Georgia-Florida contract draft gives schools right to sell game’s name
Georgia and Florida would have expanded opportunities to market their annual football game, including the right to sell the name of the game to a corporate sponsor, under terms of a contract still being hammered out with the city of Jacksonville.
The schools decided last fall to keep the game in Jacksonville through 2016, and a formal contract has been in the works for months. Although it hasn’t been finalized, the most recent draft of a proposed contract was obtained today by the AJC under Georgia’s Open Records Act.
One reason the contract has taken so long to complete is that it covers a wide range of potential marketing rights not addressed in previous deals between the schools and Jacksonville.
According to the latest draft, dated May 21, the schools “shall exclusively own and control all worldwide rights for promotion, marketing, sponsorships, merchandising and ancillary events . . . including without limitation the rights to enter into a title sponsorship agreement for each … game.”
Georgia associate athletics director of external operations Alan Thomas said this morning that the schools don’t currently have any plans to sell naming rights to the game, but wanted their control of the issue clearly stated in such a long-term contract.
“It would be an option, but not an option we have explored at all in my six years here,” Thomas said. “But if that comes up, we want the ability for the schools to control that. . . . Because it’s mentioned [in the contract] doesn’t mean it’s being contemplated or negotiated.”
The previous deal between the schools and Jacksonville covers this year’s game, but the new contract, when signed, would replace the final year of the old deal and run six additional seasons. Georgia executive associate athletics director Frank Crumley expects the contract to be signed this summer. “We’re moving along very nicely,” he said recently. “We’ve got every hurdle worked out.”
The 45-page draft contains many provisions previously reported about the proposed deal, including Jacksonville’s offer to pay for the cost to fly Georgia’s team directly from Athens to St. Augustine on the day before the game and from Jacksonville to Athens afterward. Georgia athletics director Damon Evans had pushed for that provision in an attempt to level the logistical playing field.
According to the latest draft, Jacksonville would reimburse UGA for the cost of travel on three 50-passenger jets, up to a maximum of $300,000 this year and increasing 10 percent each year thereafter. That payment is in addition to $50,000 Jacksonville would pay each school to offset costs of lodging, meals and buses.
The draft also stipulates that the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair cannot be held the same weekend as the game. Both were held on the same weekend in 2008, creating traffic and parking problems.
The Georgia-Florida game has been played in Jacksonville all but two years since 1933, and the city, according to the contract draft, would have “a right of first negotiation” to attempt to keep the game beyond 2016.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
163 comments Add your comment
gdawginkalamazoo
May 28th, 2010
2:30 pm
Okay, now my clubs are texting me, time to get out of here.
JRHD
May 28th, 2010
2:30 pm
I am a UGA alumn, but damn that was funny…“The Worlds Largest Dawg Obedience Show”
KeithB
May 28th, 2010
2:33 pm
How bout the “too bad we can’t get GT to dress up in UF gear” game.
or better yet, “why can’t we move UF to the West division so we don’t have to play this game every year” game.
DamntheButcher
May 28th, 2010
2:34 pm
What about the John Holmes Bowl? UGA always gets screwed in it anyway.
Gillislee
May 28th, 2010
2:34 pm
That’s a funny picture! It’s a shame though that when that photo was taken chances are really….really good the Dawgs left crying.
Top 5 program vs. the Delusional Bowl
76-Dawg
May 28th, 2010
2:37 pm
Sorry for the typo’s , accidentally hit the submit button To finish, UGA and FLA. are losing a lot of money by not having the GA.-FLA. game in Gainesville and Athens with all the promotion money, lodging, TV. restaurants etc.
Jim
May 28th, 2010
2:39 pm
“The World’s Largest Outdoor Taping of The Jerry Springer Show Bowl”
Blackberry Cobbler
May 28th, 2010
2:40 pm
How about “Coach Mark Richt’s Last Stand”
DunwoodyDawg
May 28th, 2010
2:47 pm
The Aaron Bonding Georgia – Florida Game. Where it’s always spring time!!
Reality
May 28th, 2010
2:48 pm
Series Lead — It would be the biggest f’ing deal in the world to Jorts Nation if it were the other way around, don’t be salty your team has gotten owned by UGA more times than they have been owned by your school. Facts are facts.
The Zooker
May 28th, 2010
2:51 pm
Hit em straight, kalamazoo.
YELLOW HAMMER
May 28th, 2010
2:53 pm
wally gator the dawg catcher show or the hold my beer and watch this bowl
YO_DOG
May 28th, 2010
2:53 pm
Whoop them gators!
CentralFLDawg
May 28th, 2010
3:00 pm
Bad idea…the UGA Athletic Assn made $7M last year; no need to stoop to corporate sponsorships like the insects.
Tripple Lindy
May 28th, 2010
3:09 pm
Seagrams?
Jack Daniels?
Captain Morgans?
the possibilities are endless.
Allen
May 28th, 2010
3:14 pm
Agree with Billy O . . . game should be alternated each year between Atlanta (Dome) and Jax’ville
UGA84
May 28th, 2010
3:18 pm
How about calling it the Gator Bowl since we lose every damn year.
Fast Eddie
May 28th, 2010
3:22 pm
Billy,the first poster, you are still a dumbazz who wants to lose 13,000 seats plus that revenue (the GA Dome vs. the Jax. stadium) because UGA keeps losing. Kick their butts for a change and the location of the game is a non-issue.
HugoStiglitz
May 28th, 2010
3:24 pm
A corporate sponsor for a single regular season game that most of the country doesnt care about? College Football is turning into a pretty weird little game. Whats next? A trophy for the winner? Advertisements on Jerseys and helmets? T-Shirts and caps for the winner? Maybe the players can hand out Dr Peppers to the fans at half time.
30-24 We Run This State!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 28th, 2010
3:26 pm
Name it each year after the winner of the matchup!! Make the losers wear pink jerseys each year.
This year the Dawgs will wear their mystical black helmets with black jerseys and knock the slobber out of the Gators AGAIN. Since 1987, the Gators have had four winning streaks and the Dawgs have had four winning streaks. It’s a 4-4 tie in the official recordbooks.
Last year’s loss (and MANY others in the series) was due to the poor officiating. The game is conveniently played in Florida every year. Why??? But this year we will get a new winning streak started. We’ll stamp that Gator on the field once again!
Georgia is the SEC regional (State of Georgia) champion!!
If there was a true National Champion with a playoff system, UGA would have won the fake Championships the Gators now claim. Championships are won on the field not on the compoter.
Florida is our Georgia Tech of the North.
Jim
May 28th, 2010
3:27 pm
The Harvin-Moreno Wonderlic Classic
Julie
May 28th, 2010
3:34 pm
Could call it the Always Ultra Thin Bowl.
Help! Police!
May 28th, 2010
3:35 pm
Any of you IDIOTS that want it to be in Atlanta never go to games. If you have, you would never want to voluntarily want to tailgate in the CNN parking lot. I have been to both SECC games that UGA played in there, and the Sugar Bowl that was there. It sucks. While you non-donating losers are sitting at home, us true supporters get to deal with homeless drunks trying to light their stubs on our grilles. We already are forced to tailgate there every other year when we go to the mugging capital of the world, the GaTech “campus”. Grow up, get a real job, and go to the game in Jax. Its 50/50 in the stands. Do you think the players know if the game is 25 miles south of the Ga border? Do you think they care? Newsflash….Jax is FUN! I have been going there since I graduated in 1985 and cant wait to go again this fall.
rocksteadyfreddie
May 28th, 2010
3:38 pm
I don’t recall H Walker and Vince Dooley lobbying to get the game to Atlanta back in the 70s and 80s.
Anyone reading this actually go to the game in Jax every year and STILL want to move it??
Dawg Whisperer
May 28th, 2010
3:40 pm
Man’s Best Friend v. Pogo & The I Can’t Believe It’s Not All About Me Cast
Help! Police!
May 28th, 2010
3:42 pm
Florida has been lucky since 1990. That’s a fact.
Iceman
May 28th, 2010
3:44 pm
What the hell..
Fair and Balanced
May 28th, 2010
3:46 pm
There is only one thing that I would like to see out of all of this: GA beating FL – REAL BAD!!!
Happy DAWG
May 28th, 2010
3:46 pm
Some of you posters are really pathetic. You have never been to a GA – FL game yet you want to move the game. You continually push this. Understand, since 1933 this game has been in Jax. It is a tradition. I have been to many of these games, and I never considered the idea that FL has an advantage. We used to beat them fairly regularly in the 60,s, 70,s, and 80,s. It hasn’t been too equitable since then, but it will change some day.
It is a great atmosphere at the landing on the night before the game, and for the weekend as a whole. If you want to go, get up off your pocketbook and get tickets at some price. The Dome would not have the same atmosphere or as large a crowd. If it ever moves, home and home would be more beneficial financially, every other year.
The Gators have been crowing for awhile, but it will change one day. “UGA still holds the series advantage.
As for all you Techie nerds that post on here and every other UGA blog, you are recognizable as is your writing. Go home, or at least, far away – for good, little kids.
For you Gators, enjoy it while you can. It will change.
UGA_2001
May 28th, 2010
3:50 pm
Play the game in the Falcons’ new open air facility, when ever that is built. Hopefully, it will hold more than 80K.
Waycross Dawg
May 28th, 2010
3:53 pm
I’d rather see it on a 4-year rotation hitting Jax, Athens, Atlanta and Gainesville respectively.
Luggage Lips
May 28th, 2010
3:58 pm
The Golden Corral Moka Bowl
CONFEDERATE DAWG
May 28th, 2010
4:01 pm
HELP POLICE, THATS A GOOD POINT, LOVE ATL BUT JAX IS A LILL DIF SCENE THAT MAKES THE GAME COOLER.
1 I THINK IT KINDA HELPS FLA AND SGA DAWG FANS GET TO GAME A LILL EASIER. IM A POOR DAWG THAT WORKS AT THE MAC!
2 I THINK IT HELPS RECRUITING FLA A LILL BIT.
3 MAYBE PUTTING IT IN ATL EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE B/C I COULD SEE PEOPLES POINT.
4 MAY NOT BE A REASON BUT ITS JUST COOL TO HAVE IT IN JAX
AND ALL YOU GAYTORS WITH THOSE WITTY NAMES, YALL ARE SO SLICK
PUT THEM GAYTORS IN THE DIRT!
WTF
May 28th, 2010
4:03 pm
The game should stay in Jacksonville because open air stadium is better and love the beaches. Do not want to go to a dome in a cty with no coast..Jacksonville has been a good location and alternating them is not a good ides. Its a nuetral site and by the way the state line is closer to Jacksonville than Gainesville. KEEP GAME IN JACKSONVILLE AND FORGET THOSE WHO WANT IT COMING TO ATLANTA BECAUSE I DONT THINK ITS A GOOD IDEA..LOVE MY TRIPS TO FLORIDA AND WATCHING FOOTBALL OUTSIDE NOT IN A DOME WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE OUTSIDE
"Home of Mediocrity"
May 28th, 2010
4:20 pm
Change coaches, defenses, uniforms, venues whatever Dawg fans, UGA is the property of the UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA!
TheBigCat
May 28th, 2010
4:22 pm
Shouldn’t PETA sponsor the game since each year sees a Dawg get whipped?
superDawg
May 28th, 2010
4:25 pm
I say move it the hell out of Jacksonville and call it The Worlds Largest gayter cry baby bowl!
Alphare
May 28th, 2010
4:27 pm
No, dawgs will not play in any other place until they beats gators 5 years in a row in Jax.
Then UGA can consider splitting playing between ATL and Jax.
superDawg
May 28th, 2010
4:27 pm
NUFF SAID.
One, two, free, fo, fi, them der Gator don't take no jive!
May 28th, 2010
4:28 pm
I just hope the Humane Society doesn’t sponsor it. We’ll get in trouble for animal abuse!
Peter Gunn
May 28th, 2010
4:28 pm
Any bail bondsman in Athens would love to sponsor any game involving UGA.
Jax is great
May 28th, 2010
4:29 pm
I’m with “Help Police” Jacksonville is the best setting for the game. You can’t get the same atmosphere in downtown ATL.
As far as sponsors go, I thought Budweiser already owned it!
Dolly
May 28th, 2010
4:33 pm
The Georgia State Patrol could sponsor the game. Every year after Florida stomps the Dawgs face into bloody pulp with its hobnail boots, the state troopers collect a fortune in DUI fines from drunk UGA fans returning home.
GatorBob
May 28th, 2010
4:33 pm
If you Dawg fans were honest you would admit that it doesn’t really matter that the game has been in JAX. Both sides of the stadium are full so what’s the beef with that? The real beef from UGA fans is the recent record, which has been Gator domination, and that has almost nothing to do with the venue.
Gatorforlife33
May 28th, 2010
4:34 pm
Annual Embrassment Bowl sponsored by UGA Students
superDawg
May 28th, 2010
4:39 pm
BigCat your just mad because UGA spanks usc 99.9% of the time.
One, two, free, fo, fi, them der Gator don't take no jive!
May 28th, 2010
4:43 pm
Let’s call it the “Long Ride Home Bowl”.
Maybe the “Trail of Tears Bowl”.
Or the “Neuter Your Pet Bowl”.
One, two, free, fo, fi, them der Gator don't take no jive!
May 28th, 2010
4:45 pm
Maybe the “Bleeding Bowl”? It sure looks like half the stadium is bleeding at the end of the 3rd quarter when all of those red shirts are pouring out of there.
Corporate America
May 28th, 2010
4:57 pm
Move the galldarn game to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, you pansies. Jacksonville is the perfect place for this game. Like the Michigan Dawg wrote earlier, play the game, don’t let the game play you.
Einsteindawg
May 28th, 2010
5:37 pm
It’s all about the money…never about the fans.