Stats: Cash Flow in College Football

| 11/1/2007

University of Florida

[Photo: University of Florida]

» UF built its original football field and stadium and fielded its first team in 1930. By 1955, according to a headline in the Tampa Daily Times, football was a “Profitable Business at Florida.” These days, national champ Florida is one of the few college football programs in the nation that makes serious money.

» For all Gator sports, the fund-raising arm known as Gator Boosters Inc. generates a third of the funds needed to run the entire athletics department. This year, Gator Boosters transfers to the Athletic Association are projected at $25 million.

» Some die-hard fans pay $12,000 a year for membership into the Bull Gators, which guarantees them an opportunity to buy luxury suites. The suites can cost as much as $48,000 a year. As part of a special fund-raising campaign to build a $28-million “Gateway of Champions” at the stadium entrance, Bull Gators can also donate $1 million to have dinner with Coach Urban Meyer and his family or a chance to run onto Florida Field with the team before a home game.

» This season, SEC revenue from bowl games, TV and championships is projected to be $8.5 million; sponsorships and scoreboard advertising, another
$2.1 million; equipment contracts, more than $4.1 million.

Tags: North Central, Education