Florida

Gators

Win the Weekend

Heading to Gainesville, Florida for a gameday? Dive into our breakdown of what you should do for your upcoming trip.
The University of Florida (UF) was founded in 1853 and now sits in Gainesville, where it became a key centerpiece. Known for its strong academic programs, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, and business, UF is a hub for innovation and research. The beautiful 2,000-acre campus is adorned with subtropical flora and stunning architectural structures, such as the historic Century Tower. UF’s commitment to excellence has made it a top public university, offering over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs. Nestled in North Central Florida, Gainesville itself has a unique blend of Southern hospitality and cosmopolitan flair.

Gameday

The Florida Gators have a tradition that’s as rich as the swampy lands they call home. Founded in 1906, the program has been home to legendary coaches like Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer. The Gators have secured multiple national championships and SEC titles, with notable players like Tim Tebow, who left an indelible mark on college football.

Ticketing

Every time you use our Ticketmaster, StubHub or TickPick direct links, it’s like tossing a high-five our way with no additional charge for you. You get in the game, and we keep the lights on. It’s a win-win!

Ticketmaster
StubHub
TickPick

Ticketing 101

Like all sporting events, we encourage you to research your seats on a view from my seat.

Student Section: The student section is a massive, roaring sea of orange and blue that stretches from the entire south endzone (sections 28-44) up the east sideline. The vibe is 90,000 volts of pure, unfiltered hatred for your team, fueled by humidity and cheap beer. It’s one of the most insane atmospheres in sports. Best Value Seats: The 200-level “Sunshine Seats” in the north endzone (sections 218-228) offer the best bang for your buck. You get a full view of the field, you’re looking right at the big screen for replays, and it doesn’t cost a fortune. Pro-Tip (Views & Cover): There is no cover. Let me repeat: THERE IS NO COVER. This stadium was designed to bake opposing teams (and their fans) in the Florida sun. The only sliver of shade is in the highest 10-15 rows of the west stands (upper deck), and only late in the afternoon. Pack sunscreen like your life depends on it, because it does.

Visitors

They usually stick visiting fans in the upper corners, like sections 45, 47, 49, and 51. Honestly, it’s a terrible view and you’re surrounded by your own sad fans. Your best bet is to infiltrate the upper north endzone; the seats are cheaper, the fans are slightly less rabid, and you get a head-on view of the main videoboard.

Our Ticketing Partners

Finding the right seats at the right price can feel like a game all its own, but we’ve got you covered. We proudly recommend Tick Pick for quick pricing transparency and StubHub for their large inventory.

Parking

Parking 101

The main lot is the Stephen C. O’Connell Center parking garage and surrounding flat lots, which is the heart of the action but fills up with boosters before you can blink. For a slightly more relaxed scene with actual grass, head to Flavet Field, where you’ll find a mix of families, alumni, and RVs.

Official Lots

The main lot is the Stephen C. O'Connell Center parking garage and surrounding flat lots, which is the heart of the action but fills up with boosters before you can blink.

Downtown Parking Garages

For an easy exit, park in one of the downtown parking garages (for like $10) and walk the mile to the stadium—you'll be on I-75 while everyone else is still trapped on University Ave.

Gator Aider Shuttle

The Gainesville RTS bus system runs a "Gator Aider" shuttle from several locations, including downtown and The Oaks Mall; it's cheap and efficient.

Tailgate Traditions

Tailgating 101

Plaza of the Americas

This is the quintessential on-campus tailgate scene, located on the beautiful, oak-lined quad in the heart of campus. It’s a massive concentration of tents, flags, and school spirit, perfect for seeing the “real” UF student and alumni experience. It’s an absolute must-stroll area.

University Avenue

This isn’t one spot, but an entire experience. The main drag in front of the north side of campus becomes a massive block party, with every bar and restaurant patio overflowing onto the street. The energy is off the charts, making it the perfect spot if you’d rather buy your beer than pack it in a cooler.

The O'Connell Center Lawn

This is ground zero for Gator Nation. Located directly across from The Swamp, this sprawling lawn is packed with the most intense tailgates, corporate sponsors, and the official Gator Radio Network pregame show. It’s loud, crowded, and the best place to feel the stadium’s energy before you even go inside.

The Stadium

Stadium History

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, affectionately known as “The Swamp,” has been the Gators’ den since 1930. Named for one of the University’s most generous benefactors, the stadium’s design traps noise, creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams.

Best Stadium Spots

Before you enter, you have to check out the statues of Heisman winners Spurrier, Wuerffel, and Tebow outside the west entrance. Once inside, find the tunnel where the Gators run out and look for the iconic “This is… THE SWAMP” sign—it’s a rite of passage.

Best Stadium Food & Drink

Gator Dog: It’s a classic stadium hot dog, but you’re in Gainesville, so you have to get one. Find any “Gator Grill” stand. Mayflower Food Truck: Look for this local legend’s stand, usually on the main concourse. Get the fried shrimp or grouper sandwich for an authentic taste of Florida that crushes standard stadium food. Funnel Cake: Especially during a night game, the smell of fresh funnel cake is impossible to resist. Find one of the specialty carts and load it up with powdered sugar.

What to Watch For

  • The Gator Chomp, a fan-favorite gesture mimicking an alligator’s jaw, unifies the crowd
  • Mr. Two Bits – The crowd chants in unison: “Two Bits, Four Bits, Six Bits, a Dollar. All for the Gators, stand up and holler!” as fans sweep their right arms in three wide circles before reaching high overhead. The tradition began in 1949 when an insurance salesman led the rhyme to lift crowd spirits. ,holding up his trademark “2-Bit” sign. The ritual carries on today led by a ‘guest’ Mr. Two Bits before kickoff.
  • The playing of “We Are The Boys from Old Florida” at the end of the third quarter jacks up the fans for the Fourth Quarter.
  • Tom Petty – Won’t back down

 

Eat, Drink, Stay

Lodging

We keep this show on the road via affiliate partnerships.  We’re grateful when you use our links during booking, and there’s no additional cost to you.  It’s kinda like buying us a free round of beers.  Cheers!

Freshman Budget

When your bank account screams ramen noodles, but your squad’s ready to party. Crash in these wallet-friendly hotels that are sure to create memories while being close to the action.
Lodging

Country Inn & Suites – Gainesville

Hot breakfast buffet, 3 miles from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and a great outdoor pool and hot tub for enjoying victory brews and stogies
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Young Alumni Budget

When you’ve upgraded to that alumni polo, but aren’t quite swimming in cash. Hotels that balance budget and luxury, perfect for sharing a room with a buddy without sharing a bed.
Lodging

Staybridge Suites – Gainesville

Not far from the airport, even closer to the stadium, and a resort style pool for plenty of pregame preparations.
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Big Donor Budget​

For those who’ve climbed the ladder of success or those who choose to YOLO. Either way, we respect you endlessly.Spoil yourself with luxury and location with these hotels.

Lodging

AC Hotel – Gainesville

Hand-crafted cocktails, craft brews, and a rooftop bar less than a mile from The Swamp. Where sophistication meets debauchery.
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Bars & Restaurants​

Bars & Restaurants

Salty Dog Saloon

This is the quintessential college dive bar. It’s dark, cash-only, covered in decades of graffiti, and serves cheap, ice-cold pitchers. This is where you go if you want the authentic, no-frills Gainesville experience.
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Bars & Restaurants

The Swamp Restaurant

It’s literally named The Swamp and sits right across the street from the stadium. It’s the iconic, go-to spot for students, alumni, and fans for a pre-game drink or a post-game celebration. The massive outdoor patio is legendary.
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Game Day Apparel​

We fuel this road trip with affiliate partnerships.  If you’re going to buy merch, we appreciate you visiting these sites below via our affiliate links.

Shopping

Fanatics – Florida

Great merch from the likes of Nike, ’47 Brands, Peter Millar & more.
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Elevate the weekend. What are we missing?

We need your fan-sourced insights to level up this road trip.

You know your school and town better than we do.  Brag about what sets your town, team, and stadium apart.  Share your favorite insights and images with us.  From hole-in-the-wall bars to tailgate traditions, we want to hear from you.  This is a site for the fans by the fans, we need your championship tips.

We'd love to feature your best pics of gameday, bars, restaurants - anything you deem worthy.

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