The Georgia basketball program has been begging for a new home, and it looks like Georgia Square Mall may fit the bill.
University of Georgia J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity’s work-study program mouthpiece announced through a press release via Facebook that the Athletic Department plans to purchase Georgia Square Mall.
The Georgia Square Mall location, just off the Athens Loop, will serve as the new home of Georgia Basketball.
“The generous support of basketball supporters, including a large number of former players, has allowed The University of Georgia to take this giant step forward with our Men’s and Women’s basketball programs,” stated the freshman aide.
One reader commented on the post, asking if the move of the facilities would increase attendance. The response was a quick “Probably. We’re already hearing from Kentucky fans.” complete with a string of undecipherable emojis.
Details regarding the purchase were not released, but sources inside the Athletic Department feel that purchase of the Mall and subsequent renovation and construction will total less than $885 million dollars.
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Regarding the future of the Stegeman Coliseum, current plans are to convert it to a much needed indoor track facility to be shared with the Gymnastics program. Track would also take over the current basketball space now housed with gymnastics. Anything left over goes to football.
Plans call for a 12,000 seat arena/practice facility that will include ten luxury boxes and 100 courtside seats, a dedicated recruiting area, letterman’s club, women’s and men’s practice facilities including locker, training, dining and medical space, as well as both separate men’s and women’s clubhouses, and a joint clubhouse to be shared by the men’s and women’s teams.
“We figured most of the student body could be found at the mall during basketball season anyway, so why not bring the games to them?” the post continued.
“We are particularly excited about the dedicated basketball player dormitories to be included on the property as well. Our basketball players will have the finest living accommodations in the country along with a few lucky students to meet the NCAA requirements.”
Details were not released, but sources say current mall space will be converted to a food court, as well as at least one restaurant. Some retail space will also be maintained and converted to Georgia only merchandise and non-school Nike wear and gear, with the two story Macy’s to be converted to a shoes only retail space.
Sears is expected to be converted into an academic center and Penney’s will likely house a hair salon on the first floor and and tattoo parlor on the second. Pep Boys may be invited to stay on site as well and negotiations are in progress with the Georgia Department of Driver Services to maintain a service location. “Our student – athletes will have everything they need.”
Calls to the office and University President Jere Morehead regarding details of the purchase were not returned, but in a prepared statement, the President said, “The cooperation of the Board Regents will be required for the plan to go forward, and details will be formalized at the next Athletic Board meeting.”
Regarding the current ongoing improvements in the Stegman Coliseum, ”The hanging scoreboard will be moved to the old mall.”
The purchase is expected to be finalized by Christmas and construction will begin April 1 of 2018….you know, April Fool’s Day? Like today! Go Dawgs!