Gators Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Billy Napier

Team Mascot: Albert and Alberta

Year Opened: 1930

Capacity: 88548

City / State: Gainesville / Florida

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Florida vs Florida State

Rival Team: Florida State Seminoles

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!

Florida vs Alabama

Rival Team: Alabama Crimson Tide

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 vs Miami

Rival Team: Miami Hurricanes

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.

Traditions

The Gator Walk

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.

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Gator Growl

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.

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Heisman Trophy Winner Statues

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.

Heavener Complex

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

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.

Things to check out

Corner Messages

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”

Ring of Honor

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

Pride of the Sunshine

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.

Albert and Alberta

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.

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Mr. Two Bits

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

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We Are the Boys from Florida

At the end of the third quarter, fans sway by rows while singing We Are The Boys From Florida, as the University of Florida was formerly all male.

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Singing After the Game

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.

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Fight Songs

  1. Fight Song

    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.

  2. 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

  3. 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!

  4. 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)

    Blue!
    Orange!
    Blue!
    Orange!
    Blue!
    Orange!
    Blue!
    Orange!

Gators Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Social at Midtown

    The Social at Midtown

    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.

    1728 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA

    352-373-7383

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  2. Fat Daddy’s

    Fat Daddys

    A nice place to stop by and grab some cold drinks.

    1702 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA

    352-372-3200

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Swamp Head Brewery

    Swamp Head Brewery

    Our beers are like the world around us, often dependable, sometimes unexpected.

    3650 SW 42 Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA

    352-505-3035

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. The Top

    The Top

    Good Food, Good Folks, Good Times

    30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA

    352-337-1188

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The Swamp Restaurant

    The Swamp Restaurant

    Delicious food menu, amazing drinks, and nice friendly staff.

    1642 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA

    352-377-9267

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. The Midnight

    The Midnight

    Craft Beer, Wine, and Great Food!

    223 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA

    352-672-6113

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. Mother’s Pub & Grill

    Mothers Pub Grill

    Home to 22 TVs including 3 Projector Screens. Showing all sporting events@

    1017 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA

    352-378-8135

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  8. Salty Dog

    Salty Dog

    This place serves cold beers, fantastic drinks and they got really awesome bartenders!

    1712 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA

    352-375-6969

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  9. Grog

    beer

    "A Gainesville tradition since 1996"

    1718 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA

    352-378-7033

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Blue Gill Quality Foods

    Blue Gill Quality Foods

    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.

    1310 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA

    352-872-5181

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Durty Nelly’s

    Dirty Nelly bar

    Nelly's is by far the best Irish Bar in town featuring Irish Music through out the week. Many of the locals call Nelly's their place away from home.

    208 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA

    352-374-9567

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Pearl Country Store & Barbecue

    Pearl Country Store Barbecue

    "Convenience combined with country charm!"

    106 NE Hwy 441, Micanopy, FL 32667, USA

    352-466-4025

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  13. Reggae Shack

    Reggae Shack

    Using cooking techniques, ingredients, and spices firmly based in Jamaican tradition!

    619 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA

    352-377-5464

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Relish

    Relish burger

    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.

    1702 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA

    352-692-4400

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Mi Apa Latin Cafe

    Mi Apa Latin Cafe

    Mi Apá specializes in delicious, authentic Cuban cuisine. Classic recipes are prepared the same way they have been for generations!

    114 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32607, USA

    352-376-7020

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Sonny’s BBQ

    Sonnys BBQ

    Slow smokin' in a fast-paced world.

    3635 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA

    352-375-6667

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  17. Peach Valley Cafè

    Peach Valley Cafe

    A place to come for delicious breakfast and lunch served with a friendly smile.

    3275 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA

    386-677-1167

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  18. Italian Gator Pizza

    Italian Gator Pizza

    Great quality pizza at a reasonable price.

    1728 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA

    352-367-4600

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  19. 4 Rivers Smokehouse

    Rivers Smokehouse

    Something savory, something sweet. More ways than one to get your fill.

    1600 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA

    844-474-8377

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  20. Ballyhoo Grill

    Ballyhoo Grill

    At Ballyhoo Grill we serve the freshest Seafood, Steaks, Oysters and Sushi available.

    3700 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607, USA

    352-373-0059

    Bar website

    asian - steakhouse - $$

  21. Satchel’s Pizza

    Satchels Pizza

    Great food in a beautiful atmosphere!

    1800 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609, USA

    352-335-7272.

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  22. Mark’s Prime Steakhouse

    Marks Prime Steakhouse

    Mark’s Prime Steakhouse has a goal to create a unique dining experience that will please the palate and soothe the soul.

    201 SE 2nd Ave #102, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA

    352-336-0077

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$