When bowl bids were handed out a few weeks ago, the Gator Bowl decided to select a matchup that could provide for some off-the-field drama and intrigue: the Florida Gators and Ohio State Buckeyes. When former Gator coach Urban Meyer decided to accept the head coaching job at Ohio State last month, Gators fans erupted in mass outrage. So far at least, though, that outrage hasn't translated into ticket sales:
Florida's ticket guarantee is 15,000 and ticket manager Mark Gajda said the Gators have sold about 7,500 through Tuesday afternoon. Ohio State has an allotment of 12,750 (under the terms of the contract, the SEC team has a larger guarantee than the Big Ten team) and sports information director Jerry Emig said Buckeys fans had purchased around 6,500. (Florida Times-Union)
There is still plenty of time before the bowl game, so the group running the Gator Bowl does not seem concerned about sales so far. Both teams had mediocre 6-6 records this season, so it wasn't realistic to expect the Urban Meyer drama to create a frenzy for seats. The Gator Bowl is close to home for the Gators, though, so they should not have a problem selling their remaining tickets.
The Gator Bowl is scheduled for January 2nd and will take place at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, FL.
For more on the Florida Gators, visit Alligator Army. For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, visit Along The Olentangy.