In Game
Over the years the Gators basketball fans have received numerous accolades for their incredible support. The O’Connell Center is known as one of the most intimidating arenas in the country and was nicknamed the “House of Horrors” by ESPN Magazine in 1999. The atmosphere inside the O’Connell Center is one of the best in the country, so you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Gators basketball game.
In addition to the incredible atmosphere of the O’Connell Center, you’ll also find plenty to do before the game as well. On nearby West University Avenue, you’ll find a slew of bars and restaurants including The Swamp, The Brass Tap, and First Magnitude Brewing Company. You’ll also want to arrive at the arena early so you can visit Alligator Alley before the game and collect a few autographs from your favorite former Gators.
If you’re looking to experience an incredible in-game atmosphere as well as some excellent pre and post game entertainment than there are few better places to take in a game than the O’Connell Center.
Things to check out
Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley is your chance to take part in a variety of pre-game activities. Here you can enjoy music, win prizes, and get autographs from former Gators players, so make sure to check it out before the game.
Championship Banners
Hanging from the rafters of the O’Connell Center are banners honoring the Gators two national championship winning teams. Take in these banners during your trip to the O’Connell Center and remember all of your favorite Gators basketball moments.
Dazzlers
The Florida Gators Dazzlers dance team performs at every Gators basketball game and will keep you entertained throughout the stoppages in play. These dancers perform a variety of spectacular moves, so don’t miss them when attending a game at the O’Connell Center.
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Albert and Alberta
Albert and Alberta are the mascots of the University of Florida. The couple is two alligators, which can be seen entertaining the crowd at a variety of different UF sporting events. Keep your eyes open for these fun mascots as you never know what they’ll do next.
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Rowdy Reptiles
The Florida student section was dubbed the “Rowdy Reptiles” by ESPN’s Dick Vitale in 2006, and with good reason as they are among the rowdiest student sections in the SEC. The Rowdy Reptiles give the Gators an incredible home court advantage and are a big part of what makes attending a Gators basketball game a great experience.
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Gator Chomp
Gators fans intimidate the opposition with their famous gator chomp hand motion. Extend your arms and close them in a chomping fashion to join in on this fun Gators tradition.
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Fight Songs
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The Orange and Blue
On, brave old Flor-i-da,
Just keep on marching on your way!…
On, brave old Flor-i-da,
And we will cheer you on your play!
Rah! Rah! Rah!…And as you march a-long,
We’ll sing our victory song anew…
With all your might Go on and
Fight Gators Fight for
Dixie’s rightly proud of you…(Chorus)
So give a cheer for the Orange and Blue,
Waving for-ev-er, forever…
Pride of old Flor-i-da,
May she droop nev-er…
We’ll sing a song for the flag to-day,
Cheer for the team at play!
On to the goal we’ll fight our way for Flor-i-da. -
We Are the Boys From Old Florida
We are the boys from old Florida
F-L-O-R-I-D-A
Where the girls are the fairest,
The boys are the squarest
Of any old state down our wayWe are all strong for old Florida
Down where the old Gators play
In all kinds of weather
We’ll all stick together
for F-L-O-R-I-D-A -
Alma Mater
Florida, our Alma Mater,
thy glorious name we praise.
All thy loyal sons and daughters,
a joyous song shall raise.
Where palm and pine are blowing,
where southern seas are flowing,
Shine forth thy noble gothic walls,
thy lovely vine clad halls.
Neath the orange and blue victorious,
our love shall never fail.
There’s no other name so glorious,
all hail, Florida, hail!
