The last time the Florida Gators visited Doak Campbell Stadium, George Gumbs planted a flag and put the Seminoles out of their misery. The next time Florida visits Doak Campbell Stadium, renovations are going to be complete.
But it's the end result of what Doak Campbell Stadium is going to look like that should have all Gator fans taking note.
Doak Campbell Stadium reduces capacity
With renovations set to be complete ahead of their 2025 opener, it was pointed out yesterday that Doak Campbell Stadium would be reducing its capacity by 12,000 seats from almost 80,000 to 68,000 seats.
Now, as our sister site Chop Chat points out, Doak Campbell Stadium was rarely at capacity as it faced logistical challenges to get to Tallahassee on game day.
But while it is easy to point and laugh at our Neighbors to the West, it's also an ominous reminder of what is coming down the pipeline at The Swamp.
Florida wants to renovate The Swamp, and they have tried to tiptoe around the issue of just how many seats would be in a new look building. But earlier this month on the Gator Nation Football Podcast, Athletic Director Scott Stricklin planted the seeds for how The Swamp might also have to reduce capacity.
He explained that, due to ADA requirements, once renovations begin, Florida could be required to remove seats to comply with modern code.
Fans are skeptical of the endgame goal of renovations, because often what gets renovated the most in "new" stadiums are club and premium sections that 95% of fans will never actually step foot in.
The other reality is that while FSU may not hit capacity with frequency, The Swamp most certainly does. As it stands, one ticket to go see the game against Texas is going to cost someone at least $250.
Take out 12,000 seats from The Swamp, and anyone who stayed half awake in Econ 101 knows what happens next to ticket prices when you reduce supply.
So while Doak Campbell Stadium won't be as intimidating the next time the Gators come to town, it's worth keeping in mind that Florida might be next.