Heat-Related Illness Guide
In Florida, particularly in September, heat-related problems are common during football games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. A high heat index increases the body temperature leading to significant sweating and fluid loss. Unless fluids are appropriately replaced, heat-related illness may occur. Fans with cardiac, respiratory or gastrointestinal problems are at higher risk for heat illness. Heat problems can usually be prevented by:
- Applying sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hatÂ
- Wearing sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV light
- Wearing light, loose-fitting clothes
- Drinking plenty of water or sports drinks such as Gatorade
- Limiting alcohol intake
If you become hot, sweaty, fatigued and thirsty, you should get out of the sun immediately and begin to replenish your fluids. If these symptoms continue or you develop dizziness or muscle cramps, you should go to an aid station for further evaluation and treatment. The aid stations are noted in your programs.
Other medical problems may occur during a game. Should you become ill and feel the need for medical attention during a game, Event Staff or Security Personnel can direct you to find the nearest aid station or they can summon Emergency Medical Personnel if you are too sick to be moved. If you have significant medical problems, please bring a list of your medications to the game in case you must be seen at our aid stations.
Hydration and Cooling Initiatives
With high temperatures expected during the early part of the season, cooling initiatives will be in place for the first three home games, including misting stations located throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and cooling busses outside Gates 2 and 13.
Complimentary Sunscreen
Free sunscreen for fans attending football games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will be available at the Guest Service Kiosks at Gates 1, 7 and 16.
Empty Water Bottle
Fans are permitted to bring one (1) commercially branded (i.e. Aquafina)Â EMPTYÂ plastic water bottle, no larger than 20 oz. There are several water bottle filling stations inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Non-disposable water bottles, sport bottles, Nalgene-type bottles, cans, heavy plastic, glass bottles, and thermoses are NOT permitted in the Stadium. There are 12 water bottle refill stations throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Hydration Stations
We have seven large Hydration Stations located in/just outside the stadium, which offer FREE filtered water for fans to drink. Cups are provided and inside the stadium fans can also use their empty commercially produced water bottle to fill up (or one they have purchased from Concessions and re-fill it).
