Mark Richt is all for playing some football in Atlanta in the coming years, but don't ask him for specifics.
For one, he's through talking about moving the annual Cocktail Party game between Georgia and Florida to the Georgia Dome, a notion that has been discussed at length during the past few weeks. Richt's initial comments on the game, which is played every year in Jacksonville, Fla., was that the Gators had a distinct advantage because the venue is significantly closer to Gainesville than Athens. But the backlash to his comments was swift and generally harsh, and Richt said he has learned his lesson on putting his two cents in on that topic.
"Every time I say something it becomes a much bigger deal than it is," he said. "I really don't think it's neutral, but then everybody's wanting to make a big stink about where should we play the game. I don't care where we play the game quite frankly."
That doesn't mean he wouldn't like to lead his team onto the field for a game at the Georgia Dome soon. Richt said he is in favor of playing a neutral-site game in Atlanta each year, but he won't do it at the expense of a home game at Sanford Stadium. If an opponent is willing to sacrifice a home game to play at the Dome, however, Richt's all for it.
"We have a neutral site game (against Florida) already, so every other year we're losing a home game," Richt said. "If you have another neutral site situation, you're losing another home game, and I don't think we should trade a home game for a game in the Dome. But if they want to trade a home game to play in Atlanta, that would be great for us."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
UGA in the ATL
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4 comments:
If CMR stops commenting on the WLOCP...how will the AJC sell print?
Oh, that's right.
First, all Jacksonville talk is just upping the ante for Jax to keep the game and put money in the coffers. Thanks, Mr. Stokan!
Second, Georgia should play one game a year in the Georgia Dome and that game is the first w/e in December. I would much rather take a trip to Arizona or Colorado to follow the Dawgs than skip down 316 to ATL for the same game. That's just me, maybe.
The only reason I see to play a non-conference game in ATL is to keep our competition out of the market. But really, folks, if we play in the SECCG that shouldn't be a problem.
If you want this game so bad, go to an every other year deal with Tech. Afterall the "new sheriff" and all... *sarcasm*
David,
What exactly do the coaches do in the meeting? Is it literally just the 12 coaches and no one else?
Thanks!
No, there are SEC officials, Commissioner Slive, etc. They essentially discuss any pressing issues -- from the new TV deal to rule changes, etc. And it's not just football coaches -- most of the sports are represented, along with ADs, administrators, presidents, etc. It's pretty wide ranging. Sadly, we're not allowed into the meetings, so I can't tell you all the specifics, but that's the basics.
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