The Univ. of Georgia's Athletic Association is "expecting a shortfall" of about $55M because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, with AD Greg McGarity warning that the number "could go higher," according to Chip Towers of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. McGarity said the current shortfall expectation is "based on what we know the season to be at this time." Towers noted UGA's revenues totaled $151.4M in the last FY. And while revenue this year is "down because of canceled games and decreased football attendance in observance of social-distancing guidelines," expenses are "expected to be up considerably because of medical testing and increased sanitation protocols and procedures." The school "will have to turn to its considerable reserve fund to make up the shortfall." UGA has "more than" $100M in its reserve. UGA had to reduce seating in the 92,746-seat Sanford Stadium by 75-80% "in order to adhere to social-distancing guidelines," with the majority of seating being "divided among the Bulldogs' 14,000 donors, who account for 58,000 season tickets each year." Meanwhile, Towers noted Friday’s UGA BOD meeting was a "long one, lasting nearly two hours." The "highlight was a long presentation" from Pro2CEO Founder & CEO Kevin Carr, whose firm "specializes in assessing diversity, equity and inclusion in sports organizations." Carr has "partnered with UGA to determine strategic initiatives in those areas" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 9/12).
SMALLER LOSSES FOR FSU: In Tallahassee, Curt Weiler noted FSU AD David Coburn on Friday "estimated a loss" of $11M in revenue, as well as an additional $2M in expenses in "trying to keep players, coaches, staff and fans protected against the virus." Coburn also said that he "expects more cost-saving measures, this time likely furloughs, will have to be made" (TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT, 9/12).
