Spring Break
Florida president airs concerns surrounding drinking at UF-Georgia football game
Issue date: 7/6/09 Section: News
The University of Florida president sent a letter to Jacksonville officials last week to address concerns about the abundant alcohol consumption that occurs during the annual football game between Georgia and Florida.
UF President J. Bernard Machen met with Jacksonville officials after sending a letter requesting less alcohol and more safety during the weekend surrounding the game. The letter, obtained by the Jacksonville Times-Union, states Machen wants a 50 percent reduction in the number of alcohol distribution points and a prohibition of shot sales at The Jacksonville Landing, better enforcement of alcohol sales laws, and more venues students can go.
Three years ago, Machen and University President Michael Adams asked that the term the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" should no longer be used to describe the game. The request was part of Adams' push to curb on-campus alcohol abuse and change the University's image as a party school. After the 2005 game a UF student was beaten to death and while the incident was not believed to have been related to the game, it put the city and the game in the spotlight.
There has been talk about trying to bring the game to Atlanta's Georgia Dome once every four years, as the Bulldogs' four-year contract to play Florida in Jacksonville is set to expire next year. But there has been no movement on that front. The game has been played annually since 1914 and held in the "neutral" city of Jacksonville since 1933 with the exception of 1994 and 1995.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report/
UF President J. Bernard Machen met with Jacksonville officials after sending a letter requesting less alcohol and more safety during the weekend surrounding the game. The letter, obtained by the Jacksonville Times-Union, states Machen wants a 50 percent reduction in the number of alcohol distribution points and a prohibition of shot sales at The Jacksonville Landing, better enforcement of alcohol sales laws, and more venues students can go.
Three years ago, Machen and University President Michael Adams asked that the term the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" should no longer be used to describe the game. The request was part of Adams' push to curb on-campus alcohol abuse and change the University's image as a party school. After the 2005 game a UF student was beaten to death and while the incident was not believed to have been related to the game, it put the city and the game in the spotlight.
There has been talk about trying to bring the game to Atlanta's Georgia Dome once every four years, as the Bulldogs' four-year contract to play Florida in Jacksonville is set to expire next year. But there has been no movement on that front. The game has been played annually since 1914 and held in the "neutral" city of Jacksonville since 1933 with the exception of 1994 and 1995.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report/
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
paveplanet
posted 7/06/09 @ 12:54 PM EST
Shocked I am, completely shocked. You mean there is drinking at the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party?"
Get a life.
Name
posted 7/06/09 @ 1:30 PM EST
Atlanta, J-ville, whatever.
Just never allow that bullshit in Athens again.
???
posted 7/06/09 @ 3:43 PM EST
a 50% reduction in alcohol distribution points? You mean liquor stores, restaurants, and bars? Yeah, good luck with those negotiations. I can see it now. (Continued…)
Huh?
posted 7/06/09 @ 7:00 PM EST
The the AP really put quotes around neutral?
Stadium is 50/50 and we lead the all time series. Pretty neutral to me. We just need to pull our heads out of our asses and stop playing like shit. (Continued…)
Robert
posted 7/06/09 @ 7:11 PM EST
An absolutely ludicrous proposal. A university administrator wants HALF of the PRIVATE BUSINESSES that sell alcohol to not sell alcohol during what is undoubtedly the biggest weekend of the year in Jacksonville. (Continued…)
ugaGATOR
posted 7/07/09 @ 9:50 AM EST
Good move. Won't happen. But good move. Machen sounds like he's trying to appeal to Adams, which would help his stance on keeping the game in JAX. And the only reason the site's not being seen as neutral is because of the recent losses by UGA. (Continued…)
daily news
posted 7/07/09 @ 5:06 PM EST
Is it possible to reduce number of alcohol distribution points like liquor stores, restaurants, and bars? I don't think it's possible at all.
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