The oppressive heat begins to bear down on you the moment you get within walking distance of the stadium. A combination of motor home exhaust, barbecue and Bud Light fill the air hours before game time.
It’s Saturday morning, and you’ve found yourself decked out in Gator merchandise, taking in all the pregame festivities Florida football has to offer.
You’re at The Swamp.
Go ahead, enjoy it. For the next four years you’ll have a unique opportunity to experience Ben Hill Griffin Stadium – after likely paying a pretty penny.
And you’re probably asking yourself a few questions.
Why is it named after this dude Ben Hill Griffin? Will you get out alive if you’re not a Gator (Answer: If you wear enough sunblock).
Rest assured. I’m here to give you the rundown.
Here are six things you need to know about the Swamp.
1. It wasn’t always called Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. When it was created in 1930, it had a boring, simple name – Florida Field. Fifty-nine years later, Ben Hill Griffin, a UF donor, earned bragging rights. The field is still technically “Florida Field,” but no one calls it that.
2. It just so happens to be the largest stadium in the state of Florida, with a capacity of more than 88,000. More than 90,000 people can squeeze in if you include the luxury boxes. If you have delicate ears, consider investing in plugs.
3. From 1994 to 1999, the Gators held a 30-game winning streak at The Swamp. Yes, that’s 30 consecutive games won at home, in the Southeastern Conference.
4. Former player and coach Steve Spurrier introduced the “Swamp” nickname in the early 1990s when describing Florida’s home-field advantage. He said “A swamp is where Gators live … A swamp is hot and sticky and can be dangerous.” And Ben Hill Griffin is definitely hot and sticky, especially during noon games in September.
5. The temperature on the field often reaches 100 degrees. So, if you’re going to a game this season, fill up on water, not beer.
6. If you have entered the student lottery, make sure to get with your friends when you pick up your tickets at roll call. You don’t want to sit next to some random kid projecting vomit in the direction of a cop. Bad memories.
Contact Chuck Kingsbury at ckingsbury@alligator.org.
