The board overseeing the Univ. of Florida's athletic program yesterday approved a $113M budget for next year, a $9.3M increase over the current year that includes "money to help improve the quality of life for student athletes and build more sports facilities," according to a front-page piece by Jeff Schweers of the GAINESVILLE SUN. Helping to pay for the budget increase is an $8M "rise in SEC Network revenue to be used on capital improvement projects," and $1.7M in bowl payouts "offset by a decrease in booster contributions." The budget includes a $3.5M increase in programs to "enhance the student athlete experience," including $1M in scholarships to "cover the cost of attending UF and $444,000 for meals." Both changes "were made possible by NCAA bylaws that take effect Aug. 1." The budget also includes $3.3M "in capital improvements." The University Athletic Association has more than $100M in ongoing capital projects, including the "expansion of Farrior Hall to house the Otis Hawkins Center for Academic and Personal Excellence." The board approved a $2M increase to "expand the scope of the indoor football practice field currently under construction to include a drill area," bringing the total to $17M. UF AD Jeremy Foley said that he has a "strong commitment from a reliable donor to cover the cost increase." The board also reauthorized a $14.3M construction bond, bringing the UAA's "total debt load" to $95.63M. Foley said that it is "still under the unofficial cap" of $100M and "well below the bond debt that other SEC programs carry" (GAINESVILLE SUN, 6/10).
BALANCING THE BOOKS: In Tampa, Antonya English reports UF is "expected to generate" about $33.7M from Gator Boosters; $31.2M from bowl games, its TV contract and championships; $21.4M from football ticket sales and $2.4M from men's basketball ticket sales. Luxury-box and season-ticket sales "dropped by $93,300 last season." The UAA is working with the school to "determine the final cost of the massive renovation to the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, which has been delayed by one year after it was deemed unrealistic to try to complete the project between March and December." Foley said that $60M "remains committed to the project and he expects the final cost to be in that area" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 6/10).
