You may want to drop by, soak up the atmosphere and tradition, and run (or walk) the stairs.
Days Open: Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field, a.k.a. “The Swamp”, is home to University of Florida football. Visitors are not permitted on the field itself. And remember; "only Gators come out alive."
Originally constructed in 1930, a series of renovations, the last in 2003, brought the seating capacity to 84,000. It’s the largest stadium in Florida and one of the loudest in the country.
The Swamp has a reputation for being a very difficult place for opposing teams to play. The noise level is one reason. The heat and humidity - on field temperature on game day can exceed 100 degrees - make it hard for teams used to cooler climates. Gatorade was invented at UF as a way for UF football players to combat dehydration.
In the early 90’s, then-Coach Steve Spurrier noted that "... a swamp is where gators live. We feel comfortable there, but we hope our opponents feel tentative. A swamp is hot and sticky and can be dangerous." Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has been called "the Swamp" ever since.
The Swamp hosts the Gator Growl, billed as the largest student-run pep rally in the world. On the Friday night of Homecoming weekend students and alumni gather together for cheers, skits and top-notch comedians such as Robin Williams, Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfield. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is also the site of the Florida state football championship games each December.
Open: Monday-Friday, 7a-10p except for a day or two before games. Admission: Free except for events.
Located in Gainesville at intersection of University Avenue & Gale Lemerand Drive.
