Gator Bowl is a money maker for Northeast Florida businesses

2 years ago 280

File photo.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – No. 23 Texas A&M won’t play successful the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Wake Forest connected Dec. 31 due to the fact that of COVID-19 issues and season-ending injuries.

The 8-4 Aggies were scheduled to permission for Jacksonville connected Sunday earlier announcing Wednesday that they wouldn’t beryllium capable to enactment successful the vessel game. The squad did not supply immoderate details connected the COVID-19 issues oregon injuries connected the team.

“We’re not canceling the crippled yet. We privation to spell done possibly noon Friday to spot if thing breaks,” said Greg McGarity, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl president.

If the crippled didn’t happen, it would beryllium a interest for section businesses who person been gearing up for the game, preparing for the ample crowds of fans who devour astatine restaurants and enactment astatine hotels.

“Not having this lawsuit volition beryllium a beauteous large nonaccomplishment for a batch of radical down here, a batch of businesses,” said Will Frazier with Bold City Brewery.

Frazier says helium sees betwixt a 20-40% bump successful concern from vessel games.

Other concern owners accidental these events are needed, particularly due to the fact that of the fiscal deed they’ve taken during the pandemic.

“Just having those events hap are truthful cardinal to each concern proprietor down here—small oregon big—it’s a immense deal,” said Maime-Lue Anderton, manager of Mag’s Cafe.

The Gator Bowl is estimated to bring betwixt $14-$16 cardinal dollars of concern to Northeast Florida each year, according to its website. More than $500,000 a time generated by the lawsuit is donated to section organizations.