DKW 86 7,429 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/26/Sports/J..._likely_t.shtml Jacksonville likely to get title game for goodBy BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer Published July 26, 2006 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PONTE VEDRA BEACH - ACC commissioner John Swofford said his league is all but set to entrust Jacksonville with its football championship game for 2007 and 2008, and perhaps beyond. "We felt like Jacksonville did an excellent job in hosting that inaugural game (in 2005) in every respect," he said as the ACC wrapped up three days of media sessions Tuesday morning with his annual state of the league address. The original deal between the ACC and Jacksonville was for two games, with the league having an option for another two. "I'd have to say things look certainly very, very positive in terms of continuing here after this year because of the job they've done," Swofford said. "If the game is sold out or close to a sellout going into this game, I would fully anticipate the two-year option will be granted. I believe that will be the case." That decision will be made either shortly before or after the Dec. 2 game. Assuming the game remains for another two years, the league would begin fielding proposals from other communities in 2007 about hosting the game in 2009. Tampa Bay was one of the leading candidates vying with Jacksonville initially and would likely make another strong run. "We think if it's here for four years it's probably going to stay," Gator Bowl Association president Rick Catlett said. "They want to find a permanent site for it." HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: The ACC has crafted principles for responding to the problems of rescheduling that have resulted from increasing hurricane activity. "We felt like we needed to be proactive within the league," Swofford said. The league will be prepared to move to alternate sites or dates while protecting schools financially. That includes insurance to help cover losses if a home game is canceled (a minimum of $1-million for FSU). TYING THE KNOT: Unless it is in the Bowl Championship Series national title game, the ACC champion will head to south Florida annually for a spot in the Orange Bowl, in a deal announced Tuesday. The Orange has had a choice of the ACC or Big East winner in past years. The ACC and the Orange Bowl had a similar relationship in the early 1950s that lasted five years. The league hasn't had a similar partnership - like the SEC with the Sugar Bowl and the Pac-10 and Big Ten with the Rose Bowl - ever since. "We want to do everything to nourish and develop that relationship because both of us expect it to be a long-term relationship," Swofford said. HONOR ROLL: Former Duke basketball star J.J. Redick and Maryland women's field hockey standout Paula Infante were named the ACC's male and female athletes of the year by league media. FSU shotputter Garrett Johnson,(who won the NCAA indoor and outdoor titles, and FSU record-setting female pole vaulter Lacy Janson were second. ... ESPN awarded the ACC its Bowl Challenge Cup as a co-champion along with the Big 12 for going 5-3 in bowl games last year. - BRIAN LANDMAN, Times staff writer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quietfan 233 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: The ACC has crafted principles for responding to the problems of rescheduling that have resulted from increasing hurricane activity."We felt like we needed to be proactive within the league," Swofford said. The league will be prepared to move to alternate sites or dates while protecting schools financially. That includes insurance to help cover losses if a home game is canceled (a minimum of $1-million for FSU). Not a bad idea to be prepared. Has the SEC made any such plans? One would think after Katrina's impact on LSU last year, our conference would be the first to make such plans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TitanTiger 20,499 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 B'ham may not need a dome, but they do need a decent stadium if they ever want another run at the SEC title game. Legion Field is a dump now and not big enough since they had to tear down the upper deck. Nashville would get a crack at the title game before B'ham would as it stands right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerOne 1,148 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 surprised Charlotte isn't making a run again for the ACC champ. Atlanta is the perfect spot for the SEC game, seems the SEC wants to be inside. Weather in Nashville in January can be rough. Since the SEC championship will be determined by Auburn, might as well play it at Jordan-Hare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TitanTiger 20,499 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 surprised Charlotte isn't making a run again for the ACC champ.Atlanta is the perfect spot for the SEC game, seems the SEC wants to be inside. Weather in Nashville in January can be rough. Since the SEC championship will be determined by Auburn, might as well play it at Jordan-Hare. 252552[/snapback] The SEC title game is the first week in December. Nashville functions just fine. Ask Vandy or the Titans. Not to mention that they have the Music City Bowl on Dec 30 or 31 every year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerOne 1,148 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 surprised Charlotte isn't making a run again for the ACC champ.Atlanta is the perfect spot for the SEC game, seems the SEC wants to be inside. Weather in Nashville in January can be rough. Since the SEC championship will be determined by Auburn, might as well play it at Jordan-Hare. 252552[/snapback] The SEC title game is the first week in December. Nashville functions just fine. Ask Vandy or the Titans. Not to mention that they have the Music City Bowl on Dec 30 or 31 every year. 252611[/snapback] yeah I meant December, Nashville would be fine as an alternate. I think teams play better outdoors anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthLink02 8 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 I say keep it in Atlana forever and ever....no bias...I promise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebody 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 It's not just the Georgia Dome that makes the SECCG. Also having the World Congress Center next door helps for FanFest - which the BJCC could do as well if the "dome" were in fact built as an expansion of the BJCC. The real problem would be that before and after the game there is not much else to do around the BJCC, whereas there is at least more than one option between the Ga Dome and Peachtree Center in terms of places to grab a bite and a beer and watch one of the other conference title games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumbo 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 B'ham may not need a dome, but they do need a decent stadium if they ever want another run at the SEC title game. Legion Field is a dump now and not big enough since they had to tear down the upper deck. Nashville would get a crack at the title game before B'ham would as it stands right now. 252542[/snapback] I agree! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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