The atmosphere of the Florida-Florida State game feels almost like the National Championship Game. The most important matchup between these teams was the Sugar Bowl rematch at the end of the 1996 season in which Florida avenged their only regular season loss and won their first national championship with a 52–20 win over Florida State. Both Florida teams are competing to see who is the best in the state making it the one to beat and causing Gator spirit will be at its highest!
The Gators and Crimson Tide have met seven times for the SEC championship. On four occasions, the winner of a Florida-Alabama SEC title game has gone on to win the National Championship. These teams are two of the major powerhouses of the feared SEC meaning whenever they meet you’re in for a treat. The fans understand how huge of a game this one is, so no one holds back.
Florida and Miami formerly played each other for the Seminole War Canoe Trophy, but the annual rivalry ended after the 1987 season when Florida's annual SEC schedule expanded to eight games. Miami holds a 29–26 edge in the all-time series, but the Gators are chomping at the bit for a chance to even things up shortly. When this game comes around, everybody is bringing their orange and blue out to let the world know who is the best in the state.
Gators Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Gator fans have been known to be the loudest and most spirited fans in all of college football. On game day, everyone is gets out of the house early to set up tents and fire up the grills. The warm temperatures, palm tree lined streets, SEC football and thousands of fans wearing blue and orange make game days in Gainesville some of the best in all of college football.
Florida’s “Tailgators” love to tailgate and party before heading into the stadium and cheering on their Gators for 60 hard fought minutes. Florida fans get the tailgate going early meaning you’ll want to get to the stadium early if you want to get a good spot. You’ll also be able to tailgate late as some fans just stay in the parking lots drinking and grilling throughout the entire game. One of the most well-known tailgate groups in Gainesville is Sanford and Sons. These diehard tailgaters are famous for their themed tailgates, which match the type of food they’re serving with the opponent. For example they have “White Trash Surprise” for the Tennessee game which includes spam, innards and “chitlins.” A “Homecoming Pig Roast” is the traditional feast when the Gators play Arkansas Razorbacks, Cajun for LSU, and Mexican for San Jose State University. You’ll have a great time tailgating with diehard fans like these as their attention to detail and game day traditions make tailgating at The Swamp festive.
Another great pregame tradition at Florida is the Gator Walk right before the game. All fans huddle around the tunnel through which the team will enter and anxiously wait for their Gators. The team bus drops the players and coaches off right outside the stadium, so they enter through the tunnel of adoring fans, taking pictures and signing autographs.You’ll be overcome by the excitement and anticipation provided by the Gator Walk, which is especially special when attending a big game.
Florida tailgates have a lot to offer, whether it’s specialty food or meeting the players you’ll have a great pregame experience in Gainesville.
The "Gator Walk" is an exciting pre-game tradition that allows fans the chance to get up close to their favorite Gators. The team buses in and get off right outside the stadium as they enter the stadium a tunnel of adoring fans takes pictures and receives autographs. This is something that any Florida fan has to experience at least once.
The Gator Growl is the largest pep rally in the world, and takes place the night before the homecoming game. If you’re in town for the Gator’s homecoming game then stop by the Gator Growl to get pumped for the next day’s game.
Outside the west side of the stadium are three life-size bronze statues commemorating the Heisman Trophy winners who played at Florida. They are Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, and Tim Tebow.
Make your way over to the Heavener Complex, connected to the stadium, to lay your eyes on college football’s prized possession, a crystal National Championship football. And it’s not just one, but three! Take a look at what every team fights so hard for with video and pictures from the championship seasons of past.
Where to tailgate
O-Dome Parking LotThe mecca of UF tailgating. Here you’ll see elaborate tents with tables full of food, buses painted orange and blue, and ecstatic fans who eat, drink and party right up until kickoff.
West University AveA nice grassy area for tailgaters. These dedicated tailgaters sometimes show up as early as 5 a.m. to hold down their favorite spots. As you walk down the sidewalk toward the stadium, you’ll see and hear the festivities taking place.
Norman HillYou’ll notice the packed lawn in front of the College of Education on game days as the fans here make good use of the shady area. It maybe a decent hike to The Swamp, but it is quite the experience as you’ll have a great time tailgating with the people around Norman Hall.
Gators Stadium Guide
In Game
The University of Florida Gators play at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, which is locally and popularly known as “The Swamp.” With their official seating capacity at 88,548, The Swamp is the 12th largest stadium in all of college football meaning you’ll be surrounded by plenty of friends when attending a Gators game. Inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium you’ll enjoy an electric atmosphere as everyone comes prepared to get loud and cheer on the Gators on game day. You’ll also take part in plenty of Gator specific cheers while at a Gators game including everyone’s favorite Orange/Blue Cheer where half the stadium cheers ORANGE! And the other responds with BLUE!
It’s not just the incredibly loud and passionate fans who make taking in a game at The Swamp a must for college football fans, the history, and tradition of Florida Gators football also contributes to the outstanding game day experience found here. When attending a Gators game, you’ll be watching players perform on the same field that all-time greats like Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow used to call home. You’ll also get to be a part of many great Gators traditions like Mr. Two Bits and the singing of Florida’s alma mater “The Orange and Blue” after the game.
Despite its large size, The Swamp creates a surprisingly intimate atmosphere. The upper decks are still very close to the action, and you’ll find there are great sight lines all throughout the stadium. You won’t miss a minute of the action at a Gators game as Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is a beautiful stadium that provides a great view no matter where you are sitting.
The Swamp is the pride of the University of Florida and for a good reason; there is so much loyalty and tradition within the walls of the stadium, making it one of the best game-day experiences in all of college football.
On each corner of the stadium are large and supportive messages for the Gators
“This is...THE SWAMP!”
“This is...GATOR COUNTRY!”
“Home of the...FLORIDA GATORS!”
“It’s Great To Be A Florida Gator”
This area in the north end zone facade is dedicated to the greatest players and coaches in Florida Gators history, including Emmitt Smith and Steve Spurrier
The University of Florida marching band was the first in Florida and appropriately nicknamed the Pride of the Sunshine. The band performs on the field before kickoff and at halftime. They also play the instrumental version of their fight song The Orange and Blue after every Gator score.
The Gators are unique in the fact that their mascot iss are a couple: Albert and Alberta are designed after American Alligators, a species common in Florida.
In 1949, Gator fan George Edmondson wouldn’t stand for the booing inside the stadium from fans, so he took it upon himself to rile up the crowd and got them cheering and hollering for the Gators. Decked out in a yellow oxford shirt, blue seersucker pants, orange and blue tie, and black and white saddle shoes, Mr. Two Bits was an integral part of Florida games. For sixty years, George would lead the crowd in cheering on the Gators, specifically with his trademark phrase “Two-bits, four-bits, six-bits, a dollar. All for the Gators, stand up and holler!’ In his honor, a new tradition was created in the 2013 season to commemorate his spirit and loyalty: Gator Greats are introduced each week as the celebrity two-bits to keep his legacy alive
Fans and players will sing together the University of Florida’s Alma Mater at the end of home games and in 2005 added singing “The Orange and Blue” after victories.
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 way We 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!
Orange/Blue
During the game, there will often be chants of “ORANGE!” from the east and south stands (mostly students), followed up with “BLUE!” from the west and north stands (mostly alumni)
With 32 craft beers on tap, unique handmade craft cocktails, as well as a full menu of delicious hand-crafted food, we are your go-to social destination, any day of the week.
Our gorgeous copper top bar and spacious dining area make Blue Gill a great place for friends, family, and large parties to enjoy food inspired by southern style cooking.
At Relish, we are all about living the dream that is basking in balmy sunlight on an ocean paradise, a fresh burger in one hand and a cold beer in the other.
Watch video
