We’re just two short weeks away from Gainesville buzzing and getting hyped up over the four words we’ve all been waiting to hear: It’s Gator game day! And there’s no place like the University of Florida when it comes to game day.
What makes the perfect game day in Gainesville? While yes, we all hope for a win on the field, it’s beyond that. It’s the hype, the buzz, the experience, the traditions, and the emotions that take place as soon as the day begins. It extends beyond the stadiums and into the streets well before the game begins.
A perfect day in Gainesville
It all starts with the pre-game tailgates that you’ll find on every corner and every street hours prior to the gates opening for the game. From Archer Road to Stadium Drive, the sounds of SEC Nation and College Game Day on TVs and country music blaring from speakers will fill the streets along with the smells of burgers and (hot) dogs on the grill as Gator fans gather to pre-game to start the festivities. You’ll find cornhole, yard games, and a plethora of activities to get you geared up for the game. There’s also Gatorland Fan Fan Fest, where you can get your swag and enjoy activities and giveaways. It’s a whole experience that leads up to the infamous Gator Walk.
About 2 hours 20 minutes before kickoff, fans will gather on the north end of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, leading into the stadium from University Avenue. Joined by the Gator band and Gator cheerleaders, fans will cheer and high-five the players into the stadium as they exit the team buses. Led by Coach Napier, the team will begin to lock in as they feel the support from Gator fans. It’s suggested to show up early if you want a good spot, as thousands of fans will gather to welcome the Gators to the stadium.
Then comes the opening of the gates and the game day experience inside the stadium. From Mr. Two Bits, to the team entrance, to the Alma Mater, fight song, and finally kick-off. The pregame entertainment and traditions are like no other. The atmosphere, with over 90,000 fans all yelling and cheering on the Gators to “get up and go!” The atmosphere is what makes the swamp special. It’s a stadium that is notoriously hard for opposing players to play in because of the level of crowd noise. It distracts players from hearing calls as the ground level, steep dive of the stadium makes it hard for teams to concentrate. It’s truly a stadium where “only Gators get out alive,” as dubbed by the great Steve Spurrier.
Fast forward to halftime and “The Pride of the Sunshine” Gator band performing at the half, one of the greatest marching bands in the country.
When the clock strikes zero on the third quarter and the fourth quarter begins, cue “We Are The Boys” and “I Won’t Back Down.” These songs played back-to-back creates an emotion that is felt beyond the stadium and even at home as broadcasts have begun to stay live to show the greatest tradition in sports. Locked arm-in-arm, Gator fans will sway back and forth together, honoring the togetherness, unity, and emotion of University of Florida students, staff, fans, and the Gator nation as a whole.
Post-game the traditions continue as the Gator players join with the fans once again for the singing of the Alma Mater and fight song together to end the game and pay homage to the University of Florida.
This, of course combined with a Gator win, makes a perfect game day at the University of Florida.
Gator game days are special. They’re unique. It’s an electrifying atmosphere filled with tradition and emotion.
And we are just two weeks away from these moments and the University of Florida Gators football team taking the field and Gator fans gathering to celebrate the greatest University together.