Have you ever heard the phrase “Let the Gator Growl?” How about “the largest student-run pep rally in the nation?”
To many people, these are simply the common phrases heard on campus each year at Homecoming time.
But for the students who attend Gator Growl annually, it means the most unique Homecoming experience in the country, and it belongs to them as Florida Gators.
We can spend hours detailing what the show has for you (skydivers, UF cheerleaders, the Dazzlers, a chance to see Tracy Morgan and Josh Turner perform live, student-produced skits and more), but the feeling can’t be explained.
We have not one, but two events in the stadium in one weekend. A stage is built in a week and taken down in 12 hours. It’s a time when the famous come to Gainesville, and the Gators are the stars of the show.
It’s not for only our athletes. It’s for the dancers, the singers, the performers — all Gators. Get ready for a show by students, for students. (OK, and for alumni, but they were students once, too).
For $15, come check it out before you knock it.
There’s no event in the country like Gator Growl, and it’s directly on campus.
As a senior at UF, I’ve finally learned what Homecoming is about. This week is the ultimate experience for the Gator Nation. There’s one reason to celebrate, and it’s simply that we’re the best — the orange and blue — and nothing will ever change that.
This year, we’ll also have a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation’s heroes for Veterans Day. With ROTC members as ushers, cameos from Gators serving overseas and Wounded Warriors in the audience, we will spend the night honoring those people who serve and have served our country. If you buy a Gator Growl ticket, you will help us reach 32,500 in ticket sales. Gator Growl aims to donate $25,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project.
After an intense election season, we’ll finally come together under one president and stand united not only for the Gator Nation, but for the United States. Get ready for the Independence Day in Gainesville twice in one year. (Who doesn’t love that?)
Medal of Honor recipient and Gainesville resident Cpl. Duane E. Dewey will kick off the weekend as the grand marshal of the UF Homecoming Parade Friday at noon on University Avenue. Following Gator Growl, which is Friday at 7 p.m. in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, join the university community for the Homecoming Alumni barbecue at 10 a.m. Saturday before the game. We’ll have the entire tailgate experience plus barbecue from 4 Rivers Smokehouse for $10. I also hope you’ll celebrate Homecoming in your own way this week.
Attend an event hosted by your organization, wear red, white, orange and blue, and take the night off from studying to enjoy a movie.
It’s Homecoming, it’s a holiday and it’s time to celebrate.
If you have any inquiries about the university’s Homecoming events, visit www.gatorgrowl.org or www.facebook.com/GatorGrowlUF
Have fun this week — IT’S HOMECOMING, MY FRIENDS!
Happy Homecoming to all.
Hannah Swerdloff is the general chairwoman of UF Homecoming 2012. You can contact her via opinions@alligator.org.
