The first Orange & Blue Game with Dan Mullen as Florida's head coach is on Saturday afternoon at The Swamp. (File photo)
#WeChompWeekend / #OBGame presented by Sunniland Details
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 | General, Football, Ticket Office
Florida’s football team will play its annual spring game inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Official Facebook Event | IMG Spring Football Digital Guide
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – It's going to be a sun's-out, fun Saturday on April 14 for the 2018 Orange & Blue Game, presented by Sunniland. Gator Nation has been encouraged to "Pack The Swamp" as new head coach Dan Mullen ushers in a new era of Florida football at 3 p.m. ET on that day.
With free admission and the game being played on a Saturday afternoon for the first time since 2015, fans can expect to experience a real Gators game day.
The North lawn outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will feature many new and renovated ideas from previous years:
Meanwhile inside The Swamp during the game, fans are encouraged to participate & help create a fall gameday atmosphere:
Complete details for all of these attractions are listed below.
Over the course of that weekend (April 13-15), Florida's campus will feature seven different Gator sports competing, highlighted by the first Orange & Blue Game presented by Sunniland, under Coach Mullen at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 14.
#WeChompWeekend / #OBGame
Fans attending any UF event on Saturday, April 14 are encouraged to use their clear bag as that policy will be in effect at BHG Stadium for the spring game.
GATES
Gates 1-4, 7, 12, 15 and 18 will open at 1:15 p.m. The Skybox lobby and Evans Champions Club lobby will open at 1:15 p.m. for fans with a ticket to the luxury areas.
PARKING
UNIVERSITY AVENUE ROAD CLOSURE
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.
GATOR WALK
Scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on the north end of the stadium. In addition to players and coaches, former Gators and their families will take part in Gator Walk.
These individuals will enter the walk prior to the current team and lead them into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
PEP RALLY
Fans will see a small stage at the end of Gator Walk, which will be used by Coach Mullen and UF's Band & Spirit Squads to host a small pep rally for fans prior to the team entering the stadium.
BUBBA Burger FAN FEST
Fans are encouraged to stop by The BUBBA Burger Fan Fest on the North Lawn of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, from 12-3 p.m. for giveaways and interactive games from our partners Cabana Beach, Chuy's, Comfort Temp, Davis Chevrolet, Domino's, Florida Credit Union, Florida Farm Bureau, Great Clips, Nissan, Pepsi, Regions, Sunniland, TowerHill, UF MBA, UF Health and West 20.
This year's Fan Fest will also feature a Big Green Egg Cookoff. There will be eight contestants cooking their favorite Big Green Egg recipe on a Big Green Egg. The winner will be announced at 1:30 p.m.
Regarding the Davis Chevrolet Football Challenge Halftime Contest, fans will have an opportunity to compete at halftime to win a 2018 Davis Chevy Silverado.
One lucky fan will be selected to participate, but they must enter during at Fan Fest under the Davis Chevrolet tent.
In addition, there will be a at halftime.
The first ten student groups to will be granted a team. In addition, two alternates will be selected. If selected, that group must check-in at a table located behind Section A. The entire student group must be present in order to check-in and participate.
That process will begin with 10 minutes left in the second quarter.
Contests Include:
GATOR WALK GARDEN
This will be a controlled environment located on the North Lawn to the East & North side of Gator Walk that includes the sale of national and local beer options.
All fans who enter will have their identification checked, as no one under 21 years of age will be allowed to enter. Alcohol sales will begin at noon and shut down at 2:45 p.m.
GREAT GATOR YARD SALE
With Gator Nation aware of the upcoming change from Nike to Jordan Brand for Florida's Football, Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball teams, the Gator Sportshop will be having a yard sale to unload its Nike inventory to fans who arrive early.
Sales begin at 9 a.m.
Items include t-shirts, shorts, jackets, jerseys and even helmets that could range from 20% - 75% off retail price.
Don't miss out and check out the Gator Sportshop on the North Lawn pregame, near Gate 9.
FOOD TRUCKS
The Gator Walk Village, a premium tailgate set up, along with Gator Walk and food trucks will add to the pregame atmosphere on University Avenue on the North end of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Who's coming?
GATOR UPGRADES
Fans will have the opportunity to purchase a unique opportunity surrounding the Orange & Blue Debut through – Postgame Field Access.
Fans will have the chance to walk the on part of Florida Field and take photos following the conclusion of the game after the team has cleared the field.
As the University of Florida and Tailgate Guys finish up its fifth year as partners, there is a new offer for fans interested in tailgating at the 2018 Orange & Blue Game. Similar to the 2017 season, Gator fans can tailgate right outside of the North Endzone at the Gator Walk Village.
The mission is to provide a superior service to the game-day fan as they would for any home game in the fall.
Fans can reserve their tailgate by calling (352) 375-2222 or email UF@TailgateGuys.com. On Saturday, April 14, the tailgate lot will be open at 9:00 a.m. and close at kickoff
In the interest of fan safety, the University of Florida Athletic Association will continue to implement a for the 2018 Orange & Blue Game.
Approved Bags
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.
GUEST COACHES
Florida alums Gary Condron and Bill Heavener will serve as Guest Coaches for Saturday's Orange and Blue Game. Condron was a member of the 1974 Gator baseball team and graduated from UF in 1976 with a degree in Building Construction. Heavener holds a BBSA from the University of Florida and is a graduate of the Harvard Business school OBM.
TELEVISION
For fans unable to make the game on April 14, tune into SEC Network at 3 p.m. to see all the action.
2018 SEASON TICKETS
Tickets are $380 per seat plus the Gator Booster contribution which varies based on seat location.
Buying Tickets
Fans can purchase tickets in one of three ways:
Follow the on twitter at @GatorsTix for all the latest information on Gator tickets.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – It's going to be a sun's-out, fun Saturday on April 14 for the 2018 Orange & Blue Game, presented by Sunniland. Gator Nation has been encouraged to "Pack The Swamp" as new head coach Dan Mullen ushers in a new era of Florida football at 3 p.m. ET on that day.
With free admission and the game being played on a Saturday afternoon for the first time since 2015, fans can expect to experience a real Gators game day.
The North lawn outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will feature many new and renovated ideas from previous years:
- Gator Walk
- Former players and their families will participate in Gator Walk with team at 1 p.m.
- Gator Walk Village
- Pep rally at the end of Gator Walk with Coach Mullen addressing the crowd
- Tailgate Guys tents in the North Endzone
- BUBBA Burger Fan Fest
- Gator Walk Garden
- Controlled environment with appropriate oversight that includes the sale of national brand and local beer options
- Opens at noon and closes at 2:45 p.m.
- Controlled environment with appropriate oversight that includes the sale of national brand and local beer options
- Big Green Egg Cookoff Contest
- Great Gator Yard Sale of Gator Gear
- Located at Gate 9
- Food Trucks (listed below) Located on the North end of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will open at noon
- Soup to Nuts; Mayflower Cellars; Latin American Fusion; Dank Cakes; Kona Ice; Monsta Lobsta
Meanwhile inside The Swamp during the game, fans are encouraged to participate & help create a fall gameday atmosphere:
- The Pride of Sunshine
- Florida's Marching Band will be in attendance and play throughout the game from the stands
- Davis Chevrolet Football Challenge Halftime Contest
- One lucky fan will be selected to participate, but they must enter during at Fan Fest under the Davis Chevrolet tent.
- That individual will throw balls at a target located in the bed of the Silverado to win various prizes. If he or she hits it from the final distance, than they will win the vehicle.
- Prize contest rules can be found here.
- Halftime Student Contest
- Entry Process:
- The first ten student groups to will be granted a team. In addition, two alternates will be selected.
- Check-In:
- If selected, that group must check-in at a table located behind Section A. The entire student group must be present in order to check-in and participate.
- That process will begin with eight minutes left in the second quarter.
- If selected, that group must check-in at a table located behind Section A. The entire student group must be present in order to check-in and participate.
- Check-In:
- The first ten student groups to will be granted a team. In addition, two alternates will be selected.
- Contests Include:
- Dizzy Bat Race - Middle North Starting at 10 Yard Line
- Water Balloon Toss – Northwest Corner
- Obstacle Course – Southwest Corner
- Punt Contest – Northeast Corner
- All contestants will compete the punt contest individually, as a Gators Football Punter will kick a ball from the back of the Northeast Endzone to the waiting contestant at the 30 yard line. If the contestant catches the punt, they will earn 10 points.
- Scoring:
- The Top 3 finishers on each event will earn the following number of points for their team.
- 3rd: 5 points
- 2nd: 8 points
- 1st: 10 points
- Entry Process:
- The Gators will enter the field for the game through the SEZ tunnel just as they would for a game in the fall
- The teams will have split sidelines with #TeamOrange on one sideline & #TeamBlue on the other
- The format of the game will be four quarters, with the first half running exactly like a regular game
- The second half will feature a running clock in order to finish the contest by 5 p.m.
- Fans wanting a little extra from their trip to the Swamp can walk the field following the game through Gator Upgrades
Complete details for all of these attractions are listed below.
Over the course of that weekend (April 13-15), Florida's campus will feature seven different Gator sports competing, highlighted by the first Orange & Blue Game presented by Sunniland, under Coach Mullen at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 14.
#WeChompWeekend / #OBGame
- Friday, April 13
- Saturday, April 14
- Sunday, April 15
Fans attending any UF event on Saturday, April 14 are encouraged to use their clear bag as that policy will be in effect at BHG Stadium for the spring game.
"We're selling tickets for the spring game for zero dollars and zero cents. Bring a neighbor who has never been there before. I'm going to be there going as hard as I can." -- @CoachDanMullen
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) February 27, 2018
Jacksonville Event Recap via @GatorsScott: https://t.co/YVm9KomJNx#GoGators pic.twitter.com/0BtN82pB10
GATES
Gates 1-4, 7, 12, 15 and 18 will open at 1:15 p.m. The Skybox lobby and Evans Champions Club lobby will open at 1:15 p.m. for fans with a ticket to the luxury areas.
PARKING
- All parking on campus will be open and available starting at 8 a.m., which is consistent with the time that lots open on a fall game day.
- Public parking lots are very limited around the Stadium. All lots that are not reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis. As always, parking on the grass and sidewalks is NOT permitted and any vehicles doing so are at risk of being towed.
- Public Parking Lots
- Open first-come, first-served
- All lots available starting at 8 AM:
- Flavet Field
- Fraternity Row
- Law School
- Percy Beard Track
- Reitz Union garage
- Commuter parking lot on Gale Lemerand Drive
- Public Parking Lots
- FREE Shuttle buses start at 12:30 p.m. from the commuter parking lot on Gale Lemerand Drive
- Lacrosse and Softball fans FREE shuttle starts at 1 p.m. from the UF Cultural Plaza parking lot (across the street from Southwest Rec Center by the parking garage)
- Flavet Field will be available for parking for the Orange & Blue Game presented by Sunniland and the baseball game taking place on Saturday, April 14.
- In an effort to tighten security around the stadium, starting 2.5 hours prior to kickoff, no vehicular traffic will be allowed on Lemerand Drive between University Avenue and Stadium Road. The closure will remain in effect until the end of the game.
- The reserved parking on campus is a benefit for Gator Boosters at the Scholarship Partner contribution level and above. Those boosters will receive an email to RSVP and request a parking pass by a specific deadline date.
- Lots 1, 2, 3, S & T.
UNIVERSITY AVENUE ROAD CLOSURE
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.
GATOR WALK
Scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on the north end of the stadium. In addition to players and coaches, former Gators and their families will take part in Gator Walk.
These individuals will enter the walk prior to the current team and lead them into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
PEP RALLY
Fans will see a small stage at the end of Gator Walk, which will be used by Coach Mullen and UF's Band & Spirit Squads to host a small pep rally for fans prior to the team entering the stadium.
BUBBA Burger FAN FEST
Fans are encouraged to stop by The BUBBA Burger Fan Fest on the North Lawn of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, from 12-3 p.m. for giveaways and interactive games from our partners Cabana Beach, Chuy's, Comfort Temp, Davis Chevrolet, Domino's, Florida Credit Union, Florida Farm Bureau, Great Clips, Nissan, Pepsi, Regions, Sunniland, TowerHill, UF MBA, UF Health and West 20.
This year's Fan Fest will also feature a Big Green Egg Cookoff. There will be eight contestants cooking their favorite Big Green Egg recipe on a Big Green Egg. The winner will be announced at 1:30 p.m.
Regarding the Davis Chevrolet Football Challenge Halftime Contest, fans will have an opportunity to compete at halftime to win a 2018 Davis Chevy Silverado.
One lucky fan will be selected to participate, but they must enter during at Fan Fest under the Davis Chevrolet tent.
In addition, there will be a at halftime.
The first ten student groups to will be granted a team. In addition, two alternates will be selected. If selected, that group must check-in at a table located behind Section A. The entire student group must be present in order to check-in and participate.
That process will begin with 10 minutes left in the second quarter.
Contests Include:
- Dizzy Bat Race - Middle North Starting at 10 Yard Line
- The Dizzy Bat race will feature four contestants from each group. The race will be like a relay race. The bats will be placed on the opposite 30 yard line. The contestants will race from the 10 yard line to the 30, spin around 5 times and then return to the 10 yard line. The next contestant up will then race to the 30 yard line, and so on until all contestants have gone.
- Water Balloon Toss – Northwest Corner
- The water balloon toss will feature 2 contestants from each group. They will begin at the back of the endzone with one contestant on the back of the goal line. After each toss, the contestant on the field side will move back 5 yards. Each toss will be coordinated, and called out. If the balloon drops for any reason that team is disqualified. The winner will be the team that completes the furthest throw. If teams all fail on the final throw, there will be multiple winners.
- Obstacle Course – Southwest Corner
- The Obstacle Course will feature two contestants from each group. All contestants will compete the obstacle course individually, but the winning contestant will represent their group.
- The Obstacle course will be as follows:
- Must complete the ladder with two feet in each hole
- They will then run 5 yards
- They will fight through two dummies positioned next to each other
- Following that they will be required to catch a football
- Then run 10 yards to a hula hoop
- The Obstacle course will be as follows:
- Each contestant will receive one try & if they drop the football they must pick it up before sprinting to the hula hoop.
- Each contestant will be timed, and the fastest time will determine the winner.
- The Obstacle Course will feature two contestants from each group. All contestants will compete the obstacle course individually, but the winning contestant will represent their group.
- Punt Contest – Northeast Corner
- The Punt Contest will feature one contestant from each group. All contestants will compete the punt contest individually, but the winning contestant will represent their group.
To complete the punt Contest, a Gators Football Punter will kick a ball from the back of the Northeast Endzone to the waiting contestant at the 30 yard line. Each contestant will get one try to catch the punt. If they miss the punt, they will then return to the East Sideline to cheer on their fellow contestants. If they catch the punt, they will earn 10 points towards their teams overall score, before heading to the East Sideline.
- The Punt Contest will feature one contestant from each group. All contestants will compete the punt contest individually, but the winning contestant will represent their group.
- The Top 3 finishers on each event will earn the following number of points for their team.
- 3rd: 5 points
- 2nd: 8 points
- 1st: 10 points
- Any contestant who catches the punt will automatically get 10 points for their respective team. Bat Race - Northeast Corner
GATOR WALK GARDEN
This will be a controlled environment located on the North Lawn to the East & North side of Gator Walk that includes the sale of national and local beer options.
All fans who enter will have their identification checked, as no one under 21 years of age will be allowed to enter. Alcohol sales will begin at noon and shut down at 2:45 p.m.
GREAT GATOR YARD SALE
With Gator Nation aware of the upcoming change from Nike to Jordan Brand for Florida's Football, Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball teams, the Gator Sportshop will be having a yard sale to unload its Nike inventory to fans who arrive early.
Sales begin at 9 a.m.
Items include t-shirts, shorts, jackets, jerseys and even helmets that could range from 20% - 75% off retail price.
Don't miss out and check out the Gator Sportshop on the North Lawn pregame, near Gate 9.
FOOD TRUCKS
The Gator Walk Village, a premium tailgate set up, along with Gator Walk and food trucks will add to the pregame atmosphere on University Avenue on the North end of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Who's coming?
- Soup to Nuts; Mayflower Cellars; Latin American Fusion; Dank Cakes; Kona Ice; Monsta Lobsta
Reminder:
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 11, 2018
? Food Trucks
? Arrive Early
Additional #WeChompWeekend Details: https://t.co/ADY3prHLCv pic.twitter.com/1hIHNbFGIO
GATOR UPGRADES
Fans will have the opportunity to purchase a unique opportunity surrounding the Orange & Blue Debut through – Postgame Field Access.
Fans will have the chance to walk the on part of Florida Field and take photos following the conclusion of the game after the team has cleared the field.
As the University of Florida and Tailgate Guys finish up its fifth year as partners, there is a new offer for fans interested in tailgating at the 2018 Orange & Blue Game. Similar to the 2017 season, Gator fans can tailgate right outside of the North Endzone at the Gator Walk Village.
The mission is to provide a superior service to the game-day fan as they would for any home game in the fall.
Fans can reserve their tailgate by calling (352) 375-2222 or email UF@TailgateGuys.com. On Saturday, April 14, the tailgate lot will be open at 9:00 a.m. and close at kickoff
In the interest of fan safety, the University of Florida Athletic Association will continue to implement a for the 2018 Orange & Blue Game.
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)
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.
GUEST COACHES
Florida alums Gary Condron and Bill Heavener will serve as Guest Coaches for Saturday's Orange and Blue Game. Condron was a member of the 1974 Gator baseball team and graduated from UF in 1976 with a degree in Building Construction. Heavener holds a BBSA from the University of Florida and is a graduate of the Harvard Business school OBM.
TELEVISION
For fans unable to make the game on April 14, tune into SEC Network at 3 p.m. to see all the action.
?? April 14 at 3 PM - FREE ADMISSION pic.twitter.com/kb0pYUrSQE
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) March 11, 2018
2018 SEASON TICKETS
Tickets are $380 per seat plus the Gator Booster contribution which varies based on seat location.
Buying Tickets
Fans can purchase tickets in one of three ways:
- Visit floridagators.com/tickets and purchase online
- Purchase via phone by calling the Gators Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683 or (800) 344-2867 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit a ticket office representative at the Gators Ticket Office in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Follow the on twitter at @GatorsTix for all the latest information on Gator tickets.
Game Time presented by Tower Hill Insurance (October 18, 2025)
Saturday, October 18
Road to Gameday: Florida Soccer
Saturday, October 18
Up Next presented by UF Health (October 17, 2025)
Friday, October 17
Aaron Chiles Media Availability 10-15-25
Friday, October 17
