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Florida-Georgia all-star game turns to Tampa

Securing sponsors and an open date at Raymond James Stadium for the December game puts pressure on organizers.

By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 10, 2002

TAMPA -- Because event organizers in Atlanta were unable to secure enough sponsors, the Florida-Georgia High School Football All-Star Classic is leaving town and could be brought to Tampa in December.

Florida Athletic Coaches Association executive director Wink Barnette said Wednesday that coaches associations from both states favor Raymond James Stadium as the event site.

"We wanted to give (Tampa) the first opportunity," Barnette said. "I'm hoping to hear something back this week."

The Children's Hospital of Atlanta ran the classic last year when it was played at the Georgia Dome, but opted out this year after several sponsors cut back. Barnette initially sought Tampa as a site for the 2003 game, but now will meet with Tampa Bay Sports Commission president Ross Bartow to determine whether Tampa can host this year's game. Barnette said hosting costs, which include housing, insurance, meals and rental facilities, are about $100,000.

"We still need to meet with the (FACA) and learn more about the game," Bartow said. "We have to learn more about the logistics. ... The clock is ticking."

The short time the TBSC would have to secure sponsors is one concern. Another is the availability of Raymond James Stadium. The FACA would like to play the game between Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Buccaneers host Pittsburgh on Dec. 23. The Outback Bowl is Jan. 1.

"We would hope to play at Raymond James," Barnette said. "That would be ideal. Typically, the game is on Saturday, but I let them know we're not locked into that. It could be Friday night."

The classic, which features many of the states' best seniors, began in 1985 and was played in Florida the first 12 years. Past sites include Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Orlando and Knoxville, Tenn., which held the event in conjunction with the Kentucky-Tennessee All-Star Game in June 2001 after Atlanta was unable to host.

"It would be a lot of fun," Bartow said. "We've got to learn more about the game and the different resources we need to pull together to make it a success. ... It's a great event, but you always have to be aware of the bottom line."

The game usually draws about 10,000 fans.

Barnette said if Tampa is unable to host, it could be played in Orlando or Jacksonville, or not at all. Organizers think the game should be played in December to attract the best players. Before the classic was moved from June last year, several big-name talents opted not to play for fear of being injured so close to the start of their college careers.

"Obviously, we only have a short time to put it together," Barnette said.

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