Florida-South Carolina: What You Need to Know
Friday, October 9, 2026 | Football
The Florida football team is back at The Swamp to face the Gamecocks, and here’s everything you need to know.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The No. 16/15-ranked Florida football team continues the season under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall this Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, as the Gators take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at 12:45 p.m. on Homecoming, UF Athletic Hall of Fame and GatorMade Week presented by Renewal by Andersen.
All gates for Saturday's Homecoming football game between Florida and South Carolina will open two hours before kickoff at 10:45 a.m.
Also, all concessions in the stadium will be 50-percent off from 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and to add their Mobile Tickets and digital parking passes to their digital wallet through the new Florida Gators prior to heading to the stadium for faster and more efficient gate access. Fans are strongly encouraged to enter at the gate listed on their ticket to provide the best possible experience navigating to their seating section.
Again, this season, the Gators are offering Express Entry for all fans. With Express Entry, fans can enter the game via designated Express Entry at Gates 1, 4, 7, 8, 12 and 16, as well as the Skybox Lobby and Champions Club Lobby, using their face instead of their phone.
Registration takes less than a minute and is completely free. To learn more and register visit FloridaGators.com.
The South Carolina game marks the 22nd- straight sellout at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Fans can still secure official verified resale tickets via Ticketmaster.com.
Parking on Gameday
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.
Shuttles
Utilize the Game Day Shuttle service to avoid the limited parking on campus on game days (available for home football games only). Service is offered from three hours before the game until kickoff, with return shuttles beginning in the fourth quarter. Park at one of three convenient locations around Gainesville for a quick ride to the game.
For more information, please visit the shuttle information page.
Express Entry
Again, this season, the Gators are offering Express Entry for all fans. With Express Entry, fans can enter the game via designated Express Entry at Gates 1, 4, 7, 8, 12 and 16, as well as the Skybox Lobby and Champions Club Lobby, using their face instead of their phone.
Registration takes less than a minute and is completely free. To learn more and register visit FloridaGators.com.
Campus Access
The following restrictions go into effect at designated times prior to kickoff.
General public gates and premium areas at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will open at 10:45 a.m. this Saturday. For faster and more efficient gate access, fans should be ready by adding their Mobile Tickets to their digital wallet through the new Florida Gators app. This will greatly reduce issues entering the stadium.
Join The Pregame Fun
Tailgating, Gator Walk Village and the Fan Fest set the tone for the action in The Swamp.
The Fan Fest will be located on the lawn outside Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center starting at 9:45 a.m. Fans can enjoy live music, a live broadcast of the Gators Sports Network pregame show (starting at 9:45 a.m.) as well as sponsorship giveaways. Fans who visit The Fan Fest can pick up a football schedule poster, throwback logo button, throwback hand fans, and bead necklaces at the Gatorade truck.
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 Honorary Two Bits, the mascot entrance, the Gators Marching Band and team entrance.
Fans can swing by the Gator Sportshop to gear up with the latest Gators swag. All Sportshop locations this year will be cashless.
For more information, please visit the Florida Football pre-game festivities page.
Homecoming, UF Athletic Hall of Fame and GatorMade Week
First celebrated in 1916, the Gators will host the Gamecocks for the annual Homecoming game. Campus festivities will include the Gator Growl pep rally, Gator Gallop, and other special events. Florida holds a 74-26-2 all-time record in Homecoming games, including a 32-5 mark since 1989.
The UAA will also induct eight Gator Greats and one Honorary Letterwinner into the UF Athletic Hall of Fame. The 2026 Gator Greats class includes: Dedric Dukes – Track & Field (2012-15), Vernon Hargreaves – Football (2013-15), Vernon Maxwell – Men's Basketball (1984-85, 1987-88), Mikey Meagher – Lacrosse (2010-13), Andrew Moten – Men's Basketball (1983-84, 1986-87), Logan Shore – Baseball (2014-16), Bridget Sloan – Gymnastics (2013-16) and Kelsey Stewart – Softball (2013-16).
Additionally, GatorMade Week will spotlight the GatorMade program—a player-led, purpose-driven initiative that empowers football scholar-athletes with opportunities to learn, serve, and lead.
Gatorade and the 1966 Florida Football Team
Gatorade – the world's most superior sports drink – was created by Dr. Robert Cade and a team of scientists at the University of Florida in 1965 to help the football team overcome dehydration, Gatorade was born to solve athlete problems, and for the last six decades has kept true to that mission – putting athletes at the center of everything it does. The 1966 Florida Gator Football team, who is being recognized at the game this weekend during the 1st and 2nd quarter break, was the first full team to regularly drink Gatorade after its creation.
Gators 50|50 Raffle
The Florida Gators are excited to announce that the Florida Victorious Foundation will once again manage the 50|50 Raffle for all 2026 Florida Gators football home games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Featuring an extended format that opens the Sunday following each home game through the exciting 4th-quarter drawing, more Gator fans than ever before will be able to participate in the 50/50 Raffle online and in The Swamp. Entries must be made while located in the state of Florida and proceeds support Florida Victorious.
To enter and for more information on the 50|50 Raffle, visit FV5050.com.
Florida Victorious is the only Gator fan site that helps the Gators win — members get exclusive content, access, and events, and every membership fuels the future of Florida athletics. Join at FloridaVictorious.com.
Food & Concessions
There are two Grab N Go Gators, one located inside Gate 18 and in the North End Zone main concourse. The Grab N Go Gators are the most convenient way to enjoy Saturdays in the Swamp. All concession locations will be cashless this season. All concession locations will be cashless this season.
In partnership with the UAA's concessionaire Sodexo Live, Grab N Go Gators, located by Gate 18 and in the North End Zone main concourse, feature a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, assorted candies and snacks. There will also be limited hot food in the Grab N Go Gators inside Gate 18.
The stores are 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 are cashless stores 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 Shock Top Helix and the High Noon 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 Modelo, Shock Top, 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:
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.
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 empty plastic water bottle (max 20 oz) and fill up at the several filling stations inside the stadium.
For more information, please view the Gameday Heat Guide.
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.
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 on of the most exciting fanbases in college football:
UF Marching Band
Arrive early and stay in your seats at halftime, so you don't miss special performances by the University of Florida's Fightin' Gator Marching Band.
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.
Honorary Two Bits
Join in one of the Swamp's most iconic moments prior to kickoff with the Celebrity "Mr. Two-Bits" cheer. 2026 Hall of Fame inductees Andrew Moten, Men's Basketball 1983-1988, and Vernon Maxwell, Men's Basketball 1984-88, will serve as the honorary "Two Bits" for the South Carolina game.
For more information, please visit the Florida Football Traditions page.
All gates for Saturday's Homecoming football game between Florida and South Carolina will open two hours before kickoff at 10:45 a.m.
Also, all concessions in the stadium will be 50-percent off from 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and to add their Mobile Tickets and digital parking passes to their digital wallet through the new Florida Gators prior to heading to the stadium for faster and more efficient gate access. Fans are strongly encouraged to enter at the gate listed on their ticket to provide the best possible experience navigating to their seating section.
Again, this season, the Gators are offering Express Entry for all fans. With Express Entry, fans can enter the game via designated Express Entry at Gates 1, 4, 7, 8, 12 and 16, as well as the Skybox Lobby and Champions Club Lobby, using their face instead of their phone.
Registration takes less than a minute and is completely free. To learn more and register visit FloridaGators.com.
The South Carolina game marks the 22nd- straight sellout at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Fans can still secure official verified resale tickets via Ticketmaster.com.
Parking on Gameday
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 digital passes. 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)
- A limited number of lots that are not reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These lots fill up quickly. Parking on sidewalks is NOT permitted and any vehicles doing so are at risk of being towed.
- For information and policies on tailgating, please visit the tailgating policies page.
Shuttles
Utilize the Game Day Shuttle service to avoid the limited parking on campus on game days (available for home football games only). Service is offered from three hours before the game until kickoff, with return shuttles beginning in the fourth quarter. Park at one of three convenient locations around Gainesville for a quick ride to the game.
- Celebration Pointe behind Regal Cinemas Theater and in front of the Parking garage.
- UF Park and Ride #2 3497 Hull Road.
- Garage 109 south of Archer Road on Gale Lemerand Drive.
For more information, please visit the shuttle information page.
Express Entry
Again, this season, the Gators are offering Express Entry for all fans. With Express Entry, fans can enter the game via designated Express Entry at Gates 1, 4, 7, 8, 12 and 16, as well as the Skybox Lobby and Champions Club Lobby, using their face instead of their phone.
Registration takes less than a minute and is completely free. To learn more and register visit FloridaGators.com.
Campus Access
The following restrictions go into effect at designated times prior to kickoff.
- If you are trying to access Gale Lemerand Drive north of Museum Road, you will need a parking pass starting five 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 up until two hours post-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
- Visit the Football Gameday page for a detailed timeline, and much more!
- The 2026 UF Homecoming Weekend begins with the annual Homecoming Festival from 9 a.m. to noon at the Plaza of the Americas, followed by the Gator Gallop at 10:30 a.m., the Homecoming Parade at noon along University Avenue, and concludes with the 102nd Gator Growl at 7 p.m., featuring Emmy-nominated comedian Nikki Glaser and appearances by the Gators Spirit Team and Florida Football.
- The UF Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be celebrated at the game during the 1st quarter.
- The 1966 and 1996 Florida Football teams will be celebrated at the game during the 1st and 2nd quarter break.
- Gator Walk begins at 10:15 a.m.
- Check out The Fan Fest and pick up a football schedule poster, throwback logo button, throwback hand fans, and bead necklaces at the Gatorade truck.
- Limited edition throwback t-shirt giveaway for UF Students at gates 12, 13, 14 and 15.
- Refuel at the two "Grab N Go Gators" concession stores inside Gate 18 and on the North endzone concourse.
- Students get 15% off popcorn, water, six-inch hotdogs and 22-ounce sodas this year with their student tickets.
- Enter the Gators 50|50 Raffle, managed and benefitting Florida Victorious to assist in providing NIL opportunities for Gator student athletes.
- Fans can round up their purchases $2 at all concession stands this season to support Florida Victorious.
- UF Athletics Hall of Fame inductees Vernon Maxwell and Andrew Moten will serve as the honorary Mr. "Two Bits" for the South Carolina Game.
- The South Carolina game was previously announced as a sellout. Fans can still secure official verified resale tickets via Ticketmaster.com.
- Tickets are still available for the last two home games in The Swamp against Oklahoma (Nov. 7) and Vanderbilt (Nov. 21) by visiting the Florida Gators ticket page.
- Arrive early as general public gates open at 10:45 a.m.
- Premium location entrances will open at 10:45 a.m.
- Fans are encouraged to follow Waze App for Directions and Road Closures.
- Be sure to check out The Swamp's clear bag policy before entering the stadium.
- 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 through the new Florida Gators app or register for Express Entry. This will greatly reduce issues entering the stadium.
- Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy pregame activities.
- Kickoff is at 12:45 p.m.
- Got game day questions? Ask Albert
General public gates and premium areas at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will open at 10:45 a.m. this Saturday. For faster and more efficient gate access, fans should be ready by adding their Mobile Tickets to their digital wallet through the new Florida Gators app. This will greatly reduce issues entering the stadium.
Join The Pregame Fun
Tailgating, Gator Walk Village and the Fan Fest set the tone for the action in The Swamp.
The Fan Fest will be located on the lawn outside Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center starting at 9:45 a.m. Fans can enjoy live music, a live broadcast of the Gators Sports Network pregame show (starting at 9:45 a.m.) as well as sponsorship giveaways. Fans who visit The Fan Fest can pick up a football schedule poster, throwback logo button, throwback hand fans, and bead necklaces at the Gatorade truck.
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 Honorary Two Bits, the mascot entrance, the Gators Marching Band and team entrance.
Fans can swing by the Gator Sportshop to gear up with the latest Gators swag. All Sportshop locations this year will be cashless.
For more information, please visit the Florida Football pre-game festivities page.
Homecoming, UF Athletic Hall of Fame and GatorMade Week
First celebrated in 1916, the Gators will host the Gamecocks for the annual Homecoming game. Campus festivities will include the Gator Growl pep rally, Gator Gallop, and other special events. Florida holds a 74-26-2 all-time record in Homecoming games, including a 32-5 mark since 1989.
The UAA will also induct eight Gator Greats and one Honorary Letterwinner into the UF Athletic Hall of Fame. The 2026 Gator Greats class includes: Dedric Dukes – Track & Field (2012-15), Vernon Hargreaves – Football (2013-15), Vernon Maxwell – Men's Basketball (1984-85, 1987-88), Mikey Meagher – Lacrosse (2010-13), Andrew Moten – Men's Basketball (1983-84, 1986-87), Logan Shore – Baseball (2014-16), Bridget Sloan – Gymnastics (2013-16) and Kelsey Stewart – Softball (2013-16).
Additionally, GatorMade Week will spotlight the GatorMade program—a player-led, purpose-driven initiative that empowers football scholar-athletes with opportunities to learn, serve, and lead.
Gatorade and the 1966 Florida Football Team
Gatorade – the world's most superior sports drink – was created by Dr. Robert Cade and a team of scientists at the University of Florida in 1965 to help the football team overcome dehydration, Gatorade was born to solve athlete problems, and for the last six decades has kept true to that mission – putting athletes at the center of everything it does. The 1966 Florida Gator Football team, who is being recognized at the game this weekend during the 1st and 2nd quarter break, was the first full team to regularly drink Gatorade after its creation.
Gators 50|50 Raffle
The Florida Gators are excited to announce that the Florida Victorious Foundation will once again manage the 50|50 Raffle for all 2026 Florida Gators football home games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Featuring an extended format that opens the Sunday following each home game through the exciting 4th-quarter drawing, more Gator fans than ever before will be able to participate in the 50/50 Raffle online and in The Swamp. Entries must be made while located in the state of Florida and proceeds support Florida Victorious.
To enter and for more information on the 50|50 Raffle, visit FV5050.com.
Florida Victorious is the only Gator fan site that helps the Gators win — members get exclusive content, access, and events, and every membership fuels the future of Florida athletics. Join at FloridaVictorious.com.
Food & Concessions
There are two Grab N Go Gators, one located inside Gate 18 and in the North End Zone main concourse. The Grab N Go Gators are the most convenient way to enjoy Saturdays in the Swamp. All concession locations will be cashless this season. All concession locations will be cashless this season.
In partnership with the UAA's concessionaire Sodexo Live, Grab N Go Gators, located by Gate 18 and in the North End Zone main concourse, feature a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, assorted candies and snacks. There will also be limited hot food in the Grab N Go Gators inside Gate 18.
The stores are 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 are cashless stores and will only accept electronic payments.
Additional grab-and-go concessions are also available throughout the stadium:
- Shock Top Helix (Gate 7) and the High Noon Helix (Gate 8) on the north side of the stadium
- Sip N Skip, Gate 8
- Gators Food Patio on the west side of the stadium (Gate 1)
- Section 60
- Section 52
Concession areas are also conveniently located in the North end of the stadium in the Shock Top Helix and the High Noon 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 Modelo, Shock Top, 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:
- The Saucy Pig
- Heart and Soulfood Truck
- Cilantro Tacos
- Monsta Lobsta
- Kona Ice
- Chick-Fil-A
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)
- FREE Express Entry – Fans can enter the game with their face instead of their phone. Visit FloridaGators.com for more info.
- Screenshots of tickets will not be accepted.
- Beware of fraudulent tickets! There are only three sources authorized to sell tickets to Florida Gators home games: Ticketmaster, the Florida Gators Ticket Office, the Visiting Team's Ticket Office. Purchasing tickets through any other source is strongly discouraged and tickets purchased from any other source may not grant admission to the game. Fans should avoid purchasing tickets from individuals they do not know, especially individuals selling paper tickets. For more information, visit the Florida Gators counterfeit ticket page.
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 empty plastic water bottle (max 20 oz) and fill up at the several filling stations inside the stadium.
For more information, please view the Gameday Heat Guide.
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
- James G. Pressly Stadium
- Stuzin Hall
- Architecture Building
- Turlington Hall
- Reitz Union Welcome Center
- UF Law School
- Flavet Field
- Stephen C. O'Connell Center (Gate 1 Lobby)
- UF Library West
- 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.
- McCarty Drive
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)
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 on of the most exciting fanbases in college football:
UF Marching Band
Arrive early and stay in your seats at halftime, so you don't miss special performances by the University of Florida's Fightin' Gator Marching Band.
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.
Honorary Two Bits
Join in one of the Swamp's most iconic moments prior to kickoff with the Celebrity "Mr. Two-Bits" cheer. 2026 Hall of Fame inductees Andrew Moten, Men's Basketball 1983-1988, and Vernon Maxwell, Men's Basketball 1984-88, will serve as the honorary "Two Bits" for the South Carolina game.
For more information, please visit the Florida Football Traditions page.
Tuesday, October 06
Tuesday, October 06
Tuesday, October 06
Tuesday, October 06
