tradition the new UGA hoops coach should resurrect. Even though the game was in Atlanta, it always felt like the fanbases were about even.
midnite
October 7th, 2009
8:30 pm
I can agree with you on this idea. It would be great for all involved like you said. They should do it because it would be a big time event.
StraightJacket
October 7th, 2009
8:32 pm
Yeah. While we’re changing college football traditions, I think Auburn should just move their 2011 game with Alabama to Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles stadium for a Labor Day weekend game.
Makes more sense than this dumb idea.
Look, if they want to do this for one year and give GT the home game in 2012 and then alternate moving forward, then OK.
BUT NOT to kickoff the season! Tradition should count for SOMETHING!
-SJ
Buckhead Bulldog
October 7th, 2009
8:32 pm
Mark-
What is wrong with you? I used to like to read your stuff but this kind of dribble has got to stop.
Come on man…you can do much better.
Gordon
October 7th, 2009
8:33 pm
How do I get my comments to appear in gray like Theresa. I thought you had to be a famous sportswriter to get that.
xl dawg
October 7th, 2009
8:39 pm
No, no, no, Dawgs already consider game at Tech a home game any way. The Dome is fun but not the same as the World’s Largest Cocktail Party!
Mark Bradley
October 7th, 2009
8:41 pm
I believe Ms. Theresa’s comments appear in gray because she’s a member of the AJC.com digital crew. She writes “Momania,” which I’d advise you to check out.
oldschooldog
October 7th, 2009
8:42 pm
Wherever it’s played, needs to be done as the season opener. Neither team needs to deal with an in-state rivalry game the week before a conference championship. Permanent Thanksgiving date might work.
Joe Schmoe
October 7th, 2009
8:43 pm
The only way I wanna see GT vs. UGA in the dome in 2011 is to have a GT home game in 2012, or another rematch in the dome in 2012. No way we do it any other way shape or form.
meee
October 7th, 2009
8:45 pm
Absolutly not. This idea is very stupid. Its a shame that money tempts people to change tradition
Gordon
October 7th, 2009
8:47 pm
Thanksgiving is not a good idea. My Thanksgiving in ‘95 was ruined by a UGA field goal with 30 seconds left. I was in a bad mood the rest of the day and my wife to this day will not go to a UGA game with me.
go tech
October 7th, 2009
8:48 pm
I think it may work. Plus it shifts the risk of a late season loss to early season for each team, thus staying within the BCS’s much stronger preference for early season losses as opposed to late season losses.
kl
October 7th, 2009
8:48 pm
Dumb idea.
Joe Schmoe
October 7th, 2009
8:49 pm
Oh, and the game can not be played at the begining of the season. Just doesnt seem right. Cant beat BDS in the fall.
Ed-Covington
October 7th, 2009
8:49 pm
Good point, Gordon!
The Kick-Off Classic should begin the season each year, as it now does, but include either uga or TECH against another opponent. Leave the rivalry game for the end of the season. Say, ugs v usceast or TECH v Miami. Problem would be us TECH fans filling up the dome. Would have to depend upon the visitors’ fan base to sell out.
Mark Bradley
October 7th, 2009
8:50 pm
The worst-looking field goal ever, as I remember it.
Johnny DangerDawg
October 7th, 2009
8:50 pm
Gordon,
You make a good point. I would add that Richt’s Dawgs have consistently won more games on opponenets’ fields than in Sanford Stadium, regardless of the opponent. So basically, pretty much every team (not just Tech) should prefer to play the Dawgs in Athens.
Gordon
October 7th, 2009
8:51 pm
Regarding Theresa’s comments, I liked the Omni game as well. But what I would like even better is what they did before that – 2 games with one on each campus every year. The first game could be played on the Friday night before the football game in that city. The other would be played just before conference play.
oldschooldog
October 7th, 2009
8:51 pm
Gordon, a wobbly, sideways, 12 foot off the ground field goal at that. Thanksgiving ‘71, ‘75 and ‘93 weren’t good for you, either. Nor the Friday game in ‘94.
Mark Bradley
October 7th, 2009
8:52 pm
I remember the Georgia bench jumping up and down after the kick — was it Kanon Parkman? — and I thought, “Why are those people cheering? They just lost the game.”
StraightJacket
October 7th, 2009
8:52 pm
The idea is bad because we’re talking about September. Let the ASC and CFA do their thing, ….
…..But NOT with the GT / Ugag game. KEEP IT on Thanksgiving weekend! If they want to interrupt the series in 2011 for a Dome Game on THANKSGIVING and then pick it up in 2012 at Bobby Dodd, then fine.
My solution is STILL the double-header approach:
Ugag vs. Iowa State / Washington State or whoever at 1:00 p.m. and then GT vs. Auburn / Michigan / ND or whoever with 8:00 kickoff.
Before you say “no way”, I remind you that Birmingham did this with crowds of 73,000 in the early 70’s with double-header Bama / Auburn games at Legion Field. Also, THIS (Atlanta) is the city that put on the Olympic Games (i.e. multiple sessions / same venue / same day logisitics). I think we could do this for the CFA Kickoff Day.
-SJ
Bob
October 7th, 2009
8:53 pm
Mark,
This is crazy. Radakovich wants the 2012 game as a home game. That would mean Georgia would have only 5 games in Athens that year, and the last 4 would be away from home…..UF, AU, UK and GT. If Damon Evans agreed to this he would be run out of Athens on a rail. That would be insane.
Mr. Neutron
October 7th, 2009
8:53 pm
No, no, no. No. If Tech wants to move their 2011 home game a mile down the street, that’s fine. (More tickets for the visitors!) But to award Tech what amounts to an extra home game under the guise of an “interruption in our regular home-and-home pattern” is nuts. Damon Evans is not that stupid, people.
JDW
October 7th, 2009
8:54 pm
Don’t like it don’t want it. Ga vs Tech belongs at Thanksgiving. It is part of the very fabric of the holiday for many fans on both sides. Sometimes change is good…sometimes not. This change is not.
Jackets21
October 7th, 2009
8:55 pm
Of course a Kentucky grad would think this is a good idea.How much does that UK-Louisville game mean in week one, Mark? Oh, thats right. It means nothing. Tech-UGA has a little thing called tradition. We should stick to it.
The only way Tech should even entertain the idea is to get 2012 at Bobby Dodd. Without that, this shouldn’t even be considered.
Can you imagine all the inbred trailer trash in Atlanta? The cities IQ would go down 20 points with the addtion of 30K MORE barking douches than usual.
Gordon
October 7th, 2009
8:55 pm
The worst was ‘97, when we intercepted, it was nullified by a penalty, and they scored on the next play. That made it 7 in a row. That was cruel.
Can we change the subject?
11Dawg
October 7th, 2009
8:55 pm
And who do we play on Thanksgiving? Directional Tech? I’m sorry, but this is just a terrible idea all over. Four teams will have to change their schedules around and find new people to play, which would be difficult at this point. I’m not opposed to playing in the dome, but not on Labor Day weekend.
Johnny DangerDawg
October 7th, 2009
8:56 pm
Mark Bradley,
Is Theresa “Momania” a UGA grad?
JasonGT
October 7th, 2009
8:56 pm
Can anyone tell me what’s on schedule at the Dome the weekend Tech-Georgia play? Surely they don’t have anything going on the week before the SEC championship game. I’d have no problem doing this IF if was ONE game the week of Tech-Georgia. Who cares about the kickoff classic. DRad wants the game moved to balance out the home schedule moreso for each year…so, work out playing the game at the Dome the week it is SUPPOSED to be played and I think everyone would be fine with that, providing Tech gets the game back at home in ‘12.
Joe Schmoe
October 7th, 2009
8:56 pm
StraightJacket, I like the whole double header idea, and college game day would be all over it. Think about it if you could get PAC 10 vs. UGA at 1pm, and BIG 12 vs. GT at 8pm. Would be a great money machine.
RogerDawg
October 7th, 2009
8:58 pm
Bradley-
You’ve done it again. Fired up the UGA fan base with this nonsense. Nobody has said anything offical yet! And if memory serves you’re the one that fired up the UGA fan base in 2003 about playing a home and home with Minnesota (that never happened by the way). Just stop Bradley!
Mark Bradley
October 7th, 2009
8:59 pm
I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know the answer, Johnny.
oldschooldog
October 7th, 2009
9:00 pm
Yes, ‘97 was cruel. Was not played on Thanksgiving Day like ‘71, ‘75, ‘93 and ‘95, however. 1971 was cool, a night game. Heisman winner, Sullivan over Marinaro, was announced at halftime. Truly, all football eyes on the game that year.
southside DAWG
October 7th, 2009
9:00 pm
I say no to the dome. Tech doesnt play UGA good on neutral sites. Ask the basketball team and the baseball team. Turner field is like the DAWGS home away from home. UGA will not do it as the home team because of the UF game they already lose a game in Athens. Tech would be crazy to do this because they cant even sellout their own place.
Sunshine
October 7th, 2009
9:08 pm
No way I want this happening for GT unless the following condintions occur; The game is played in its normal time frame (Thanksgiving weekend), GT gets 2012 home game, or GT VS. UGA in the dome for 2012 as well. Otherwise this all for nothing. No way does DRAD do this without those conditions.
Gordon
October 7th, 2009
9:08 pm
‘93 was the fight game but was a blowout. Those aren’t as bad. I do remember ‘75. We were down 42-0 and then made the final score respectable. The thing is, I was a UGA fan back then. I went to Tech when Herschel was at UGA, and 2 of the 4 years I was at Tech we won 1 game. I tried to pull for both teams but just couldn’t do it. There were just too many UGA fans and they never shut up – but looking back you can’t blame them.
rick
October 7th, 2009
9:12 pm
This would be a huge mistake for Tech, 80% of the dome would be red.
And this is driven by money...why?
October 7th, 2009
9:13 pm
Stupid idea… don’t understand how people think it will bring in more money to the city as the hotels will be empty with 2 local teams playing. This Dawg fan wants to watch it with family on Thanksgiving…. don’t want to face Tech early in the year as it usually takes the Dawgs some time to get rolling….
gt76
October 7th, 2009
9:13 pm
how about each team being the home alternating years playing an intersectional rival – uga vs so cal or gt vs ohio state and get rid of the other southern border schools encroaching on our state. to he!! with the other 49 states when it comes to recruiting in georgia.
Gordon
October 7th, 2009
9:14 pm
Tech did very well on a neutral site in basketball. We won 8 of the 13 Omni games, after starting 0-3 (anyone remember Joe Ward in ‘84?). You are right about baseball though. But that’s another sport where we more than hold our own in Athens. We can’t beat them in basketball there no matter how good we are. Even our final 4 team lost to them there. Maybe this year…
By the way, if the Dome game happens and the football switches years, the basketball and football game will be played in the same city each season. It’s better like it is.
Simpleton
October 7th, 2009
9:14 pm
no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no……h*ll no.
Stonecool
October 7th, 2009
9:14 pm
How about OK. St. declaring Dez Bryant ineligible???
Go Jackets
October 7th, 2009
9:15 pm
This is horrible. The ASC needs to screw off. The best day in any biennial cycle is facing Georgia at BDS@HGF. It is better than Christmas and July 4th combined.
What I would really like to see is for both Tech and UGA to schedule nonconference games with Georgia State at the Dome beginning in 2011 or 2012 once GSU gets their program rolling. Those would be guarantee sellouts and promoting GSU’s program would be great for the state and would help keep some of the many 1-A kids we export at home where they belong.
Stonecool
October 7th, 2009
9:15 pm
They should have to forfeit every game he played in!!!!!
Mark Bradley
October 7th, 2009
9:16 pm
Georgia might get to 4-1 yet. (Re: Dez Bryant.)
Good idea
October 7th, 2009
9:18 pm
As a dawg fan… hate to say it but I have to agree with gt76…. Let both teams get the exposure and alternate years.
Get some teams to come here….
USC (West) has shown they are willing to play big games out of conference…
How about GT or UGA playing a Texas, or a USC, or a Penn State…. bring em to our yard and beat the junk out of them
Keep the GT vs. UGA game at the end of the year on the campuses….
Dale Morphy
October 7th, 2009
9:19 pm
No. There are those of us who already detest the yearly Jacksonville debacle. Despite Richt’s inexplicable struggles at Sanford, axing another home game is not a good idea.
Tech says
October 7th, 2009
9:21 pm
Ok folks,
This is something that Tech and Ga fans should be able to agree on ! Keep the game at the end of the year–like several have said it means more for the bowls, pride and the rivalry. I grew up hating Ga. and always invited my Ga. friends to the house to watch. When Ga. was going good I wanted nothing more than to ruin their season at the end. My friends felt the same.
DON’T MESS WITH TRADITION and GOOD OLE FASHION HATE !!!!!
Mikey
October 7th, 2009
9:21 pm
Nope- Regardless of when it would be played, only can squeeze ~60K fans in there and Sanford holds 90K plus. I’m not sure how many BDS can hold but it seems like it’s somewhere around 50K.
Lots of people would be shut out…..
Dawgs forever
October 7th, 2009
9:22 pm
Enter your comments here
Never! No, not ever!
4-1
October 7th, 2009
9:22 pm
Thanks Prime Time Sanders.
Mikey
October 7th, 2009
9:23 pm
Mark, we are shooting for 5-0
The Dez Bryant ineligible thing and the blown call against LSU…
ladyluckjc
October 7th, 2009
9:26 pm
Mark,
Interesting article until you brought up the Iron Bowl.
First, I don’t think you do understand why Auburn fought for the change. Alabama historically played 4-5 games a year at Legion Field. In fact, many yrs of their National dominance, they rarely played outside the state of Alabama. It was not the allegiances of the folks from Birmingham, but the fact that it was their home staduim!!!! 1972 for example, they played twice outside Alabama, one in Athens and the other in Knoxville. 5 games that yr were played in Birmingham, 4 in Tuscaloosa. Did you really not know these things? Even your Wildcats played in Legion Field.
Second, for you to say the Iron Bowl has become just another Home and Home series is the funniest thing I’ve ever read from one of your columns. You’ve obviously never traveled to Tuscaloosa or Auburn during the week of the Iron Bowl to be able to make that statement.
Sunshine
October 7th, 2009
9:31 pm
Mikey, you still think the REFS were the ones not tackling, and allowing Scott to walk in the end zone. Put down the spiked kool aid bro, and give it a rest.
Sid
October 7th, 2009
9:32 pm
Why not invite Florida,Alabama,Tech,Georgia and a bunch of high school teams to play at one time. No celebrating and no officials.
Sound ridiculous? About as ridiculous as this proposal !!!
Richard
October 7th, 2009
9:35 pm
Mark, your idea couldn’t possibly have less chance of happening. Did an actual Tech or UGA official really suggest this or was it cooked up to occupy collumn space? Let’s consider the problems:
1. Georgia State will be using the dome for home games.
2. UGA would NEVER voluntarily give up a 2nd home game in addition to the UF game.
3. Tech’s athletic department is in major financial trouble left over from the stadium expansion. They aren’t giving up the ticket sales from any game.
4. The kickoff classic offers unique recruiting advantages for the participants. Tech and UGA would get no such benefit.
Spread the Love
October 7th, 2009
9:36 pm
Well heck, let’s take the Obama approach and spread the love and change and fairness all around.
UGA – Auburn, back in Columbus like the old days.
UGA – UT, Chattanooga, stimulate their economy
UGA – ARK, Memphis, let Bobby Pig-Suey and the hawgs meet us and Obama for a beer at Elivs’ place and just feel all the love
UGA – SC, in Clemson, stimulate that econonmy, too.
UGA – FLA, how about Savannah? Oh, well, the big fair grounds at Perry?
Change happens!
thedude
October 7th, 2009
9:42 pm
Horrible, horrible idea. Its a done deal though. Read that e-mail from Tech’s AD again, its going to happen. Tradition means nothing anymore. Let’s just sell out to the almighty dollar. Nevermind that most plan their Thankgiving around the game. Never mind that Tech is in this position in the first place of having the big 3 games at the same time because the ACC screwed us by making us play on the road at VT twice in a row. We all bitch about the ASC, then sell out the first moment they come offering a bone. I say screw them and the horse they rode in on. If they want to schedule GA-USC or Tech-UCLA, great, but no they want to mess up a good thing for the rest of the state. The Dome is a horrible place to watch a game. NO, NO, NO!
Mark
October 7th, 2009
9:42 pm
Leave the gimmicks to Louisville-Kentucky, Mark.
Gail
October 7th, 2009
9:42 pm
Yes – Theresa “Momania” is a UGA grad. Pretty sure her husband is too.
Spiral
October 7th, 2009
9:43 pm
This would only work if both teams were top ten material. Alabama Clemson was a show down of top ten material teams (at the time no one knew Clemson was bad) and so was Alabama VT.
In 2011 GT will be a top ten material team but we have all witnessed the beginning of UGA’s spiral of destruction. I don’t even know if Richt will be around in 2011 (maybe he will pull a Chuck Amato). I guess Bobo would be the next coach? Anyway, UGA is in serious trouble and they will not draw any hype for a Kickoff Classic game. They might be 4-8 in 2011, as long as they beat Georgia Southern and Vandy.
UGADawg83
October 7th, 2009
9:43 pm
Let Tech play their home game vs. UGA in the Dome-after Thanksgiving-this would insure a larger crowd than what Bobby Dodd Stadium at the Giant Urinal can hold.
Tech Man
October 7th, 2009
9:45 pm
CFA Kickoff Double Header:
Georgia vs Clemson 1:00
Tech vs Auburn 8:00 or vice versa.
Don’t change the game from Thanksgiving. Worst idea ever.
GTville
October 7th, 2009
9:47 pm
I hate the Dome. Artificial inside game…NO THANK YOU!!!
Keep it outside and maybe it will rain or snow or just be foggy like in 85′.
Dawgsdrool
October 7th, 2009
9:48 pm
Let’s play them all in the Cesspool. Tech plays better there and I like to see their faces as we trim their hedges!
UGADawg83
October 7th, 2009
9:49 pm
Nothing is worse than coming to Sanford and son stadium, and us UGA fans leaving our surroundings like a trailer park.
UGA VII Took a DUMP on Grant Field
October 7th, 2009
9:50 pm
UGA VII Took a DUMP on this idea as well!
Seriously the only fan support will be from UGA, Tech can’t even fill their highschool sized stadium on big games.
You might as well call it a UGA home game and sell 65,000 seats of the 74,000 available to the UGA fanbase because thats where the majority of the ticket sales will go
Wait thats a great idea Mark! Then it will be a UGA home game every year!!!
Im for it
Joe Schmoe
October 7th, 2009
9:52 pm
I cant stand the dome anyways. Whos dumb idea was it to build an indoor stadium for the perfect weather that GA can provide. This isnt cleveland for God sake. At least have a retractable roof.
TechFan
October 7th, 2009
9:53 pm
The Dawgs are running with their tail between their legs.
ExecutiveStinger
October 7th, 2009
9:54 pm
Richard, I don’t think you’re right on a few of your comments, and Mark correct me if you know better than I:
1. Nothing has been suggested that this would be permanent. Mark is the only one who has suggested that could/would be the case, and we all know how influential he is. It is my understanding that the Atlanta Sports Council and Gary Stokan would like for different teams to participate in this event every year for however long it lasts. You are right: UGA would not surrender a home game, but if this only happens once in 2011, they wouldn’t have to.
2. I believe if a deal gets done, this would serve as a home game for Tech because they would be the ones surrendering a home game at their stadium. Therefore, all benefits of having a home game would go to them. If it weren’t financially beneficial to GT, you can believe our financially savvy Athletic Director would not be entertaining this conversation for a second.
3. I think both head coaches would disagree with you on your last point. Though the game would be played in GA, the exposure would be national and there would be no other college football games on at the time to compete with this one. This would be the opening weekend of 2011 when fans are desperate for some college football. Both previous games have gotten great TV ratings. The national exposure and attention plus the chance to beat the big rival on national TV would be very attractive to both teams.
With all that said, I hope it doesn’t happen. Bring the dawgs to Bobby Dodd!
PTC DAWG
October 7th, 2009
9:55 pm
I’m not for it….hell, the GT fans can’t even type UGA without saying Ugag, it’s just childish.
GT-Armchair-QB-Class of '93
October 7th, 2009
9:55 pm
Mark,
I like your articles more and more. You must have taken up an exercise program to help clear your mind!
That game is a TOTAL OPPORTUNITY FOR TECH to showcase it’s revived program, and new in-state dominance.
By 2011, Johnson will have his recruits in place.
That being said, Georgia will chicken out of that game, just as they have done in the past. Correct me, but was it 2000, 01, 02 or 2003 when FSU agreed to play them, and they declined?
I will be very impressed if Dan Radakovich can pull this one off. He knows Tech’s the ugly little brother in the state. But he knows by 2011, Little Brother will be able to kick Big Brother’s butt!
And Mr. Evans believes enough of that, to chicken out of a game (again)!!!
ExecutiveStinger
October 7th, 2009
9:56 pm
Edit to #1 = nothing has been suggested indicating that the game would be played on an “every 3 years” basis.
the real Old Gold
October 7th, 2009
9:57 pm
Suggestion: How about we have the game on thanksgiving day 2 years in a row in the Dome.
Bob
October 7th, 2009
9:59 pm
GT Armchair,
When did Georgia back out of a FSU game? You are dreaming.
jim
October 7th, 2009
10:02 pm
move the tech game to the beginnig of the year every year, the game means evertything to tech fans and means nothing to uga. our biggest rivals are tenn, auburn,and florida. why play tech after our brutal schedule and right before a possible sec championship game??? uga wants to win the east and possibly the sec every year , tech wants to beat uga nothing else!! tech has nothing to lose in the game, what does uga have to gain by beating the small school with less talented players and usually unranked???
Tokyo jacket
October 7th, 2009
10:06 pm
Mark, do you think it would be possible to have a two-game weekend? I’d like to see an ACC vs somebody good game and an SEC vs somebody good game, maybe Saturday and Sunday. Then, UGA and GT should “host” in alternating years. So it could look like GT vs Cincy/WVU and USC(e) vs Miami one year and maybe UGA vs OSU/Mich and FSU vs Tennessee.
I’m just thinking that the home teams are getting the bad end of this deal with the kickoff classic. I’d like to hear a proposal that supports the home teams. As much as I don’t like UGA, I prefer them playing a big game in the state of Georgia than Alabama!
UGA VII Took a DUMP on Grant Field
October 7th, 2009
10:06 pm
Paul’s small Johnson will have his recruits in place by 2011?
HA HA HA HA CLAP CLAP BOOAAHH BOOAAH
Oh and whats next a national title HA HA HA HA
Paul’s SMALL Johnson can’t even defeat a good team
What a joke
UGA VII Took a DUMP on that thought
David
October 7th, 2009
10:08 pm
The Georgia Tech AD should work on getting the ACC to fix their divisons so GT can play FSU every year. Clemson, FSU, GT, Miami, Wake, and NCST could make up a southern divison and everything else would go to a northern divison. The AD and ACC should look at how the SEC and other conferences set up their divisons. That would fix the schedule problem without having to switch the UGA game to the Ga. Dome.
Arno
October 7th, 2009
10:10 pm
I’m with Schmoe. You gonna put Tech-Georgia on a rug???
Another Dawg
October 7th, 2009
10:10 pm
No game involving Tech is going to “cement” anything or anywhere as a football capital.
A small market team with no national draw playing in its hometown in a series as lopsided as you can find… Please. I’d love for Georgia to play a big out of conference game in the Dome to kickoff the season, but Tech isn’t that game. And we certainly ought never give up a home game for that mess. You can try to hype it as much as you want with highschool offenses and new coaches, but this really isn’t a big game except once every 7 or 8 years.
Bozydeco
October 7th, 2009
10:12 pm
Neither a Tech grad nor UGA grad. As an Auburn alum, if the Auburn/Bama game was moved to the first game of the season, I would be disappointed too. The benefit of the last game of the season as a rivalry game is that the underdog can resurrect the season with a sweet win while the favored team can rejoice in demolishing the spirit of the underdog with a win.
Keep the Tech/UGA game at the end of the season at each respective campus.
Chris
October 7th, 2009
10:12 pm
Mark Bradley….how many times has this been said???
YOU ARE A FREAKING IDIOT!!!
This idea is stupid. Most college teams play their in state rivals Thanksgiving weekend, and it has been a long standing tradition between Georgia and Georgia Tech that should never be interupted.
Oh, and you say the 2010 game would be in Athens as scheduled, the 2011 game would be in the Georgia Dome, and the 2012 game would be at Bobby Dodd. I’m sure that will go over REALLY well with Georgia fans…two straight years having to play Tech in Atlanta. We already have to play Florida in FLORIDA every freaking year. We’re one of the few teams that doesn’t get that extra home game every other year because of Florida, so lets do it with Ga. Tech too. Hell, why don’t we just bulldoze Sanford stadium, and play all our games at a neutral site.
You are a fool Bradley. This is not a good idea. It’s only about making money.
C. Strickland
October 7th, 2009
10:15 pm
Bradley, I hate your livers and guts.
Barkin'Dog
October 7th, 2009
10:15 pm
On the DezBryant case… according to the University, Bryant violated NCAA Bylaw 10.1, which addresses “unethical conduct” and includes “Knowingly furnishing the NCAA or the individual’s institution false or misleading information concerning the individual’s involvement in or knowledge of matters relevant to a possible violation of an NCAA regulation.” —
Seems to me a rule’s a rule, and there is no disputing the rule. But, what is the usual punishment for breaking such a rule?… out of curiosity. Whether he is suspended or not, or if the University has to forfeit any games, I would never consider the W in the win column as a win. The Dawgs didn’t earn it, and it wasn’t their day. As good as the record would look at the end of the season, Dawg fans would never live it down in these blogs. So, I for one am hoping it doesn’t, in fact, change the team’s record. Just cut the character and let him wait on his pro day, and pay day.
As for me, I’m grateful for the great character of our Dawgs… and the blame for that fact CAN be placed on the coaches. Go Dawgs!! GATA (Get After Tennessee’s Arse)
Brian
October 7th, 2009
10:15 pm
Another Dawg(sic)… A series as lopsided as you can find? Ask Kentucky about their series with Tennessee. As for that “high school offense” slick Willie Martinez couldn’t figure it out last year.
Barkin'Dog
October 7th, 2009
10:17 pm
Sorry for getting sidetracked on the Bryant case – this blog isn’t about that.
I go with the majority on this subject.
UGA VII Took a DUMP on Grant Field
October 7th, 2009
10:19 pm
UGA VII Took a DUMP and a piss on this idea
SourDawg
October 7th, 2009
10:21 pm
Another Dawg
You’re a damned idiot.
bugsquacher
October 7th, 2009
10:27 pm
get ready bugs! the big dawgs gonna eat! the date and time draws near….
Bobby
October 7th, 2009
10:29 pm
No way. I’ve been a GT fan since 1977 (I graduated Georgia State) and a season ticket holder for several years now as well as a contributor to the Alexander Thorpe Fund and now pay for the privilege of club level seats at BDS. If the GT/UGA is relegated to being just another game at the Georgia Dome it’s time to spend my money elsewhere. Just as Vince Dooley refused to play GT in basketball at the Omni anymore as we dominated ticket sales, Tech football fans would have no interest in a Dome football game which would be dominated by UGA fans.
bugsquacher
October 7th, 2009
10:29 pm
get ready bugs! the big dawgs gonna eat! the date and time draws closer