Renee Hoffner-Dabbs hadn’t been to Gator Growl since 1988.
Now 54, she returned Friday night, wanting to experience the Homecoming event at the same time as her daughter, a UF freshman.
Twenty-eight years later, Hoffner-Dabbs was still impressed.
“When I first heard about all of the changes, I was concerned,” said Hoffner-Dabbs, who watched comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s routine in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in 1988. “But this exceeds all expectations. This is a true pep-rally environment.”
This year’s Gator Growl was held on Flavet Field for the third year and featured performances from country duo Maddie & Tae, pop band Timeflies, rapper Waka Flocka Flame and electronic band Passion Pit.
Student Government Productions paid a combined total of $230,000 for the four acts, according to Robert Felder, the general chairman for Homecoming week and Gator Growl.
Millie Llanes, the executive producer of Gator Growl, said about 11,000 tickets were sold, but about 10,000 people attended. She said the sets of the performers ran on schedule, with the first set starting at 6 p.m. and the last finishing before 10 p. m.
“It was all around high energy the entire time,” she said. “We’ve heard nothing but positive feedback.”
Rayanna Gopaul, 20, got there at 5 p.m. — two hours before Timeflies went onstage — in order to claim a front-row seat. She guessed she was one of the first 20 people to arrive.
“I’ve always been a fan of them, but they just never come to Florida,” the UF event management junior said.
Even as the performers and student groups took to the stage, a rock-climbing wall — a new addition this year — had a continuous line.
Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka Flame, who performed hits like “No Hands” and “Hard in da Paint” wore a UF jersey. After he finished, roughly a third of the crowd left the event before Passion Pit, the final act, took the stage.
For Benjamin Velie, a UF mathematics freshman, it was disappointing to see the crowd’s energy drop as people began to leave during Passion Pit’s performance, which featured hits like “Sleepyhead” and “Take a Walk.”
“I expected it to be more vibrant,” the 18-year-old said. But, just before fireworks lit the night sky for the final time, he said it was worth the $15 ticket.
“I had fun,” Velie said. “I enjoyed my time.”
For D.J. Meyers, a UF computer science and Russian fifth-year student, it was worth staying until the very end.
“Compared to last year, it was a great choice of talent,” the 22-year-old said, “and hopefully there will be more good talent for years to come.”
Waka Flocka sings to the crowd during Gator Growl at Flavet Field on Friday evening.
Timeflies vocalist Caleb Shapiro points to the crowd during Gator Growl at Flavet Field on Friday evening.
Timeflies vocalist Caleb Shapiro jumps in the air during Gator Growl at Flavet Field on Friday evening.
Michael Angelakos, the lead vocalist for Passion Pit, sings "Sleepyhead" during Gator Growl at Flavet Field on Friday evening.
Michael Angelakos, the lead vocalist for Passion Pit, sings "Take a Walk" during Gator Growl at Flavet Field on Friday evening.
