Booster contribution levels will remain the same next year for the 4th consecutive year...
Over the past two weeks, the effects of Hurricane Matthew have forced us into making difficult decisions that affect our football program, fans, athletic department and the entire Gainesville community. We worked tirelessly with the Southeastern Conference and LSU to find an amicable solution with all parties, but at the end of the day LSU was not willing to come to the table. SEC Commissioner Regulations state that in order to be eligible to play in the SEC Championship game, a school must play eight league games.
We want to thank Gator Nation for all of its support over the past week as we have dealt with this situation. Our week does not compare to what the families of those affected by this tragedy have endured. Hurricane Matthew has had a devastating effect on the state of Florida and across the southeast, as people have lost their homes and some even their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who were impacted.
As a result of the storm, our 2016 football schedule greatly suffered and we lost two home games this fall. For this we are truly sorry because we know how much you enjoy your Saturdays in the Swamp. Nevertheless, Gator Nation will ultimately lose just one home game - November 19th, 2016 vs. Presbyterian - over the course of the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The resulting 2017 home slate now includes marquee games against LSU, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Florida State.
Season ticket holders will have the option of applying a credit toward 2017 season tickets or can request a refund for their ticket cost to the 2016 LSU and Presbyterian games (visit FloridaGators.com/refund for complete information).
Due to the unforeseen schedule change sending our football team to play at LSU on Nov. 19, the UAA is covering half the cost of each ticket to this game, allowing our season ticket holders to purchase these $100 tickets for only $50 each. Tickets can be purchased online through FloridaGators.com/tickets starting on Tuesday, October 18 at 8:30 am.
In light of the impact of this difficult situation on our loyal fans, Gator Boosters, Inc. has elected to maintain seating contributions for the 2017 season at their current level for the fourth consecutive year, a year longer than committed prior to the 2014 season to keep contribution levels unchanged.
Booster contributions are the financial life-blood of our program, which go directly to support our student athletes' experience, including scholarship expenses that totaled $13.6 million in 2015-16. Our purpose is to provide a championship experience for our 500+ student-athletes on and off the field including a quality education, career preparation, life skills programming, community involvement, top flight facilities and more. This would not be possible without the generosity of our boosters. Your support makes a significant, positive impact on the rest of our student-athletes' lives. Because of this commitment to our student-athletes, we are unable to refund any portion of donations made to support these outstanding young men and women.
I know that some will still be troubled by these decisions, but they were made with the best possible intentions under an almost impossible set of circumstances. We realize the impact that these decisions have, not only on our athletic department and boosters, but in our community and we are sincerely sorry that you have been affected. We are grateful for your continued support of Florida Gators athletics and thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Jeremy Foley
Director of Athletics
Phil Pharr
Executive Director, Gator Boosters
Over the past two weeks, the effects of Hurricane Matthew have forced us into making difficult decisions that affect our football program, fans, athletic department and the entire Gainesville community. We worked tirelessly with the Southeastern Conference and LSU to find an amicable solution with all parties, but at the end of the day LSU was not willing to come to the table. SEC Commissioner Regulations state that in order to be eligible to play in the SEC Championship game, a school must play eight league games.
We want to thank Gator Nation for all of its support over the past week as we have dealt with this situation. Our week does not compare to what the families of those affected by this tragedy have endured. Hurricane Matthew has had a devastating effect on the state of Florida and across the southeast, as people have lost their homes and some even their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who were impacted.
As a result of the storm, our 2016 football schedule greatly suffered and we lost two home games this fall. For this we are truly sorry because we know how much you enjoy your Saturdays in the Swamp. Nevertheless, Gator Nation will ultimately lose just one home game - November 19th, 2016 vs. Presbyterian - over the course of the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The resulting 2017 home slate now includes marquee games against LSU, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Florida State.
Season ticket holders will have the option of applying a credit toward 2017 season tickets or can request a refund for their ticket cost to the 2016 LSU and Presbyterian games (visit FloridaGators.com/refund for complete information).
Due to the unforeseen schedule change sending our football team to play at LSU on Nov. 19, the UAA is covering half the cost of each ticket to this game, allowing our season ticket holders to purchase these $100 tickets for only $50 each. Tickets can be purchased online through FloridaGators.com/tickets starting on Tuesday, October 18 at 8:30 am.
In light of the impact of this difficult situation on our loyal fans, Gator Boosters, Inc. has elected to maintain seating contributions for the 2017 season at their current level for the fourth consecutive year, a year longer than committed prior to the 2014 season to keep contribution levels unchanged.
Booster contributions are the financial life-blood of our program, which go directly to support our student athletes' experience, including scholarship expenses that totaled $13.6 million in 2015-16. Our purpose is to provide a championship experience for our 500+ student-athletes on and off the field including a quality education, career preparation, life skills programming, community involvement, top flight facilities and more. This would not be possible without the generosity of our boosters. Your support makes a significant, positive impact on the rest of our student-athletes' lives. Because of this commitment to our student-athletes, we are unable to refund any portion of donations made to support these outstanding young men and women.
I know that some will still be troubled by these decisions, but they were made with the best possible intentions under an almost impossible set of circumstances. We realize the impact that these decisions have, not only on our athletic department and boosters, but in our community and we are sincerely sorry that you have been affected. We are grateful for your continued support of Florida Gators athletics and thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Jeremy Foley
Director of Athletics
Phil Pharr
Executive Director, Gator Boosters
