by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Things will be more “collegiate” than ever inside Alltel Stadium at this year’s Georgia-Florida game.
The Duval County Tourist Development Council approved $75,000 for new banners and signs inside the stadium and advertising in the game programs. The Sports Board arm of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission — along with the City’s Office of Special Events — will administer the funds, which are generated through the bed tax paid to local hotels under TDC jurisdiction.
Michael Bouda of the Sports Board said the annual late October game guarantees 24,000 bed nights, but he’s projecting 25,000 this year.
“We will advertise in both school’s programs,” said Bouda. “Both universities want a collegiate atmosphere as opposed to a professional atmosphere. We will redo all the banners and add the new logo.
“We want to give the stadium a real orange and blue and red and black flavor — something the universities really like.”
Bouda said the ads in the programs will be tailored to each school. For example, the ad in the Georgia program will feature something good about the Bulldogs from a past Georgia-Florida game.
The Office of Special Events has already produced this year’s brochure, the game’s Web site is up and running and the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame announcements have been made.
“We are in full swing. The game is not as far off as you might think,” said Bouda, adding Alltel will be at full capacity, and then some, for the game. “The tarps will come off and bleachers will go in. We need every seat we can get. If we could fit 100,000 people in the stadium, we could sell 100,000 tickets.
“Last year, 20,000 people were outside just having fun without a ticket.”
This year’s Georgia-Florida game is Oct. 28.