The Roaming Gnome exuded Gator pride at Saturday’s basketball game in an orange-and-blue wig.
The Gnome was in town for the Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats basketball game, broadcasting live from the Stephen C. O’Connell Center for ESPN’s College GameDay coverage. Represented by Travelocity Brand Manager Kelly Rathbun, he said he was not-so-secretly rooting for the Gators.
A fan of local sports, the Roaming Gnome said he likes to dress appropriately wherever he travels, but he loved wearing the Gators’ colors — they made him stand out.
Rathbun confirmed the Gnome is always up for adventure.
He ate apple fritters at Peach Valley Café, tacos at The Swamp Restaurant and pizza at Satchel’s. When he needed a break from it all, he took advantage of the warm weather and canoed at Lake Wauburg.
The Gnome took selfies all weekend, appreciative of the students who helped him chomp. While he loved traveling and meeting new people, he was excited to cheer at the game, where he sat in anticipation of an unexpected moment.
With no time to rest, the busy Gnome is on the road again. But no matter where he goes, he will always be a member of the Gator Nation.
It’s hard for me to wave goodbye to @UF. And not just because my hands are cemented in my pockets. #gators https://t.co/PXH6GNASon
— Travelocity Gnome (@RoamingGnome) February 8, 2015
[A version of this story ran on page 9 on 2/9/2015 under the headline “Gnome explores before moving on after game"]
