Dawgs - Gators To Stay In Jacksonville

FOOTBALL

The University of Georgia Athletic Association Board of Directors at its regular quarterly meeting Wednesday approved a recommendation by Director of Athletics Damon Evans to move forward with negotiations to extend the contract for the annual Georgia-Florida game to be held in Jacksonville.

The current contract runs through 2010. Evans will move forward with discussions with the University of Florida and the City of Jacksonville to extend the contract six years through 2016.

“An extraordinary amount of study has been done on the various options available and a great deal of input has been gathered,” said Evans. “After all the fact-gathering and evaluation of those factors, I’m convinced that moving forward with discussions on extending the contract in Jacksonville is the appropriate way to go. I’m delighted the Board feels the same way.”

Evans cited several key points in the recommendation including the history and tradition of the game and the fact that it has become “a national game and part of the fiber of college football.” He also noted among other things the economic impact on the southern part of the state of Georgia as an important consideration along with the exposure provided in the state of Florida as a recruiting ground for UGA.

In addition to the Georgia-Florida discussion approval, the Board also approved funds to develop plans for two facility enhancement projects: a Stegeman Coliseum concourse renovation and expansion; and a project behind the north stands of Sanford Stadium that would provide a multi-function amenity supporting both the game day event and the campus on non-event days.