How Much Does Tennessee Tech Get Paid to Play Georgia? Unraveling the Guarantees in College Football
The question of how much Tennessee Tech receives to play Georgia isn't simply answered with a single dollar figure. The amount varies from year to year and isn't publicly released in many instances. However, we can explore the factors that determine these "guaranteed" payments and provide some context based on similar games.
Understanding Guaranteed Games in College Football:
Smaller football programs, like Tennessee Tech, often schedule games against larger, more established programs like Georgia for several key reasons:
- Revenue Generation: The guaranteed payout is a significant source of revenue for these programs, helping to fund their athletic departments, scholarships, and operational costs. This single game can often represent a substantial portion of their annual budget.
- Exposure: Playing against a nationally recognized team like Georgia provides invaluable exposure for the program, recruiting opportunities, and a chance to showcase their talent on a larger stage.
- Experience: The experience gained from competing against a top-tier opponent is invaluable for the players and coaching staff.
Factors Affecting the Guaranteed Payment:
Several factors influence the amount Tennessee Tech receives:
- The Year: Guaranteed payments can fluctuate year to year depending on various economic factors and the specific negotiation between the schools.
- Game Location: Playing at Georgia's stadium likely results in a lower payout for Tennessee Tech than if the game were hosted at Tennessee Tech's stadium. Travel and logistical costs play a role.
- Contract Terms: The specifics of the contract between the two institutions are confidential. However, the contract will outline the payment amount, the date, and other stipulations.
Estimating the Payout:
While the precise figure remains undisclosed, we can make educated estimations based on similar games between FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) and FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) teams. Reports from previous years suggest that payouts for such games can range from hundreds of thousands of dollars to over a million dollars. The amount Tennessee Tech receives is likely on the lower end of this spectrum, given its status as an FCS program playing a powerhouse like Georgia.
Finding Public Information:
Unfortunately, the precise contract details are rarely made public. Attempts to obtain this information directly from the universities' athletic departments or through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests may prove necessary, though success is not guaranteed due to contractual confidentiality clauses.
Conclusion:
While we can't definitively state the exact amount Tennessee Tech receives to play Georgia, understanding the context of these guaranteed games reveals a significant financial component for the smaller program. The payout plays a crucial role in their athletic department's budget and overall financial health, making it a vital aspect of their scheduling strategy. Further research and potentially FOIA requests might shed light on this undisclosed information.
