Florida Basketball to Open 2016-17 Season in Jacksonville
Thursday, June 16, 2016 | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
The men and women will play a doubleheader. Men slated for two games in Jacksonville.
The Florida men's basketball team will tip off the 2016-17 season with a pair of games in Jacksonville at the Veterans Memorial Arena, facing Belmont on Friday, Nov. 11, and Mercer on Sunday, Nov. 13. Times and television information will be announced when available.
"Jacksonville will be a fantastic place to open our season," head coach Mike White said. "The Gators have a great history of playing in the city and it's close to home. Jacksonville and Duval County have a huge amount of Florida fans and alumni, so we'll be excited to have their support as we face two really high-caliber opponents."
Tickets will go on sale in August via JAXSPORTS.com.
Friday's game will be the second half of a doubleheader with the Florida women's basketball team, which will open its season against South Alabama.
"We are always delighted to welcome the Gators to Jacksonville," said Mayor Lenny Curry. "We have a long tradition of serving and hosting Gators' football fans in our city, and look forward to the opportunity to create an exciting and enjoyable experience for basketball enthusiasts."
"It is an honor for Jacksonville to be able to host the Gators as the team kicks off its 2016-17 basketball season," said JAXSPORTS Council Chairman Charlie Tomm. "The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena is a first-class facility that is truly second to none. The JAXSPORTS Council is dedicated to making sure this event is a memorable one for the team, the fans and our city."
Belmont posted a 20-12 record (12-4 Ohio Valley) in 2015-16 and advanced to the NIT. Florida has squared off with Belmont once previously, a 107-55 Gator victory in Gainesville on Dec. 30, 2001.
Mercer posted a 19-15 record (8-10 Southern Conference) last season. This will mark the 13th meeting between Florida and Mercer, but the first time since 1979. Mercer leads the all-time series, 7-5, with 10 of the prior contests taking place before 1940.
Florida's women hold a 5-3 all-time record against South Alabama, including a 72-60 victory in Mobile last season.
With the $64.5 million renovation of Exactech Arena at the O'Connell Center scheduled for December completion, the Gators will be playing early-season games in other locations. The team has already announced its participation Orlando's Advocare Classic over Thanksgiving and the Jimmy V Classic vs. Duke in New York City. Florida will also make its annual trip south to compete in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise, Fla., with details to be announced at a later date.
This will mark the second straight season opening the season outside of Gainesville, with head coach Mike White making his Florida debut at Navy last season.
"Jacksonville will be a fantastic place to open our season," head coach Mike White said. "The Gators have a great history of playing in the city and it's close to home. Jacksonville and Duval County have a huge amount of Florida fans and alumni, so we'll be excited to have their support as we face two really high-caliber opponents."
Tickets will go on sale in August via JAXSPORTS.com.
Friday's game will be the second half of a doubleheader with the Florida women's basketball team, which will open its season against South Alabama.
"We are always delighted to welcome the Gators to Jacksonville," said Mayor Lenny Curry. "We have a long tradition of serving and hosting Gators' football fans in our city, and look forward to the opportunity to create an exciting and enjoyable experience for basketball enthusiasts."
"It is an honor for Jacksonville to be able to host the Gators as the team kicks off its 2016-17 basketball season," said JAXSPORTS Council Chairman Charlie Tomm. "The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena is a first-class facility that is truly second to none. The JAXSPORTS Council is dedicated to making sure this event is a memorable one for the team, the fans and our city."
Belmont posted a 20-12 record (12-4 Ohio Valley) in 2015-16 and advanced to the NIT. Florida has squared off with Belmont once previously, a 107-55 Gator victory in Gainesville on Dec. 30, 2001.
Mercer posted a 19-15 record (8-10 Southern Conference) last season. This will mark the 13th meeting between Florida and Mercer, but the first time since 1979. Mercer leads the all-time series, 7-5, with 10 of the prior contests taking place before 1940.
Florida's women hold a 5-3 all-time record against South Alabama, including a 72-60 victory in Mobile last season.
With the $64.5 million renovation of Exactech Arena at the O'Connell Center scheduled for December completion, the Gators will be playing early-season games in other locations. The team has already announced its participation Orlando's Advocare Classic over Thanksgiving and the Jimmy V Classic vs. Duke in New York City. Florida will also make its annual trip south to compete in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise, Fla., with details to be announced at a later date.
This will mark the second straight season opening the season outside of Gainesville, with head coach Mike White making his Florida debut at Navy last season.
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