Gator Growl has been a tradition at the University of Florida for over 90 years. It's one of the main events that marks the celebration of Homecoming Week. Performers such as musical and comedic entertainers, Gator athletes, UF cheerleaders, the Dazzlers and the Pride of the Sunshine Marching Band usually help put on this huge production by providing entertainment for the thousands of students and alumni that attend. The amount of student participation that goes into this event has given Gator Growl the title of calling itself the largest student-run pep rally in the nation, in the Gator Nation that is. This year, the guest entertainers include the all-star rapper Ludacris, the indie pop band Foster the People and former Saturday Night Live comedian Brooks Wheelan. Get excited because it's a rare sight to see such a variety of popular celebrities in one place at the same time and to top it off, there will be an extraordinary firework show too!
Gator Growl will be on Friday, October 17th. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. If you haven't already heard, the location of Gator Growl will be on Flavet Field. It's a first attempt to changing the previous location of the event, but the intentions are to provide a more spacious environment for the attendees. Flavet Field offers multiple stages, more room for VIP tents, more standing room and seating as well. These new additions, along with others, will give students and alumni a much more intimate show.
This year, Gator Growl is proposing a limitless theme when it comes to the entertainment and production of the show. The hundreds of students who worked hard to create this event for us are aiming to use this theme in order to make the show more interactive and exciting for us. To fully portray this theme, students and alumni who attend will have access to not only awesome entertainment, but also to a delicious variety of food trucks. Be ready to experience a taste of Gainesville at this event because there will be food trucks such as Monsta Lobsta, The Big Cheese, Kona Dog, Philly's Best Philly, and so many others. For those of you over 21 years old, there will also be a beer and wine garden to check out.
Tickets for Gator Growl are only $14 for students and $24 for non-students. Both prices are totally worth the purchase and the event is absolutely-family friendly, so bring your friends and family to enjoy the main homecoming event at the heart of the Gator Nation.
The countdown to Gator Growl has begun. See you there!
