School: University of Florida
Team: Florida Gators
Location: Gainesville, FL
Conference: SEC
Stadium: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Capacity: 90,916)
Deep in the swamplands of north Florida is where one of top the programs in the SEC calls home. The University of Florida is steeped in tradition and success from the days of the ‘ole ball coach to their resurgence that delivered two national titles with Urban Meyer. Playing at the swamp, amongst thousands of blue & orange screaming fans, with what can best be described as a wet, hot heat in the air can be one of the most challenging atmospheres in all of college football. A weekend visit here and you will understand why it’s great to be a Florida Gator.
The Weekend
Travel: To put it bluntly, Gainesville isn’t near anywhere. Sitting in the north-center of the state, it’s about 80 miles from Jacksonville and a little over 100 miles from Orlando and Tampa. So for most, it’ll be a flight and a drive to get there.
Lodging: If you can, try to stay on or near University Ave in “midtown”. There are great bars and restaurants along there and the proximity to campus and the stadium is perfect. The AC Gainesville Hotel (Marriott) is a good choice just walking distance from everything.
Local Food: This should be pretty obvious, but if you haven’t had it you need to try some gator. Usually fried and served with a spicy aoli, it is a must have when in Gator Country. Try Gator’s Dockside which is walking distance from campus.
Local Drink: The Social at Midtown is a terrific sports bar. Central location and indoor/outdoor set up, which can be great for a Friday before the game or as a pre-game before a tailgate. If you want a true college experience, check out Fat Daddy’s just down the block.
The Tailgate
This is your classic SEC quad tailgate. The campus is perfect for a tailgate setup and a short walk from the stadium makes things easy. The Plaza of the Americas is a great location to set your tent up and you’ll have thousands of “tailgators” around playing cornhole, beer pong and grilling food. Tailgate Guys cover this location as well.
Unique Tradition
At the end of the third quarter of every home game, the crowd puts their arm on one another and sways from side to side singing “We are the boys from Old Florida” while the Pride of the Sunshine, UF’s marching band, plays the waltz-inspired tune. The tradition has been going on since the 1920s.
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