When Seminoles Win, Tallahassee Wins Too | Opinion
- Bugra Demirel
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
On Saturday night, in just three short hours, Tallahassee experienced one of the most powerful demonstrations of sports-driven economic impact we’ve ever seen. Florida State’s victory over Alabama didn’t just shake the college football world — it poured millions into our local economy in real time and set the stage for tens of millions more throughout the rest of the season.
The effect was immediate. By the third quarter, tickets for the October 4th FSU–Miami game were nearly gone. By the final whistle, hotels were filling, flights for upcoming home games were selling out, and food and beverage suppliers were already revising their forecasts upward. Restaurant and bar owners near campus and downtown were grinning from ear to ear — especially after enduring a brutal summer. Conversations with key boosters confirmed the same surge: recruiting calls spiking and Seminole merchandise flying off the shelves.
Here’s the key: more than 60% of FSU season ticket holders travel over three hours to watch a game. That means this isn’t just local dollars recirculating — it’s new money pouring into Tallahassee. Out-of-town fans don’t just buy tickets; they pack hotels, dine at restaurants, shop at local stores, and order rideshares. Each dollar spent by a visitor circulates through the economy multiple times — the hotel pays employees, who then spend locally, creating a ripple effect. These dollars expand sales and bed tax collections, directly funding public and tourism infrastructure without raising the burden on residents.
This surge of momentum is no accident. Under Athletic Director Michael Alford, Florida State has been intentional about building a culture of long-term excellence. The vision goes far beyond signing elite recruits — it’s about investing in facilities, elevating the fan experience, and ensuring Seminole athletics compete at the highest level year after year.
Speaking of the fan experience — have you stepped inside the new Doak yet? Florida State’s $265 million renovation is nothing short of transformative, turning it into a stadium that feels like it belongs to a major NFL team. Eleven new ribbon boards now stretch more than 1,200 feet, anchored by a massive 57×120-foot north scoreboard and a new 35×75-foot south scoreboard delivering crystal-clear visuals and nonstop energy. Add redesigned seating, upgraded restrooms and concessions, and multi-use spaces ready for concerts and major events, and the result is stunning. The new Doak isn’t just an upgrade for Seminole fans; it’s a statement for Tallahassee — a “wow, look what we have now” moment that proves our city can host experiences every bit as polished and world-class as the NFL’s biggest arenas.
But this moment is bigger than one Saturday win over Alabama. Under President Richard McCullough, Florida State is doubling down on academics with a bold commitment to research and innovation — a tradition of “winning” that stretches from the arts and sciences to business, law, and beyond. And it matters, because FSU’s impact on our community isn’t symbolic; it’s vital — fueling economic growth, creating jobs, and shaping the lives of thousands of Tallahassee families.
Looking ahead, perhaps the most transformative opportunity lies with the FSU Health initiative, which has the power to make Tallahassee a true regional hub for cutting-edge research and world-class medical care — improving outcomes not just for our residents but across all of North Florida. Florida State already has a proven track record of bringing hundreds of millions of dollars into our community, putting Tallahassee firmly on the national stage. That impact is fueled by a spirit that runs deeper than athletics — a spirit defined by pride, relentlessness, and the pursuit of excellence in everything it does. And that’s the Seminole way. When FSU wins, Tallahassee wins.
Go Noles!
This article is an opinion piece by Bugra Demirel, a longtime Tallahassee resident, entrepreneur, and community advocate. A graduate of Florida State University and Tallahassee State College, Bugra was inducted into the Tallahassee State College Alumni & Friends Hall of Fame in 2024 and honored as a Seminole 100 recipient for leading Demirel International—one of the fastest-growing businesses owned by an FSU alumnus. His company holds investments across retail, hospitality, manufacturing and commercial real estate industries.