On No! Budget Cuts!

From Division 3 up to Division 1, college athletics across the nation are feeling the weight of the economy bearing down on their budgets.  What else can they do but cut costs- everywhere they can.  Division 1 powerhouse N.C. State's men's basketball team had to bus instead of fly to their game at VIrginia Tech, saving the $25,000 in the process.  Hundreds of colleges and universities are following suit by cutting costs of travel, along with per diem and scholarships.  Cutting costs is not the only threat on the horizon for college athletic teams, but also of how people are willing to spend their money for entertainment purposes.  With this economic downturn, athletic departments are nervous of the amount of revenue they will make in ticket sales, which is a main source of funds.  Other sources such as concessions, television contracts, and advertising, bring in revenue for the department, but are feeling the pain of the economy.  The UNC athletic department has issued a hiring freeze and is rethinking over time pay to save on costs.  Many departments creating next years schedule are choosing games closer to home to save on transportation costs.  Hopefully fans are still able and willing to spend their money to see their favorite team play and keep the much needed revenue coming in to teams in need. 

http://www.newsobserver.com/734/story/1421142.html