School
University of Florida
Stadium
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp)
Capacity
88,548
Conference
SEC
Official University of Florida Florida Gators home & away games
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
88°
High
69°
Low
82°
High
61°
Low
75°
High
51°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp).
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Gainesville on game day
The epicenter of Gator gameday with packed bars, outdoor patios, and orange and blue everywhere
Historic downtown with craft breweries, upscale bars, and a more relaxed pre-game atmosphere
Greek life area with tailgating, house parties, and authentic college gameday energy
The best spots near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp) for Florida Gators fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp) — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
1.6 miles
Estimated Time
4–5 hours
Bar Stops
6 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
Start Here
Salty Dog Saloon, 1712 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603
1712 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603
1716 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603
1020 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
1642 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603
30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601
End Point
First Magnitude Brewing, 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Salty Dog Saloon
Stop 1 of 6
Kick off the crawl at this beloved Midtown dive bar — cheap drinks, pool tables, and a rowdy Gator crowd that starts early. The no-frills atmosphere is pure college gameday energy right on University Avenue.
Midtown is the beating heart of Gator gameday — University Avenue turns into a sea of orange and blue hours before kickoff. Wear light, breathable clothing (Florida heat is real), stay hydrated between stops, and do the Gator Chomp at every bar for free drink specials at participating spots.
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make University of Florida Florida Gators game day unlike anywhere else
Throughout every game, especially after scores
The iconic Gator Chomp — arms extended, hands clapping together like a gator's jaws — is the universal symbol of Florida Gator pride. Fans perform it after every score, during big plays, and throughout the game. It is one of the most recognizable gestures in all of college sports.
End of the third quarter at every home game
"We Are the Boys from Old Florida" is sung by the entire stadium at the end of the third quarter — a beloved tradition where fans sway arm-in-arm and belt out the alma mater. The tradition creates one of the most emotional and unifying moments in college football.
Pre-game before every home kickoff
For decades, a fan known as "Mr. Two Bits" led the iconic "Two Bits, Four Bits, Six Bits, a Dollar — All for the Gators, stand up and holler!" cheer before every game. The tradition was carried on by George Edmondson Jr. for 60+ years and remains a cherished part of Gator gameday culture.
3-5 hours before every home kickoff
Midtown Gainesville — centered on University Avenue — is the beating heart of Gator gameday. Bars like Midtown Filling Station and Swamp Restaurant fill with orange and blue fans hours before kickoff. The energy on University Avenue on a big SEC gameday is electric and unmistakable.
Every home game on the sideline
Albert and Alberta Gator are Florida's beloved costumed mascots who energize the crowd at every home game. Albert is one of the most recognizable mascots in college football and has been a fixture at The Swamp since 1970. The duo leads cheers and interacts with fans throughout the game.
Annually in late October in Jacksonville, FL
The annual Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville is nicknamed the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" — a neutral-site rivalry game that draws over 80,000 fans from both schools. The weekend-long celebration is one of the most anticipated events on the SEC calendar.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Florida Gators ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp)
Legendary Pizza · $$
Gainesville's most beloved restaurant and a Gator gameday institution. Satchel's hand-crafted pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven and served in a quirky, eclectic outdoor setting. The line forms early on gamedays — arrive before noon or expect a long wait. Worth every minute.
Southern Fine Dining · $$$
Gainesville's premier farm-to-table restaurant and the go-to gameday splurge for Gator fans. The shrimp and grits with tasso cream sauce is legendary — rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Make reservations weeks in advance for Florida-Georgia and FSU weekends.
Bar & Grill · $
You can't come to Gainesville on gameday without trying actual gator bites — and Salty Dog does them best. Lightly breaded, perfectly fried alligator nuggets served with ranch are the ultimate Florida gameday snack. Cheap, fast, and absolutely essential for first-time visitors.
Gastropub · $$
Midtown's favorite gastropub with a menu built for gameday. The smash burger — double-smashed patties with American cheese, pickles, and special sauce — paired with crispy truffle fries is the best burger in Gainesville. The outdoor patio is packed with orange and blue fans from open to kickoff.
Brewery & Kitchen · $$
Gainesville's best craft brewery pairs its award-winning beers with a full food menu on gamedays. The smoked wings — slow-cooked and finished on the grill — are the perfect companion to their flagship IPA. The massive outdoor space hosts hundreds of Gator fans before every home game.
Caribbean Food Truck / Cafe · $
A Gainesville gameday hidden gem — the jerk chicken sandwich with fresh mango slaw is one of the most unique and delicious bites near The Swamp. The Caribbean flavors are a refreshing change from typical gameday fare, and the prices are unbeatable. A Midtown staple for over 15 years.
Turn your love of Florida Gators football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp)
Official tailgate lots surrounding The Swamp. Orange and blue tents as far as the eye can see.
University Ave bar patios overflow with Gator fans. The most electric pre-game street scene.
Open tailgate area near campus with food trucks, live music, and family-friendly zones.
Rideshare Drop-off
Uber/Lyft drop-off on Gale Lemerand Dr near the stadium. Expect heavy surge pricing on game days.
Shuttle Service
RTS runs free game day shuttles from Butler Plaza and other Park & Ride locations to campus.
Top hotels near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp) for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Gainesville game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
Florida Gators Athletics
Official schedules, tickets, and parking for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The Swamp Fan Guide
Stadium policies, bag rules, and gameday information.
Visit Gainesville
Official Gainesville visitor guide, hotels, and local events.
SEC Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast information.
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage.
Book your University of Florida Florida Gators game day bar crawl and experience Gainesville nightlife like never before!
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