University of Florida Tailgating
When you’re watching the University of Florida Gators, you’re not only at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, you’re also at, “The Swamp.” This 88,000-seat stadium is home to the Gators, a championship-winning Southeastern Conference (SEC) team.
Event information
University of Florida tailgating at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium offers RV enthusiasts one of college football's most electric atmospheres, with dedicated RV parking in Lot 9 requiring commitment to at least three of six home games for $450 total. Located in Gainesville, Florida, "The Swamp" welcomes over 88,000 fans for each home game, with RV tailgating beginning at 6 AM on game day and featuring overnight parking exclusively in Lot 9. For fans without season passes, the Gator Aider shuttle service provides convenient transportation from five Park-N-Ride locations around Gainesville for $15-20 per game, connecting to nearby RV parks and campgrounds. With Gainesville's exceptional RV infrastructure, including Santa Fe Palms RV Resort and Travelers Campground just minutes from campus, your Florida Gators weekend becomes the perfect launching point for exploring North Central Florida's natural springs, state parks, and outdoor adventures.
What is University of Florida Tailgating?
University of Florida tailgating represents one of college football's most passionate fan traditions, transforming the campus around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium into a sea of orange and blue every fall Saturday. Known as "The Swamp," this 88,548-seat stadium creates an intimidating home field advantage that's been the stuff of legends since 1930, with RV tailgaters playing a crucial role in building the electric atmosphere.
The tailgating experience centers around family traditions passed down through generations of Gator fans, featuring elaborate setups with grills, tents, and team memorabilia that showcase decades of Gator pride. Popular pre-game activities include the Gator Walk, where fans line the north side of the stadium to cheer players as they enter two hours before kickoff, and the Gator Fan Fest, offering family-friendly activities and giveaways.
RV tailgating at UF operates under a season-long commitment system requiring attendance at a minimum of three of six home games, with pricing around $450 for the full season. This commitment ensures a dedicated community of serious Gator fans who return week after week, creating lasting friendships and unforgettable game day traditions.
For those planning their first Gator game experience, explore Gainesville RV rentals for the ultimate tailgating setup, or consider Alachua RV rentals for additional options just minutes from campus.
When and Where Does University of Florida Tailgating Happen?
- Season Schedule: Six home games per season (August through November)
- Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611
- Tailgating Hours: Setup begins 6:00 AM game day (8:00 AM in UAA lots), must clear by 3:00 AM after the game
- RV Parking: Lot 9 (overnight parking available the night before games)
- Stadium Capacity: 88,548 (largest stadium in Florida)
Tickets
University of Florida RV tailgating operates on a season-long commitment system with pricing around $450 for access to all six home games, though you must attend at least three games to maintain eligibility for the following season. Single-game overflow parking may be available at the Park and Ride lot approximately three miles from the stadium, requiring early arrival the day before the game to secure spots.
The season pass system includes access to designated RV areas with exclusive overnight parking available in Lot 9, which opens the evening before each home game. This premium location puts you in the heart of the tailgating action while providing the convenience of staying right on campus.
For fans preferring flexible attendance, the Gator Aider shuttle service offers an alternative at $15-20 per single game, with $75-100 season passes available. This service connects five Park-N-Ride locations around Gainesville directly to campus, allowing you to stay at area RV parks while still enjoying easy access to game day festivities.
How Do I Rent an RV Near Gainesville for Gator Games?
Gainesville's central Florida location makes it an ideal RV rental hub, with multiple providers offering everything from compact Class B motorhomes perfect for navigating campus traffic to spacious Class A motorhomes ideal for hosting elaborate tailgate parties that rival any fraternity setup.
Most Gainesville RV rental locations position you within 15-30 minutes of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, with convenient access via major routes like I-75, US-441, and University Avenue. The compact city layout means you can pick up your RV, stock up on game day supplies, and reach your tailgating spot without the stress of navigating sprawling metropolitan areas.
Explore University of Florida Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Motorists will encounter several road closures around the stadium on game day, but these only start a few hours before the game. To make sure you reach your parking spot, it’s recommended you head to the stadium as early as you can. If you’re traveling from out of state to Gainesville, you may want to visit other nearby cities such as Jacksonville, Tampa, or Orlando.
Parking areas
RV parking and tailgating is allowed at the University of Florida, but there are a few stipulations to consider. Primarily, you’ll have to attend at least three of the six home games and might pay $450 in total, or you can go to all six games if you wish. Failure to attend at least four games will disqualify you from purchasing the ticket next year. Overnight stays are only permitted at Lot 9, which opens the evening before the game.
Gator fans might find single-game overflow parking at the Park and Ride lot about three miles from the stadium, but you must claim your spot early the day before the game.
Public Transportation
The University of Florida uses the Regional Transit System, which has a service called Gator Aider. This shuttle costs about $10 per person or around $50 for the season. You can buy your tickets at any of the local Park and Ride locations. With the shuttle, you can park your car and reach the stadium without tiring from the long walk and Florida heat.
Where to stay
Onsite
University of Florida offers limited but high-quality RV parking options that put you at the center of one of college football's most electric atmospheres, with several outstanding nearby alternatives for flexible game day experiences.
On-Campus RV Parking:
Lot 9 provides the exclusive on-campus overnight RV parking experience, opening the evening before each home game and positioning you within easy walking distance of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. This premium location requires a season-long commitment to at least three of six home games, but delivers unmatched convenience and community among serious Gator fans who return week after week.
The season pass system at Lot 9 creates a unique tailgating community where families and alumni groups establish elaborate setups that become legendary among fellow fans. The overnight access means you can arrive Friday evening, set up your tailgate headquarters, and wake up Saturday morning ready for game day festivities without worrying about traffic or parking availability.
Nearby
Santa Fe Palms RV Resort offers Gainesville's newest luxury RV experience just minutes from campus, featuring over 50 pull-through sites, resort-style amenities including a swimming pool and pickleball court, and concierge services that cater specifically to visiting Gator fans and alumni.
Travelers Campground provides a unique family-friendly option 25 minutes from UF on I-75, featuring rescue farm animals including macaws, donkeys, and emus, that create an entertaining atmosphere for kids while parents prep for game day. This Travelers Campground booking option through Outdoorsy offers full hookups, pool access, and WiFi while positioning you perfectly for easy I-75 access to campus. The campground's proximity to I-75 makes it ideal for out-of-state fans traveling to multiple games.
Gainesville RV Park sits conveniently on Highway 301 within minutes of campus and offers full hookups, a stocked fishing pond, and easy access to local restaurants and supplies. The location provides excellent value while keeping you close to both the campus and Gainesville's natural attractions.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park delivers the perfect combination of RV camping and outdoor adventure just 10 miles from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, featuring wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and the authentic Florida experience that makes your game day weekend a complete adventure.
Getting around
What to pack
Clothing
Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason, so it’s best to leave any heavy, warm clothing at home. You’ll want to dress like a local Gator, so wear shorts, breathable t-shirts or polos, and pack your sunglasses and a visor. Don't forget to include your Albert and Alberta Gator t-shirts and plenty of blue and orange attire.
Gear
No tailgate is complete without a grill, but keep your eye on it at all times. You’ll want to make sure that your RV has an exhaust extension, also known as a smokestack, to prevent others from inhaling the fumes. For easy cleanup, bring several trash bags and a container for removing items you plan to wash after the game.
Health & Safety
While tailgating and watching the game is great fun, be aware of your water intake. The humid Florida heat can dehydrate you quickly if you don’t drink water often. There are multiple hydration stations in the stadium, or you could bring an empty water bottle and fill it at one of the water fountains.
Where to eat
Cooking
With such great weather year-round, Floridians love to cook outside, especially during a tailgate. Visit the local grocery store and stock up on ingredients to whip up tailgating favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, and other easy-to-handle food. If you’re feeling fancy, buy some fresh, local seafood and grill it up for your guests. Shrimp on the barbie is never a bad idea.
Restaurants
For those who prefer eating out over cooking, Gainesville has more than a few trendy food spots worth checking out while in Northern Florida. Whether you want pizza, Thai Cuisine, or seafood, Gainesville has it, and, because it’s a small town, prices are affordable. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium neighbors quite a handful of eateries for Gator fans to enjoy, especially to the east.
Vendors
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is a modern facility, and its vendors all accept major credit cards, but some concessions and vendors have separate lines for those using a credit card. If you want to speed things up, consider using the ATMs found within the stadium or bring cash.
Gators who want to look the part can shop for merchandise at the Gator Sportshop, of which there are two. Gator souvenir shops can be found in the main concourse.
Safety
Security
Before entering the stadium, leave any non-clear bags behind. Like most college and NFL stadiums these days, The Swamp has a strict clear bag policy. If you don’t have a clear bag, you can use a clear food storage bag. Lost items can be claimed at the lobby of the main ticket office.
Weather
For most of the year, Gainesville is either warm or hot, and it’s almost always humid. Winter is not very long at all, and temperatures sometimes drop to the low 40s. It does rain quite a bit, however, and hurricanes can form in the late summer and early fall. Monitor local weather conditions as you begin each day for a smooth time with whatever the skies deliver during your trip.
Medical
For any medical issues, visit one of the eight first-aid stations inside the stadium. There are medical professionals at each station, should the need arise. For any severe medical issues, seek help immediately or call 911. There are several hospitals near the stadium.
