Tampa won't pursue ACC title game

[Triple B]

What a bad deal. The ACC wants this game in Charlotte and is using Tampa a temporary site until things can get sqaured away with the Panthers and ACC championship.

Tampa knew their chances of permanently landing the game was low, and so they withdrew. Not a huge loss for them. Then USF reups on a crap contract to get 1st rights on Thurs - Saturdays.

Totally disagree.

Tampa, a much more attractive location (weather-wise) to Charlotte during the month of Dec, might be shocked if this new location is a "hit" with area and/or visiting fans (especially if Clemson, FSU or Miami end up in the game) come and support this game (much better chance at success with the ACC already slashing the price for tix).

In this not-so-hot economy right now, should the Mayor of Tampa cancel any chance at securing a major event that will bring up to $20 Million to her city?

Will the Mayor of Tampa write checks to all the hotels, restaurants, bars, rental car companies, airlines, etc...that employee thousands of her local citizens for lost revenue "just because" she didn't want that event in Tampa?

A "smart" Mayor would of seen to it that BOTH events could be held...so that USF could be happy...and that Tampa might have the chance to host future ACC (maybe SEC...if the Ga Dome falls dome) Championship Games in the future.

Without a 2nd bowl game in the city...losing (not even trying) to see any future ACC Champ Game means turning away a ton of $$$$.

Proof positive how off base our young Colby was ....

[Joe]

Charlotte not a big airport??

It's a major hub for US Airways and just as large as Tampa's

[bullman3]

How is signing a long term deal a good thing for USF???  Unless the tsa gives us a share of concession and parking revenue or cheaper rent, I see no reason to sign a long term deal.  Its just a win win for the tsa, usf gains nothing from signing a long term deal besides the promise of not having the acc game here(big deal!)

[Gridiron God]

USF lost on this, but what did anyone expect.  The USF president had absolutely no leverage in negotiations.  USF can't build a stadium right now, there are way to many other athletic needs.  USF owes it to its baseball team to give them a real baseball field first before anything more is done for football.  I go out to the baseball games every weekend when I can, it is sad to think USF is a large Div 1 school when you see that field.

[Jihme]

looks like tsa shafted us again

[IncrediBULL]

USF lost on this, but what did anyone expect.  The USF president had absolutely no leverage in negotiations.  USF can't build a stadium right now, there are way to many other athletic needs.  USF owes it to its baseball team to give them a real baseball field first before anything more is done for football.  I go out to the baseball games every weekend when I can, it is sad to think USF is a large Div 1 school when you see that field.

All the sports facilities need to be updated.  But, footballl and MBB are the revenue generators.  Build the dining hall all student athletes can use.  Fix MBB.  Make Football a more successful program.  Then all of the funds needed to be successful will be there.

12 years ago people didn't wear USF gear.

Since football, they do.  That brings money in.  People donate now because of football whic also funds athletics.  Trust me, besides MBB and football, no other sport pays for itself. 

Lets get the two revenue generators working and all of the USF teams will benefit...  Go Bulls..

[USF_Grouper]

Charlotte not a big airport??

It's a major hub for US Airways and just as large as Tampa's

I have a buddy who has to fly to Charlotte on personal business a couple times a month (from Orlando area).  You can never get a decent flight at a reasonable price. 

Here are the airlines that serve Charlotte http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Airport/Airline+and+Flight+Information/home.htm

I think Tampa is a convenient travel destination from most places within the US.  That maybe a real benefit when trying to get the BE to pick-up another bowl over here.

[South_Florida_Flip]

USF lost on this, but what did anyone expect.

The loss is in the short term (2008 and 2009). We gain in the long term because we will have extra years to raise funds for the on campus stadium that would suit us. We're not looking at building what UCF, FAU and FIU have. We'd want something more along the lines of what Louisville has. The price tag on Minnesota's new stadium is way too steep. We'd probably be looking around $150-$175 million for a stadium that would fit our needs.

[Knight_Light]

How is signing a long term deal a good thing for USF???  Unless the tsa gives us a share of concession and parking revenue or cheaper rent, I see no reason to sign a long term deal.  Its just a win win for the tsa, usf gains nothing from signing a long term deal besides the promise of not having the acc game here(big deal!)

Good point.

TSA & the Glazers are basically ripping off USF in regards to concessions, parking, signage, advertising revenues, etc.......

Maybe the Tampa Mayor can "stiff-arm" the TSA in helping USF secure some new revenue streams in the rented stadium.

[Knight_Light]

USF lost on this, but what did anyone expect.

The loss is in the short term (2008 and 2009). We gain in the long term because we will have extra years to raise funds for the on campus stadium that would suit us. We're not looking at building what UCF, FAU and FIU have. We'd want something more along the lines of what Louisville has. The price tag on Minnesota's new stadium is way too steep. We'd probably be looking around $150-$175 million for a stadium that would fit our needs.

The challenge though is...with every passing year...the costs continue to sky rocket.

If you signed a deal in 2008 for a $150 Million stadium (to start), that stadium wouldn't be completed till 2010 or 2011.

If you plan that same stadium in 2012 to open in 2015...that same stadium might cost $200 Million plus...just by waiting 3-4 years.

UCF was fortunate to sign contract deal back in 2004...as steel and construction costs skyrocketed in 2006 & 2007...but UCF was locked into 2004 prices.

The longer one waits...the more $$$$$ that will be have to be raised.

Its a vicious cycle.

PS. In Minnesota example above...their costs soared an extra $45 Million over 12 months that were not part of the original agreement.

One year...$45 Million increase. (Beautiful on-campus stadium though...especially getting out of that disgusting DOME).