2017 Football Game Day Initiatives
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 | General, Football, Ticket Office
The University Athletic Association would like to inform fans of several initiatives in place for the 2017 season.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida is back in The Swamp on Saturday for the Fresh from Florida Sunshine Showdown against in-state rival Florida State. ESPN will broadcast the game at 12 p.m., with Anthony Becht, Beth Mowins and Rocky Boiman on the call.
More information on the Fresh from Florida Sunshine Showdown
Florida and Florida State both enter the Sunshine Showdown with a losing record (4-6) for just the second time in the storied history of this rivalry. Last season, FSU claimed a 31-13 victory in Tallahassee, Fla.
FLORIDA vs. FSU PROMOTIONS
Senior Day Festivities
20 Florida football players will take part in Senior Day festivities on Saturday prior to UF's regular season finale against in-state rival FSU.
Florida's seniors have been a part of two SEC Eastern Division titles, and compiled a 30-19 (.612) record including a 20-12 (.625) mark in SEC play.
Make sure to arrive to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium early, as the Senior Day ceremony is set to begin at 11:50 a.m.
A complete list of seniors can be found here.
**NEW FOR 2017**
Food Trucks and VIP Tailgating
The Gator Walk Village, a premium tailgate set up, along with Gator Walk and food trucks will add to the pre-game atmosphere on the North Lawn in between University Avenue and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Partnering with the Tailgate Guys for the fifth season, 14 shaded tents will be set up along Gator Walk and provided a turnkey tailgating experience. Fans will also be able to enjoy such food truck options as Cilantro Tacos, Vanarchy Sandwiches, Monsta Lobsta, Latin American Fusion, Kona Ice and more. Participating vendors will vary each week and open about three hours before kickoff.
Nursing Station Information
Nursing mothers will have an exclusive space inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to tend to their children in privacy. The new Nursing Suite is located behind between Gates 15 and 16, and is a female-only space for nursing mothers or women bottle-feeding children. Men, affiliated with a nursing woman, or need to bottle-feed a child, are permitted in the lobby of the suite, where there will be two chars available for them.
The suite will be staffed with an attendant from the UF Pharmacy School or a Gator Guest Services Game Day Ambassador at all times.
Parents can access the Nursing Suite 90 minutes prior to kickoff, in line with regular stadium entry, and will close 20 minutes after the conclusion of a game. Guests still actively utilizing the space are welcomed to stay until finished.
Attendees can store express/pumped milk in a refrigerator conveniently located inside the suite. All stored milk must be labeled with the individual's first and last name, with a phone number than can be reached on game day.
Game day storage for a 'pump bag' will also be available for patrons. These bags will be held behind the reception desk, but will not be in locked spaces.
Nursing mothers are still welcome to nurse their child in any public space inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, but can visit the Nursing Suite or any First Aid Room for a more private location.
Stadium Upgrades
The UAA has collaborated with Daktronics to install 15mm HD LED ribbon boards above the North and South Endzones. Fans can expect to see game clock information, down and distance, statistics, scores from other games, etc. In addition, the wing walls inside the stadium have also been updated to display UF's many conference and national championships.
First Chomp in The Swamp
The University Athletic Association has selected seven Florida football fans who have never visited Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to attend a game at the UAA's expense. Each of the contestants and a guest will receive an all-expense paid trip to Gainesville (one hotel room, two round-trip flights, and two tickets to the game) to see one of the seven home football games this fall.
Alicia Jarmillo (Northern Colorado), Jackson Kewitsch (Tennessee), Jacqueline Balk (Vanderbilt), Patrick Letellier (LSU), Alura Romero (Texas A&M), Cleveland McGill (UAB) and Jeremy Edgeworth (Florida State).
**BACK FOR 2017**
University Avenue Road Closure
Public safety officials with the City of Gainesville and University of Florida are expected to ensure the safety of all Gainesville-area residents and visitors, especially on UF Football Game Days. For each home football game, officials will make changes to the traffic flow of West University Avenue to ensure the highest level of safety to everyone in the area. The complete release with maps is available via the full release from GPD.
Beginning three hours before kickoff, West University Avenue will be CLOSED between Gale Lemerand Drive and NW 17th Street. West University Avenue will remain closed until up to two hours after the conclusion of the game. Fans with parking passes to enter the O'Connell Center parking lot will be able to access those areas from the west on University Avenue.
Clear Bag Policy
In the interest of fan safety, the University of Florida Athletic Association will continue to implement a clear bag policy for the 2017 football season.
In addition, the Southeastern Conference has implemented this security policy for all stadiums in the league beginning this season.
Approved Bags
Limited number of clear bags will be available at the BUBBA Burger Fan Fest and at the UAA marketing table.
Seat Upgrades on Sales
The UAA has partnered with a company called Experience. The UAA will be using Experience's Seat Upgrade Technology to enhance the fan experience for its football games this season. With the Experience Seat Upgrade App, Gators fans will be able to complete a simple purchase for a better seat than what they are currently sitting in at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The process is simple and the transaction takes place prior to gameday exclusively through the app.
Reminders for the 2017 season:
Personal seatbacks will not be permitted inside the stadium. Seat cushions that are no larger than 16", do not have pockets, and do not have a back are permitted.
Fans will still be able to utilize Gator Seatbacks while inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Football season ticket holders can purchase a seatback for the entire season, while non-season ticket holders can rent a seatback the day of the game.
For information about Gator Seatbacks, please visit UFGatorSeats.com or call 1-866-910-9287. For day of game rentals, Gator Seatbacks are available at kiosks located at Gates 3, 7, 16, and 18.
Charging Stations
In various locations throughout the stadium, fans will be able to plug in and recharge their mobile devices courtesy of the Gators new charging stations.
SEASON LONG INITIATIVES
Gator Walk
Scheduled for 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, the Gators will be dropped off at the corner of University and Gale Lemerand Drive and make their way into the North end of the stadium. Come join the band, cheerleaders, mascots and dazzlers to welcome the Gators!
#FloridaFriday and College Colors Day
Fans are encouraged to wear their Orange & Blue this Friday (and every Friday!) to show their support for the Gators.
Empty Water Bottle
Fans are permitted to bring one (1) commercially branded (i.e. Aquafina) EMPTY plastic water bottle, no larger than 20 oz. There are several water bottle filling stations inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Non-disposable water bottles, sport bottles, Nalgene-type bottles, cans, heavy plastic, glass bottles, and thermoses are NOT permitted in the Stadium. There are 12 water bottle refill stations throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Stadium Closure
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium closes on Thursday at noon during each game week to prepare for Saturday's game. The Swamp will remain closed until 90 minutes prior to kickoff each week.
BUBBA Burger Gator Fan Fest
Begins at 9:00 a.m. outside Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Various corporate partner will provide games & giveaways for fans.
Giveaways this weekend include...
The Gator Sport Shop will be located next to Gate 1 of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Gator IMG Sports Network pregame show will be playing on the brick patio outside Gate 2 of Exactech Arena.
Refillable Cup
Season ticket holders can purchase a refillable 22 oz. cup for $8 per game. The cups are available at all concession
Stadium Chair Honors POW-MIA Soldiers
It is a tribute, a cause that has been done in several stadiums around the country. "It's great that it's finally getting done here," Randall Martin said. Martin, 32, is a veteran of the U.S. Marines. He did three tours of Iraq. He is now a UF student, but also has been a point player in the University of Florida's Collegiate Veterans Society's endeavor of putting a "Chair of Honor" in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to honor POW and MIA soldiers. His work and that of his colleagues at CVS officially came to fruition in UF's 2016 opener against UMass when a seat in the stadium concourse near Gate 16.
Free Drinks and Popcorn in Premium Areas
Fans sitting in the Evans Champions Club or Holloway Touchdown Terrace can now add free soda and popcorn to the list of their game day amenities. These items will be available throughout each home game from a designated stand in each premium area. (NOTE: free beverages will not be in souvenir cups).
Complimentary Sunscreen
There will be free sunscreen for fans attending football games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium available at the Guest Service Kiosks at Gates 2, 7 and 16.
Gators Text for Tix
The Gator Ticket Office and ReplyBuy have entered into a partnership that will enable Gator fans to instantly purchase tickets and merchandise with a quick text message. The program, referred to as Gators Text for Tix, will allow fans that sign up to receive exclusive access to limited, last-minute tickets and Gator merchandise.
Happy Birthday and First Gator Game Pins
Available for all fans at Gator Guest Services booths located around the stadium.
University Preparedness and Guidelines on Zika
The University of Florida continues to monitor the spread of the Zika virus, working closely with local and state Department of Health officials. The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Follow the CDC guidelines which include using EPA-registered insect repellant when outdoors and wearing protective clothing. On campus, UF is working to reduce mosquitoes including treatment of standing water bodies. For more information including preparedness tips and guidelines, visit zika.ufl.edu.
More information on the Fresh from Florida Sunshine Showdown
Florida and Florida State both enter the Sunshine Showdown with a losing record (4-6) for just the second time in the storied history of this rivalry. Last season, FSU claimed a 31-13 victory in Tallahassee, Fla.
FLORIDA vs. FSU PROMOTIONS
- Florida will celebrate its 20 seniors prior to kickoff.
- The Pride of the Sunshine Marching Band and Florida's spirit squads will be performing pregame and at halftime for fans.
- Tom Petty Tribute: At the end of the third quarter, after the UF band plays "We Are the Boys from Old Florida" and fans lock arms and sway as they sing the UF spirit song, Petty's famous tune "I Won't Back Down" will sound across Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to honor a local legend treasured by Gator Nation and far beyond.
This one's for you, @TomPetty. pic.twitter.com/OMUwJOnAgS
— Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) October 7, 2017
Senior Day Festivities
20 Florida football players will take part in Senior Day festivities on Saturday prior to UF's regular season finale against in-state rival FSU.
Florida's seniors have been a part of two SEC Eastern Division titles, and compiled a 30-19 (.612) record including a 20-12 (.625) mark in SEC play.
Make sure to arrive to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium early, as the Senior Day ceremony is set to begin at 11:50 a.m.
A complete list of seniors can be found here.
**NEW FOR 2017**
Food Trucks and VIP Tailgating
The Gator Walk Village, a premium tailgate set up, along with Gator Walk and food trucks will add to the pre-game atmosphere on the North Lawn in between University Avenue and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Partnering with the Tailgate Guys for the fifth season, 14 shaded tents will be set up along Gator Walk and provided a turnkey tailgating experience. Fans will also be able to enjoy such food truck options as Cilantro Tacos, Vanarchy Sandwiches, Monsta Lobsta, Latin American Fusion, Kona Ice and more. Participating vendors will vary each week and open about three hours before kickoff.
- Food Trucks Game-By-Game:
- Nov. 25 - Florida State
- Cilantro Tacos, Vanarchy Sandwiches, Monsta Lobsta, Kona Ice
- Nov. 25 - Florida State
Nursing Station Information
Nursing mothers will have an exclusive space inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to tend to their children in privacy. The new Nursing Suite is located behind between Gates 15 and 16, and is a female-only space for nursing mothers or women bottle-feeding children. Men, affiliated with a nursing woman, or need to bottle-feed a child, are permitted in the lobby of the suite, where there will be two chars available for them.
The suite will be staffed with an attendant from the UF Pharmacy School or a Gator Guest Services Game Day Ambassador at all times.
Parents can access the Nursing Suite 90 minutes prior to kickoff, in line with regular stadium entry, and will close 20 minutes after the conclusion of a game. Guests still actively utilizing the space are welcomed to stay until finished.
Attendees can store express/pumped milk in a refrigerator conveniently located inside the suite. All stored milk must be labeled with the individual's first and last name, with a phone number than can be reached on game day.
Game day storage for a 'pump bag' will also be available for patrons. These bags will be held behind the reception desk, but will not be in locked spaces.
Nursing mothers are still welcome to nurse their child in any public space inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, but can visit the Nursing Suite or any First Aid Room for a more private location.
Stadium Upgrades
The UAA has collaborated with Daktronics to install 15mm HD LED ribbon boards above the North and South Endzones. Fans can expect to see game clock information, down and distance, statistics, scores from other games, etc. In addition, the wing walls inside the stadium have also been updated to display UF's many conference and national championships.
- Southeast Corner: National Champions and Years
- Northwest Corner: SEC Champions and Years
- Northeast Corner: "This is… Gator Country"
- Southwest Corner: "This is… The Swamp"
- Each wing wall will be highlighted with back-lit lettering
First Chomp in The Swamp
The University Athletic Association has selected seven Florida football fans who have never visited Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to attend a game at the UAA's expense. Each of the contestants and a guest will receive an all-expense paid trip to Gainesville (one hotel room, two round-trip flights, and two tickets to the game) to see one of the seven home football games this fall.
Alicia Jarmillo (Northern Colorado), Jackson Kewitsch (Tennessee), Jacqueline Balk (Vanderbilt), Patrick Letellier (LSU), Alura Romero (Texas A&M), Cleveland McGill (UAB) and Jeremy Edgeworth (Florida State).
**BACK FOR 2017**
University Avenue Road Closure
Public safety officials with the City of Gainesville and University of Florida are expected to ensure the safety of all Gainesville-area residents and visitors, especially on UF Football Game Days. For each home football game, officials will make changes to the traffic flow of West University Avenue to ensure the highest level of safety to everyone in the area. The complete release with maps is available via the full release from GPD.
Beginning three hours before kickoff, West University Avenue will be CLOSED between Gale Lemerand Drive and NW 17th Street. West University Avenue will remain closed until up to two hours after the conclusion of the game. Fans with parking passes to enter the O'Connell Center parking lot will be able to access those areas from the west on University Avenue.
Clear Bag Policy
In the interest of fan safety, the University of Florida Athletic Association will continue to implement a clear bag policy for the 2017 football season.
In addition, the Southeastern Conference has implemented this security policy for all stadiums in the league beginning this season.
Approved Bags
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12"x6"x12"
- A logo no larger than 4.5"x 3.4" can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
- One-gallon clear, re-sealable plastic storage bag
- Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5"x6.5", approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap
- Medically necessary items (after proper inspection)
Limited number of clear bags will be available at the BUBBA Burger Fan Fest and at the UAA marketing table.
Seat Upgrades on Sales
The UAA has partnered with a company called Experience. The UAA will be using Experience's Seat Upgrade Technology to enhance the fan experience for its football games this season. With the Experience Seat Upgrade App, Gators fans will be able to complete a simple purchase for a better seat than what they are currently sitting in at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The process is simple and the transaction takes place prior to gameday exclusively through the app.
Reminders for the 2017 season:
Personal seatbacks will not be permitted inside the stadium. Seat cushions that are no larger than 16", do not have pockets, and do not have a back are permitted.
Fans will still be able to utilize Gator Seatbacks while inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Football season ticket holders can purchase a seatback for the entire season, while non-season ticket holders can rent a seatback the day of the game.
For information about Gator Seatbacks, please visit UFGatorSeats.com or call 1-866-910-9287. For day of game rentals, Gator Seatbacks are available at kiosks located at Gates 3, 7, 16, and 18.
Charging Stations
In various locations throughout the stadium, fans will be able to plug in and recharge their mobile devices courtesy of the Gators new charging stations.
SEASON LONG INITIATIVES
Gator Walk
Scheduled for 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, the Gators will be dropped off at the corner of University and Gale Lemerand Drive and make their way into the North end of the stadium. Come join the band, cheerleaders, mascots and dazzlers to welcome the Gators!
#FloridaFriday and College Colors Day
Fans are encouraged to wear their Orange & Blue this Friday (and every Friday!) to show their support for the Gators.
Empty Water Bottle
Fans are permitted to bring one (1) commercially branded (i.e. Aquafina) EMPTY plastic water bottle, no larger than 20 oz. There are several water bottle filling stations inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Non-disposable water bottles, sport bottles, Nalgene-type bottles, cans, heavy plastic, glass bottles, and thermoses are NOT permitted in the Stadium. There are 12 water bottle refill stations throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Stadium Closure
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium closes on Thursday at noon during each game week to prepare for Saturday's game. The Swamp will remain closed until 90 minutes prior to kickoff each week.
BUBBA Burger Gator Fan Fest
Begins at 9:00 a.m. outside Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Various corporate partner will provide games & giveaways for fans.
Giveaways this weekend include...
- Pepsi: Sampling products
- Comfort Temp: Sling grips, clear bags, towels, key chains, lip balm, wigs, coozies
- UAA Marketing Tent: Posters & schedule cards
- Hyundai: Sunglasses
- Nissan: Sunglasses, rally towels, car flags
- Davis Chevy: T-shirts, jello molds, 2-Bits Magazines, coupons
- SunTrust: Koozies
- Toys R US: Toys
- Bixler Jewelry: Promo gift cards
- Winn Dixie: Trading cards, t-shirts
- MTV: Small food samples
- Geico: Sunglasses, koozies, t-shirts, headbands
- Tower Hill: Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, lip balm
- Florida Lottery: Lottery tickets
- Allstate: Sunglasses
- Florida Blue: Sunglasses and towels
The Gator Sport Shop will be located next to Gate 1 of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Gator IMG Sports Network pregame show will be playing on the brick patio outside Gate 2 of Exactech Arena.
Refillable Cup
Season ticket holders can purchase a refillable 22 oz. cup for $8 per game. The cups are available at all concession
Stadium Chair Honors POW-MIA Soldiers
It is a tribute, a cause that has been done in several stadiums around the country. "It's great that it's finally getting done here," Randall Martin said. Martin, 32, is a veteran of the U.S. Marines. He did three tours of Iraq. He is now a UF student, but also has been a point player in the University of Florida's Collegiate Veterans Society's endeavor of putting a "Chair of Honor" in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to honor POW and MIA soldiers. His work and that of his colleagues at CVS officially came to fruition in UF's 2016 opener against UMass when a seat in the stadium concourse near Gate 16.
Free Drinks and Popcorn in Premium Areas
Fans sitting in the Evans Champions Club or Holloway Touchdown Terrace can now add free soda and popcorn to the list of their game day amenities. These items will be available throughout each home game from a designated stand in each premium area. (NOTE: free beverages will not be in souvenir cups).
Complimentary Sunscreen
There will be free sunscreen for fans attending football games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium available at the Guest Service Kiosks at Gates 2, 7 and 16.
Gators Text for Tix
The Gator Ticket Office and ReplyBuy have entered into a partnership that will enable Gator fans to instantly purchase tickets and merchandise with a quick text message. The program, referred to as Gators Text for Tix, will allow fans that sign up to receive exclusive access to limited, last-minute tickets and Gator merchandise.
Happy Birthday and First Gator Game Pins
Available for all fans at Gator Guest Services booths located around the stadium.
University Preparedness and Guidelines on Zika
The University of Florida continues to monitor the spread of the Zika virus, working closely with local and state Department of Health officials. The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Follow the CDC guidelines which include using EPA-registered insect repellant when outdoors and wearing protective clothing. On campus, UF is working to reduce mosquitoes including treatment of standing water bodies. For more information including preparedness tips and guidelines, visit zika.ufl.edu.
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