Zona Zealots
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Why an Arizona Football season is crucial for the Athletic Department

By Eric Townsend

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Mascot Wilbur the Wildcat gets the crowd going during the start of the Vizio Fiesta Bowl game between the Arizona Wildcats and Boise State Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Mascot Wilbur the Wildcat gets the crowd going during the start of the Vizio Fiesta Bowl game between the Arizona Wildcats and Boise State Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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With still no sports, there is uncertainty as to when they will return, and we break down why having an Arizona Football season is crucial for Arizona Athletics.

We know some already don’t want to agree with the above point, especially considering the growing frustration and animosity of fans towards Arizona Football as the team has gone just 9-15 in the last two seasons.

Well, if you fall within that category, then I’m going to tell you a harsh reality that you probably don’t want to hear. Whatever negative thoughts/ pessimism you have towards Arizona Football, and it not being crucial to Arizona Athletics is completely and utterly wrong.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

Here’s why!

Football is BIG BUSINESS… I mean it! Just looking at basic facts here, but the NCAA brings in hundreds of millions of dollars in football alone. So yes, even at school like lowly Arizona, the athletic departments’ overall revenue is largely contingent not only on just basketball, but also football.

Whatever revenue the Football program generates, it helps to fund the Olympic Sports and all other sports on campus. That’s a basic fact.

So for a school that will experience a $7.5 million short fall this year (yes, I’m talking about Arizona), imagine what will happen in 2020-21 if there is no season at all…

Am I starting to make sense? Good, I hope my point is resonating with some of the fans who don’t see the importance of Arizona Football this year (win or lose)!

I know we can split hairs on what it would cost the school to fire Kevin Sumlin, especially if he were to not win this year, and what accrued costs that would add to Arizona’s shortfall already. However, I guarantee you those costs of severing ties with Sumlin, would be far less significant for the Athletic Department to endure, than if there were to be no football season at all!

More. On Arizona Football. light

At Zona Zealots, we’re just hoping to return as quickly and safely to a sense of normalcy, and hope for a football season! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

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