Even with Football, Arizona Athletics to still see major financial losses

Arizona Athletics is back, however, it is unlikely fans will be allowed to come, and that also means that the school will still see major financial losses.

Well, we all had to figure this was coming. Even though it was decided that Arizona Athletics will finally resume activity and will begin their seasons, there is still a lot of work to be done by the Athletic Department.

While it is good to have any semblance of normalcy, as we’re learning, it is that even with the seasons starting, there is still a ways to go to getting things back on track.

Arizona Wildcats

Like for instance, the fans. As you may have heard already, it is that Arizona Athletic Director said Arizona will not haven any fans this season… not even at tailgaters.

While disappointing, it also makes sense, as you can control the athletes and stay on top of their health. You can’t control where fans go after the games.

So naturally, with no fans, that also means you’re going to see big financial losses as a department. Even with sports coming back, the Athletic Department is to likely see significant losses.

As you may recall, Arizona saw big losses from last year, after all the Spring Sports and Basketball Tournament were cancelled. Now they could see even more losses.

Already Athletic Director Dave Heeke was estimating a $60-65 million shortfall, and that was just weeks ago with football still on hold.

Now granted, having a season will help, however, Heeke still believes the school to still be significantly short on revenue this year.

Before everyone starts blaming Heeke, let’s hold up for a minute. While the news is unfortunate, again, this is way beyond his hands. No amount of strategic planning or spending is going to help off-set your athletic department being shut down for 5-6 months.

This isn’t a “Arizona overpays Sean Miller or Kevin Sumlin” thing, virtually every athletic department is seeing major losses too.

So for those hoping Arizona somehow makes coaching changes this off-season, it is unlikely that will happen any time soon.

Anyways, at Zona Zealots, we’re excited to see sports begin to come back, and hope the University can overcome those losses. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!