UF Students Show Support at Inaugural "Rally in the Swamp"
Monday, August 25, 2014 | General
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- As the sun started to set over Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sunday night, the home of the Gators lit up for the inaugural “Rally in the Swamp.”
The University of Florida Alumni Association and University Athletic Association welcomed students back to campus with a pep rally. The Gators hope the student section is as lively on Saturday for the season opener against Idaho.
An estimated 6,500 students turned out for the event attended by coaches and student-athletes from every team on campus.
Albert and Alberta showed up. The band played. The UF cheerleaders and dazzlers performed.
The Swamp came alive -- check out this photo gallery on GatorZone.com -- with football season only days away.
“The student body is what makes the atmosphere at all Florida sporting events great,'' said Alicia Longworth, assistant athletics director for marketing and promotions. “It's their energy and passion for the Gators that makes game-day traditions in The Swamp so special -- and tonight we started a new tradition.”
The 2014-15 Gators athletic season kicked off over the weekend with the Florida soccer team defeating Miami and South Florida to open the season.
The UF football team returns to practice Monday to begin game-week preparations for Idaho, and the UF volleyball team's season opener is Friday at the O'Connell Center.
If you were unable to attend the first “Rally in the Swamp” on Sunday, here is a look at the event via social media:
All smiles from #RallyintheSwamp Now let's Rally-Volleyball-Style in the O'Dome this weekend! pic.twitter.com/GVAC71VItp
— Mary Wise (@GatorMary) August 25, 2014
Gator Band thrills with the Game of Thrones theme. #RallyintheSwamp https://t.co/Q9MRxVCZYW
— Florida Gators (@GatorZoneNews) August 24, 2014
We are the boys... #RallyintheSwamp https://t.co/CUtTakZVTp
— Florida Gators (@GatorZoneNews) August 25, 2014
