This control panel describes what kinds of cookies are present on this website and allows you to enable or disable different types of cookies.
Cookies are small pieces of text saved by websites to your computer. Cookies are how your computer remembers things you’ve already done on the internet and are an important part of making modern websites work properly.
Because cookies may contain information about your browsing habits, some people prefer to turn them off entirely. However, turning off cookies can prevent websites from working the way you expect.
These cookies are critical to the functioning of this website and cannot be disabled through this control panel. They don’t contain any information about your identity. They can be disabled through your browser, but doing so could cause some parts of this website to stop working.
wordpress_, wp-
Always enabled
These cookies collect information on visitors to our website to help us understand how well our website is working and how to improve it.
These cookies collect information on your browsing habits to help our advertising partners show you more relevant ads.
These cookies help social media sites understand your likes and dislikes so they can show you more relevant content. They also make it easier to share contents from other websites such as ours to your social media profiles.
Welcome to Gainesville and Alachua County, where SEC weekends bring the roar of The Swamp and the adventure continues well beyond game day. Home to the University of Florida, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the birthplace of Gatorade and one of college football’s most recognized gestures, the Gator Chomp, Gainesville delivers game day energy with a story all its own. Between kickoff and the final whistle, fans can explore award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, live music, public art, historic towns and walkable districts filled with local flavor. Minutes from campus, shaded trails, spring-fed rivers and wild landscapes offer an easy reset, from paddling the Santa Fe River to spotting wild horses and bison at Paynes Prairie. Whether cheering in orange and blue or visiting from across the SEC, Gainesville and Alachua County are your SEC home away from home.
A Gators home game is the main event, but the weekend does not have to end at the final whistle. Use the 2026 Florida football home schedule to plan a Friday-to-Sunday visit with time for local dining, craft breweries, live music, museums, shopping, trails, springs and small-town exploring. Check local event listings before you arrive, and sign up for the award-winning WHAT’S GOOD® guide of events for concerts, festivals, markets and special happenings across Gainesville and Alachua County during your stay.
2026 Florida football home game schedule:
Florida Atlantic, September 5
Campbell, September 12
Ole Miss, September 26
South Carolina, October 10
Oklahoma, November 7
Vanderbilt, November 21
From award-winning chefs and food trucks to Gator-themed brunches and bold international flavors, Gainesville and Alachua County serve up a dining scene as dynamic as game day. Savor Southern favorites reimagined, feast on farm-to-fork creations, and sip your way through the Alachua County Ale Trail, where local breweries pour crisp lagers, juicy IPAs, and seasonal specials. With everything from rooftop dining downtown to hidden gems in historic towns like High Springs and Micanopy, food lovers find plenty to cheer for.
Local craft breweries make a perfect gathering place after a day on the water or hiking the trails. Enjoy live music, food trucks, themed events and annual festivals. Cheers to following your taste for adventure to some of Florida’s best brews.
In Gainesville, adventure is never far from the end zone. Just minutes from campus, explore miles of shaded trails, paddle spring-fed rivers, and cool off in crystal-clear swimming holes like Poe Springs. Whether you’re hiking under a canopy of live oaks, spotting wild bison at Paynes Prairie, or tubing down the Santa Fe, the region’s outdoor experiences deliver a breath of fresh air – and unforgettable memories. Pack your sunscreen and your sense of wonder.
Gainesville and Alachua County are packed with opportunities for unforgettable experiences that won’t cost you a cent! From picturesque parks and serene nature trails to cultural landmarks and engaging community events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Before and after the game, Gainesville’s creative side shines. Discover colorful murals, intimate live music venues, and art galleries showcasing regional talent. Explore the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, home to the story of Gatorade, the sports drink born right here in Gainesville. Catch a show at the historic Hippodrome Theatre or stroll through local arts festivals and cultural landmarks. With year-round performances, museums, and music that hits every note, Alachua County blends SEC spirit with soulful expression, and plenty of surprises along the way.
There’s nothing quite like SEC football in Gainesville. As Gator Nation takes over the city, streets fill with tailgates, traditions, and the unmistakable energy of The Swamp. Fans flock to UF’s campus early for live music, local eats, and the electrifying Gator Walk – where the team arrives to roaring cheers. Just steps away, Midtown buzzes with game day specials and fan-favorite spots packed with orange and blue.
Inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the heat, the hype, and the iconic “Won’t Back Down” singalong create a bucket-list experience for every college football fan. Win or lose, the celebration continues across town with cold craft brews, live music, and late-night bites that keep the SEC spirit going strong.
Plan ahead with the Florida Gators Football Game Day Guide, and get details including mobile ticketing, parking and shuttles, pre-game events, tailgating and more.
