Florida-Charlotte: What You Need to Know
Thursday, September 21, 2023 | Football
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida football is back Saturday as the Gators will host the Charlotte 49ers during Tom Petty Day at The Swamp. Kickoff for the sold-out game is set for 7 p.m., and fans are encouraged to wear orange. This week's matchup between the Gators and the 49ers is presented by UF Health.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and to add Mobile Tickets to their digital wallet prior to heading to the stadium for faster and more efficient gate access.
The Gatorland Fan Fest will be located on the lawn outside Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center starting at 3:30 p.m. Fans can enjoy live music, a live broadcast of the Gators Sports Network pregame show as well as sponsorship giveaways. The first 2,000 fans to check in at The Gatorland Fan Fest will receive an orange Gators hand fan or an orange & blue shaker.
Once in the stadium, fans can enjoy connectivity with #GatorsWIFI, watch another game on the video scoreboards and make sure they are in place for all of the pre-game activities, including Mr. Two Bits, the mascot entrance, the Gators Marching Band and team entrance. Gators Always, Swamp Open, & Thunderstruck videos have a new look this season.
New look interactive photo stream: Fans can post their photos on social media with the #OnlyinTheSwamp for their chance to get their photo up on the Video Board!
Fans can swing by the Gator Sportshop to gear up with the latest Gators swag.
More Pre-Game Festivity Information
Enter the Gators 50|50 Raffle Now
Purchase your Swamp Moments Now
The new 4,000-square-foot Grab "N" Go Gators, located inside Gate 18, is the new and convenient way to enjoy Saturdays in the Swamp.
In partnership with the UAA's concessionaire Sodexo Live, Grab N Go Gators features a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, limited hot food and assorted candies and snacks. The new stand is located next to Gate 18 inside the former South End Zone Gator Sport Shop.
The store is equipped with roll up doors for easy access, and its 12 points of sale and latest payment technology make fueling up during Gators games a seamless experience. Grab N Go Gators is a cashless store and will only accept electronic payments.
Additional grab-and-go concessions are also available throughout the stadium:
Concession areas are also conveniently located in the North end of the stadium in the Dos Equis Helix by Gates 7 and 8. Fans can enjoy BBQ, sausage and peppers, burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, cheese steak and loaded nachos. Beverages include Dos Equis, Twisted Tea, the new pineapple High Noon and 24oz Bud Light Lite along with nonalcoholic beverages.
A selection of Cutwater Spirits in the form of distilled, mixers and ready-to-go canned cocktails are available inside Gate 7. Cutwater is available in a variety of flavors this year for Gator fans to enjoy throughout the football season. Choose from Cutwater Vodka Mule, Rum Tiki Punch, and Pineapple Margarita.
West University Avenue, adjacent to Gator Walk Village, will feature these food trucks on Saturday:
For ticketing assistance on game day, fans should visit the ticket office located at Gate 1 of the O'Connell Center which opens 3 hours prior to kickoff.
More Parking Information
As public parking lots are very limited around the stadium, fans can take advantage of the available shuttles. Game ride tickets can be purchased using the GoRTS Fares Transit app (Apple| Android) in advance, or on the day of the game using a credit card. Tickets can also be purchased at Park and Ride locations on the day of the game with cash only.
More Shuttle Information
The following restrictions go into effect three hours prior to kickoff.
The environment at the Swamp can provide a unique advantage on the field. But in the stands, it is important for fans to remain cool and hydrated.
Fans can bring one commercially produced (ex. Aquafina) empty plastic water bottle (max 20 oz) and fill up at the several filling stations inside the stadium.
More Hydration & Cooling Information
Inside the Stadium: Please refer to the Stadium Map.
Outside the Stadium: Before entering the stadium, fans may utilize restrooms located across campus.
Starting at 8 a.m.
Family Restrooms are for those fans with small children and guests with disabilities, and are located on the West side of the Stadium inside the Gate 2 corridor between sections 6 and 8, and behind section 15. Prior to kickoff and before entering the Stadium, fans may utilize the restrooms inside the main atrium of Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
Nursing Suites are available for nursing mothers or women bottle-feeding children, and are located between Gates 15 and 16. Parents can access the Nursing Suite 90 minutes prior to kickoff, in line with regular stadium entry, and the suite will close 20 minutes after the conclusion of a game.
Baby Changing Stations are located in various restrooms throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The Swamp is home to one of the most unique environments in college football. Once in their seats, fans will be able to experience and take part in the traditions that make Gator Nation one of the most exciting fanbases in college football:
Florida Gators fans honor Gainesville, Florida, native Tom Petty in between the third and fourth quarters by singing "I Won't Back Down," one of the late artist's biggest hits. The song first played on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, against the LSU Tigers in which 90,000 fans sang along.
It's important to arrive early and stay in your seats at halftime, so as to not miss out on a special Homecoming performance by the University of Florida's Fightin' Gator Marching Band with the Fightin' Gator Alumni band .
Join in one of the Swamp's most iconic moments prior to kickoff with the Celebrity "Mr. Two Bits" cheer. 2023 Alachua County Teacher of the Year Dr. Karen Kearney is Charlotte "Mr. Two Bits."
More Traditions Information
The Swamp will rock to the tune of Tom Petty this weekend as the Gators will celebrate Tom Petty Day at The Swamp. Gator Nation will honor the legendary music icon and Gainesville native all game long.
The festivities will include:
Florida Soccer hosts Kentucky on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 2pm at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. It will be Rowdy Reptile and Camper Reunion Day with free admission for all fans.
This week's game will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and ESPN+.
SEC Network+
SEC Network+ is complementary to SEC Network and accessible with your TV provider credentials. It can be accessed through the ESPN App on smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or via espn.com/watch.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service that requires a subscription separate from your TV provider credentials. It is available to stream through the ESPN App on your favorite connected streaming devices and on ESPN.com.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and to add Mobile Tickets to their digital wallet prior to heading to the stadium for faster and more efficient gate access.
Welcome Back to the Swamp!
- All fans are encouraged to wear orange to Saturday's game. Get your new Florida Gators gear here.
- Gator Walk begins 2 hours and 20 minutes before kickoff.
- Dr. Karen Kearney is Charlotte "Two Bits."
- It's the return of Tom Petty Day at The Swamp.
- Enjoy night game fireworks and enhanced team entrance with flame towers, lights and smoke on the field.
- Visit the Gatorland Fan Fest and receive an orange Gators hand fan or an orange & blue shaker.
- Gators Always, Swamp Open, & Thunderstruck videos have a new look this season.
- Refuel at the new "Grab N Go Gators" concession store inside Gate 18.
- Enjoy the new photo stream by sharing your moments on social media with the #OnlyinTheSwamp.
- Enter the Gators 50|50 Raffle, presented by the UF Bookstore.
- VIP Experiences: Meet Coach Spurrier, and secure other VIP experiences through Swamp Moments.
- The Swamp under lights feels different with new LED lights.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early as general public gates open at 5:30 p.m.
- Premium location entrances will open at 5 p.m.
- Fans are encouraged to follow Waze App for Directions and Road Closures.
- Don't Wait Until the Gate: For faster and more efficient gate access, fans should be ready by adding their Mobile Tickets to their digital wallet. This will greatly reduce issues entering the stadium.
- Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy pregame activities.
- Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
- Got game day questions? Ask Albert
Gates Open 90 Minutes Before Kickoff
General public gates at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will open at 5:30 p.m. this weekend, while premium areas will open at 5 p.m. For faster and more efficient gate access, fans should be ready by adding their Mobile Tickets to their digital wallet. This will greatly reduce issues entering the stadium.Join The Pregame Fun
Tailgating, Gator Walk Village and the Gatorland Fan Fest set the tone for the action in The Swamp.The Gatorland Fan Fest will be located on the lawn outside Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center starting at 3:30 p.m. Fans can enjoy live music, a live broadcast of the Gators Sports Network pregame show as well as sponsorship giveaways. The first 2,000 fans to check in at The Gatorland Fan Fest will receive an orange Gators hand fan or an orange & blue shaker.
Once in the stadium, fans can enjoy connectivity with #GatorsWIFI, watch another game on the video scoreboards and make sure they are in place for all of the pre-game activities, including Mr. Two Bits, the mascot entrance, the Gators Marching Band and team entrance. Gators Always, Swamp Open, & Thunderstruck videos have a new look this season.
New look interactive photo stream: Fans can post their photos on social media with the #OnlyinTheSwamp for their chance to get their photo up on the Video Board!
Fans can swing by the Gator Sportshop to gear up with the latest Gators swag.
More Pre-Game Festivity Information
Gators 50|50 Raffle
Fans can enter the Gators 50|50 Raffle, presented by the UF Bookstore, beginning at 8 a.m. every Wednesday prior to home games and up until the end of the third quarter. The winner takes half of the jackpot and the other half goes to Gator Boosters to support Gators student-athletes. Fans must be in the state of Florida at the time of entry.Enter the Gators 50|50 Raffle Now
Swamp Moments
Fans can now purchase sideline passes and other VIP experiences through Swamp Moments. Experiences must be booked by noon Friday.Purchase your Swamp Moments Now
Food & Concessions
The new 4,000-square-foot Grab "N" Go Gators, located inside Gate 18, is the new and convenient way to enjoy Saturdays in the Swamp.In partnership with the UAA's concessionaire Sodexo Live, Grab N Go Gators features a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, limited hot food and assorted candies and snacks. The new stand is located next to Gate 18 inside the former South End Zone Gator Sport Shop.
The store is equipped with roll up doors for easy access, and its 12 points of sale and latest payment technology make fueling up during Gators games a seamless experience. Grab N Go Gators is a cashless store and will only accept electronic payments.
Additional grab-and-go concessions are also available throughout the stadium:
- Dos Equis Helix on the north side of the stadium (Gates 7 & 8)
- Sip N Skip, Gate 9
- Gators Food Patio on the west side of the stadium (Gate 1)
- Second floor, section 60
- Second floor, section 52
Concession areas are also conveniently located in the North end of the stadium in the Dos Equis Helix by Gates 7 and 8. Fans can enjoy BBQ, sausage and peppers, burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, cheese steak and loaded nachos. Beverages include Dos Equis, Twisted Tea, the new pineapple High Noon and 24oz Bud Light Lite along with nonalcoholic beverages.
A selection of Cutwater Spirits in the form of distilled, mixers and ready-to-go canned cocktails are available inside Gate 7. Cutwater is available in a variety of flavors this year for Gator fans to enjoy throughout the football season. Choose from Cutwater Vodka Mule, Rum Tiki Punch, and Pineapple Margarita.
West University Avenue, adjacent to Gator Walk Village, will feature these food trucks on Saturday:
- Twisted Tikka
- B'z Gelati
- Big Lee's
- Cilantro
- Nothing Bundt
Mobile Tickets
To improve security, reduce the risk of ticket fraud and improve fan convenience, all tickets for Florida Gators athletic events can be accessed through a mobile device.- Download the Florida Gators App (App Store | Google Pay).
- Don't Wait Until the Gate: For faster, more efficient gate access, log into your ticket account and add your tickets to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay account. This will greatly reduce issues entering the stadium. (Learn How)
- Screenshots of tickets will not be accepted.
- A limited number of tickets are still available for this game and the South Carolina game on Nov. 12 by clicking here.
Confused about mobile ticketing? So was @AlbertGator until he got a little coaching from our local expert, @SteveSpurrierUF! Watch this. #GoGators
— Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) September 1, 2021
🔗 : https://t.co/KqjQfJdTsd pic.twitter.com/VLvTNNO9Wo
For ticketing assistance on game day, fans should visit the ticket office located at Gate 1 of the O'Connell Center which opens 3 hours prior to kickoff.
Parking on Game Day
The UAA has customized the Waze Traffic App for Game Day to help fans avoid restricted on-campus streets and find the best route to their desired parking location. Select a lot from your mobile device or desktop computer, and the Waze App will provide the best available route to the entrance of the destination- Eligible accounts will receive physical passes in the mail. For more information contact (352) 375-4683 ext. 5000
- Fans should be aware of road closures around campus for game day festivities, security, and construction. (Learn More)
More Parking Information
Shuttles
As public parking lots are very limited around the stadium, fans can take advantage of the available shuttles. Game ride tickets can be purchased using the GoRTS Fares Transit app (Apple| Android) in advance, or on the day of the game using a credit card. Tickets can also be purchased at Park and Ride locations on the day of the game with cash only.More Shuttle Information
Tailgating
As a reminder, tailgating may only begin at 6 a.m. on gameday, it is not permitted in areas cordoned off by UF staff, and parking or additional tailgating spaces cannot be saved. A complete list of UF Tailgating polices can be found here.
Campus Access
The following restrictions go into effect three hours prior to kickoff.
- Museum Road from Hull Road, in addition to Radio Road from Southwest 34th Street, onto Museum Road will close and become a shuttle lane three hours before kickoff.
- If you are trying to access Gale Lemerand Drive north of Museum Road, you will need a parking pass starting four hours before the game.
- Fans should also be aware that Fletcher Drive is no longer a two-way street. Turning south from University Avenue is not permitted.
- Starting three hours prior to kickoff, no vehicular traffic will be allowed until the end of the game on the following roads:
- West University Avenue between Gale Lemerand Drive to NW 17th Street.
- Gale Lemerand Drive between University Avenue and Stadium Road
- Stadium Road from Gale Lemerand Drive and Fletcher Drive
Staying Cool & Hydrated
The environment at the Swamp can provide a unique advantage on the field. But in the stands, it is important for fans to remain cool and hydrated.Fans can bring one commercially produced (ex. Aquafina) empty plastic water bottle (max 20 oz) and fill up at the several filling stations inside the stadium.
More Hydration & Cooling Information
Restrooms
Inside the Stadium: Please refer to the Stadium Map.Outside the Stadium: Before entering the stadium, fans may utilize restrooms located across campus.
Starting at 8 a.m.
- Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
- Flavet Field Restroom building
- Reitz Union
- Architecture Building
- Turlington Hall
- Norman Hall
- Florida Gym
- Music Building
- Steinbrenner Building
- Stuzin Hall
- UF Law School
- Stephen C. O'Connell Center (Gate 1)
- Parking Garage 109
- Parking Garage 114
- UF Library West
- UF Music Building
- North Lawn of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gator Walk Village
- RV City at Condron Family Ballpark -- Open for RV City users starting Friday after 4 p.m.
Family Restrooms are for those fans with small children and guests with disabilities, and are located on the West side of the Stadium inside the Gate 2 corridor between sections 6 and 8, and behind section 15. Prior to kickoff and before entering the Stadium, fans may utilize the restrooms inside the main atrium of Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
Nursing Suites are available for nursing mothers or women bottle-feeding children, and are located between Gates 15 and 16. Parents can access the Nursing Suite 90 minutes prior to kickoff, in line with regular stadium entry, and the suite will close 20 minutes after the conclusion of a game.
Baby Changing Stations are located in various restrooms throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
- North End Zone: Gate 8 (Women's) & Gate 7 (Men's)
- South End Zone: Gate 18 (Men's)
- East Side: Section 36 (Women's) & Section 40 (Men's)
- West Side: Gate 2 (Men's & Women's)
In-Game Experience and Traditions
The Swamp is home to one of the most unique environments in college football. Once in their seats, fans will be able to experience and take part in the traditions that make Gator Nation one of the most exciting fanbases in college football:
I Won't Back Down
Florida Gators fans honor Gainesville, Florida, native Tom Petty in between the third and fourth quarters by singing "I Won't Back Down," one of the late artist's biggest hits. The song first played on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, against the LSU Tigers in which 90,000 fans sang along.
UF Marching Band
It's important to arrive early and stay in your seats at halftime, so as to not miss out on a special Homecoming performance by the University of Florida's Fightin' Gator Marching Band with the Fightin' Gator Alumni band .
Honorary Two Bits
Join in one of the Swamp's most iconic moments prior to kickoff with the Celebrity "Mr. Two Bits" cheer. 2023 Alachua County Teacher of the Year Dr. Karen Kearney is Charlotte "Mr. Two Bits."More Traditions Information
It's the Return of Tom Petty Day at The Swamp
The Swamp will rock to the tune of Tom Petty this weekend as the Gators will celebrate Tom Petty Day at The Swamp. Gator Nation will honor the legendary music icon and Gainesville native all game long.The festivities will include:
- It will be the sixth anniversary of 'I Won't Back Down' being played at the end of the third quarter. Enjoy a brand-new experience this season with an Orange & Blue LED lights show and fireworks.
- The Tom Petty Day X Florida Collection is now on sale at the UF Bookstore location on campus and at the stadium. Exclusive Tom Petty Day X Florida merchandise is also available online at Fanatics.com.
- Don't miss hit songs and custom mixes from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee played during pregame and breaks in the action. Spotify playlist | Apple Music playlist
- Remixed music videos with Gators football highlights will be featured on the videoboards throughout the game.
- The official dance team of the Florida Gators, The Dazzlers, will have a Tom Petty themed performance in tribute of the rock icon.
- Tom Petty Day souvenir cups will be available at concession stands throughout the stadium.
- One lucky fan in attendance at the game will win a limited-edition, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 6LP Uber Deluxe collectible box set.
Orange Out at The Diz!
Florida Soccer hosts Kentucky on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 2pm at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. It will be Rowdy Reptile and Camper Reunion Day with free admission for all fans.
How to Watch
This week's game will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and ESPN+.SEC Network+
SEC Network+ is complementary to SEC Network and accessible with your TV provider credentials. It can be accessed through the ESPN App on smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or via espn.com/watch.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service that requires a subscription separate from your TV provider credentials. It is available to stream through the ESPN App on your favorite connected streaming devices and on ESPN.com.
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