The Univ. of Florida has unveiled a 13-person Fan Advisory Council (FAC) to help the school "improve the overall game-day experience in football," according to Edgar Thompson of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. The panel was selected from "hundreds of applications and represents a cross section" of fans. It is the latest effort by the school to "attract fans at a time when more are choosing to spend their money elsewhere and remain in the comfort of their homes in front of their HDTVs rather than deal with crowds and brave the elements." The team last year went 4-8, UF's worst record since '79, but attendance problems have been a "national trend for some time." UF Exec Associate AD/External Affairs Mike Hill said, "The Gators are not alone. It pre-dates 4-8. These are issues that everyone is grappling with, and not unique to UF." Thompson noted UF last year surveyed season-ticket holders "about their game-day experience." The school this offseason has "sought answers from fans who did not renew their season tickets" and held "focus groups around the state" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 6/26). In Florida, Robbie Andreu noted the FAC will meet "for the first time in early August." The University Athletic Association, which announced the FAC, already has upgraded the direct antennae system at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and "improved cellular capability to increase connectivity" (GAINESVILLE SUN, 6/26).
