Our phone rang here at the editorial offices at RN last night about 11:30 p.m. It seems that our interim president addressed alumni leaders last night to gain their support for this venture. In her comments, I'm told, she explained that FAMU only made $500,000 off of last year's Florida Classic (before expenses). After expenses, Mrs. Bryant told alumni, FAMU cleared only $150,000.
Bryant said that ticket sales for the game alone were some $2 million. She further added that the creation of the consortium which has already been incorporated is needed so that both schools can better manage the Florida Classic game.
Interestingly enough, at today's press conference, both FAMU and Bethune are expected to sign a management contract with the Florida Citrus Sports Association to manage the 2006 Florida Classic. FCSA is the same organization which has managed the event the past few years.
Thanks to the Prince Georges County, MD bureau for the tip.
Classic to remain in Orlando
Not that there was ever any doubt, but the Orlando Sentinel is reporting that FAMU and B-CC officials signed a multiyear deal to keep the Florida Classic football game in Orlando. The agreement, the Sentinel says, is expected to pay each shool more than $1 million annually before expenses. For the Sentinel story click here: Florida Classic Staying put
Listen to Florida Classic press conference here: Florida Classic Press Confrence Audio
Florida Consort FL Classic
ReplyDeleteOwn by
FAMU/BCC Yes Yes
Operated
by FAMU/
BCC Yes Yes
Event
Mgmt
Team FCSB FAMU/BCC
Title
Sponsor None Walt
Disney
Present
Sponsor None State
Farm
Corp Unknown Yes
Gala
Sponsors
Alumni
Gala Yes No
Sponsored
by Local
NAA
Battle
of Bands Yes Yes
*Ticket
Sales
Ownership No Yes
Coord.
of
Athletics Unknown Yes
*Ownership
of Proceeds
from
Sponsors Unknown Yes
Established
Partnerships
Corporate
Relationships Unknown Yes
Bottom
Line Unknown $750,000-
$1,000,000
*Ticket Sales Ownership - FAMU/BCC 100%
**After Expenses
$150,000? She's a got dam lie!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm confused. If the Florida Citrus Sports is still managing the game, how is it that we are going to come out ahead. I thought the reasoning behind forming the consortium was to insure that the universities manage the event and the money. Something ain't right here.
ReplyDelete"The Presidents also announced that Florida Citrus Sports (FCSports) would continue to handle game operations and take on an expanded role with other events."
At least she has on green, if not the orange. Go Rattlers!
ReplyDeleteI was on that call last night. I too was surprised when the IP said we only made $500k (before expenses) and $150k (expenses).
ReplyDeleteokay, either we mismanaged classic the last 3-4 years and lost leverage; or somebody got paid.
ReplyDeleteIf both schools were clearing a million or more, what happened in the last 3-4 years? Where is the loot?
"$150,000?" We might as well play in Tallahassee!!
ReplyDeleteYou can tell the public anything to get them on your side, but we cleared 1 million last year.
ReplyDelete