by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
The Gator Bowl Association, concerned that the average age of its ticket buyers is approaching graybeard status, has started a Bank of America-sponsored program aimed at younger adults.
Called “The Patch,” it offers a number of incentives for those who pay $5 to join. Members get a Gator Bowl patch attached to a necklace, and over 1,000 have so far been distributed to buyers and sponsors.
“We modeled it after a program used by the Orange Bowl [in Miami],” said GBA staffer Erik Dellenback, who is coordinating the “Patch” sales and incentives. “The Orange Bowl was different — they don’t really have activities down there like we have up here. It was mostly a way that people could become identified with the bowl.
“Here, we want to generate interest in our product and we hope that will transfer to ticket sales.”
Bob Smith of Basis 100, a member of the association’s executive committee, will be the volunteer in charge.
“Patch” buyers will get a variety of opportunities to participate in:
• There will be weekly “promo parties” at area sports bars with discounted drinks.
• A Florida-Georgia “viewing party” will be held at the SeaWalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach Nov. 2 with the game being shown on a big screen.
• Members can attend the annual coaches’ press conference and contract signing. This has been a media-only event, usually held at The River Club, but this year will be moved to the Omni. The date will be determined after the teams are selected to play in the Jan. 1 game.
• Members can attend the annual players outing at Adventure Landing.
• A tailgate party before the game will be open to members.
In addition, discounts have been arranged at Outback Steakhouse and Oak Bridge Country Club.
“We’ll add more perks as we go along,” said Dellenback. “The program is new, and I think we have a fair amount to offer now.”
More information is available at the association’s website, www.gatorbowl.com, or by calling Dellenback at 798-1700.