Airports
Distance from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: 5 miles
Address: 3880 NE 39th Ave A, Gainesville, FL 32609
Airlines: American Airlines and Delta
Distance from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: 75 miles
Address: 2400 Yankee Clipper Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Airlines: Air Canada, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Air, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.
Hotels
Modern, elegant, and right on campus overlooking Lake Alice. It’s Gainesville’s premier stay for fans who want high-end comfort within walking distance of The Swamp.
Learn MoreLocated across from UF’s campus, this stylish Marriott property features sleek rooms, a rooftop pool, and a lively bar that fills with orange and blue on game weekends.
View WebsiteGameday
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Gameday Tips
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Get to The Swamp early. Pregame in Gainesville starts hours before kickoff. The lots around the O’Connell Center and Fraternity Row are full of grills, tents, and tailgates before noon.
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Join “The Gator Walk.” Two hours before kickoff, fans line Stadium Road as the team walks into Ben Hill Griffin — a long-standing UF tradition that’s can’t-miss.
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Feel The Swamp. When Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” plays after the third quarter, the crowd sways and sings in unison — goosebumps every time.
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Watch the weather. Gainesville heat is no joke, and sudden afternoon storms are common. Bring sunscreen, ponchos, and a water bottle.
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Celebrate downtown after. Whether it’s a night game or an afternoon kickoff, downtown Gainesville and Midtown stay buzzing long after the final whistle.
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Parking tip: Stadium garages fill fast, so use the shuttle service from the Reitz Union or local hotels to save the headache.
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Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is located at 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611
Directions, road closures, parking maps and more can be found at the official venue website below.
View WebsiteLocal Eats
The Swamp Restaurant
The heartbeat of Gainesville gamedays. Recently rebuilt at a new location, The Swamp is a Gator institution — outdoor patio, live music, and walls packed with UF memorabilia.
Satchel’s Pizza
A Gainesville original — funky, colorful, and wildly popular. Known for its hand-tossed pies, unique décor (including a pizza bus!), and laid-back vibe.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Classic Southern-Cajun food just off University Avenue. Jambalaya, shrimp po’boys, and a full bar make this a top choice for pregame or Sunday lunch.
The Top
Trendy, eclectic, and full of locals. Think burgers, craft cocktails, and the best atmosphere in downtown Gainesville. It’s a favorite of students and alumni alike.
Mojo Hogtown Bar-B-Que
Rustic, bluesy BBQ joint that hits all the right notes — pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and local craft beers. Perfect stop for visiting SEC fans looking for Southern flavor.
Public & General
A chill gastropub tucked in a neighborhood near campus. Great food, rotating taps, and an authentic Gainesville feel.
Places of Interest
Just across from Lake Alice, these massive wooden structures are home to one of the world’s largest urban bat colonies. At sunset, thousands of bats stream into the sky — it’s wild to watch.
View WebsiteAttached to The Swamp, this modern facility houses team displays, trophies, and historic memorabilia. The outdoor plaza — where players walk into the stadium on game day — doubles as a fan photo hotspot year-round.
View WebsiteDowntown brings together local shops, open-air concerts, and late-night energy that keeps going long after the Gator game ends. On weekends, you’ll catch art markets, pop-up vendors, and students celebrating in orange and blue.
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