Gators project $50 million loss

GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators have placed a price tag on the coronavirus pandemic: $50 million in lost revenues for the school’s athletic department.

An email sent Monday from the booster club asked prominent season ticket holders to help offset the massive financial losses anticipated by the school’s University Athletic Association.

The organization’s 2020-2021 budget released earlier this summer projected around $141 million in revenues, including more $82 million generated by football. The UAA now projects a loss of $50 million even with limited capacity allowed in football, according to an email obtained by the Orlando Sentinel.

The email stated Florida continues to weigh how many fans, if any, will be allowed to attend the Gators five home games this fall and is working with the SEC Medical Task Force and UF Health officials to determine a plan.

Since the SEC released the 2020 schedule Monday, several of the league’s 14 schools have decided to limit stadium capacity to 20% to 25% in order to allow fans to maintain recommended social distance while getting in and out of the stadium, using bathrooms or waiting in line for concessions.

Ben Hill Griffin holds 88,548, meaning 22,137 fans would be allowed at 25% and 17,710 at 20% capacity.

The Gators athletic department holds a surplus of around $51 million, according to a UF athletics official. But the UAA hopes its most committed fans are able to help the school weather the financial headwinds caused by COVID-19. The department stated in the letter appealing to fans expenses include $34 million in student-athlete services, with $14.5 million going to scholarship costs.

Football generated $26.1 million in ticket revenues and close to $1 million in concessions, programs and novelties in 2018, according to the latest year-end report filed with the NCAA. Donors contributed more than $32 million to football.

Those who donate would receive five priority points for each $100 contribution — up from one point — or can convert the contribution to a tax deductible gift. Priority points help determine seat assignments and parking locations.

Boosters can also redeem all or some of their balance by purchasing one of 175 items and experiences, including sitting with Steve Spurrier during a football game, deep sea fishing with Mike White or playing a round of golf with Dan Mullen.

Finally, boosters can either roll over their 2020 balance to 2021 or request a refund of their 2020 balance.

Boosters were sent an email Tuesday with a link to Gators Marketplace and a password to explore their four options to manage their season-ticket money.

“By choosing any of the four options in the Gators Marketplace, you are letting us know that you will not be attending games during the 2020 season and will not be included in the seating plan should fans be allowed,” the letter to boosters stated.