Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – National Signing Day on Feb. 1 marks the three-month anniversary for Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin. He has been around long enough that we can begin to drop "new" in front of "athletic director" each time we mention his name.

Since he started Nov. 1, Stricklin has perhaps faced more questions about Florida's facilities than any other topic. Not surprising since the Gators are currently involved in another round of facility projects fresh off three major ventures over the past 18 months (indoor football practice facility, Hawkins Center and Exactech Arena).
 

Florida is working toward plans to build a stand-alone football facility and renovations of McKethan Stadium and Pressly Seashole Stadium.

As for Florida's most recognizable facility – Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, aka "The Swamp" – Stricklin has thoughts about it, too.

"You always have to be thinking what's next,'' Stricklin said Tuesday on Jacksonville radio station 1010XL-92.5 FM. "At the same time, we need to have an eye on 'The Swamp' because today's fan is different than the fan was 20, 25 years ago.

"What they want when they come to a ballgame is different from an amenity standpoint, and I think we always have to be looking ahead at our venues."

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has been the Gators' home since Florida Field opened in 1930. When there are 90,000 fans inside and the Gators make a big play, it's as loud as anywhere in college football.

Stricklin's vision is to keep it that way.

"We need to have a long-range plan at 'The Swamp' to make sure that Ben Hill Griffin remains an iconic venue in college football,'' Stricklin said. "People want to come where the facility itself has a buzz to it. Come up with something that is unique to Florida."

Stricklin has stressed the importance of fan experience and fan engagement in his brief time at UF. Those are catchphrases in college and professional sports these days as technological advances and other factors force organizations to adapt swiftly or get left behind.

What potential changes at BHGS would excite you as a fan? Chair-back seating? Improved wireless technology? Designated section in regular seats for an upgraded experience? More diverse food options? Larger video boards? A social media hub inside the stadium? A domed roof?

If you mention a roof, might have to ignore that one. Never seen a Swamp with a cover on it.

I'll post this blog to Facebook if you are interested in chiming in on the future of 'The Swamp.'

Meanwhile, Stricklin spoke at the Schulz Center on Tuesday night in Jacksonville as part of his mini-speaking tour around the state.

Also, here is his interview with host Frank Fergie on 1010XL-92.5 FM. And before we exit, Stricklin joined host Seth Harp on SportsRadio 930-AM, Florida's flagship station in Jacksonville, during his stop on Tuesday.