When UF’s Final Four matchup against the Auburn Tigers ended in triumph, Gainesville roared. Students stormed the streets. Bar floors shook. Fireworks exploded. The Gators had just advanced to their first National Championship since 2007.
Over 1,000 miles from Gainesville in San Antonio, as the Gators fought their way out of the team’s first Final Four in 11 years, Florida fans expressed support beginning at sunrise on April 5. It was a long day for Gators on and off the court, but Florida secured the 79-73 victory, making every minute of the day worth it to fans back home.
Safety first
In preparation for rowdy fans, Gainesville Police Department increased its patrols in popular areas, including a “DUI detail.” However, GPD’s main focus is preparing for the NCAA National Championship game on April 7, according to Lt. Lisa Scott.
During the Gators’ victory in the 2007 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game, GPD Lt. Corey Dahlem was struck and killed by a drunk driver while working traffic control, Scott said.
“We never want to experience anything like that again, and it's very triggering for some of our officers,” she said.
GPD collaborates with city and county emergency management, as well as the UF Police Department, to coordinate response plans including road safety, she said.
When community members have access to rideshare apps, public transportation and SNAP rides, Scott said she encourages Gator fans to “think twice” before driving.
“We know emotions are with it, and we get that,” she said. “Everyone please be safe, it’s so not worth it. Some silly decision could have lasting impacts.”
Following Florida’s victory, as Gator fans crowded the streets, chanting “It’s great to be a Florida Gator,” the increased police presence was noticeable as officers poured confiscated beer onto the streets around midtown.
But nothing could stop students from celebrating.
Gator loyalty
Jack DeGray, a 22-year-old UF business senior, wore a fuzzy Gators onesie and broken visor sunglasses. He showed up to The Swamp as the game started and was easily able to get in, he said.
DeGray said he would try to crowd surf if the Gators won.
“If no one lifts me up when I jump, that’s fine,” he said. “I will be happy face-planting. That’s how much it’ll mean to me.”
‘Electric’: Midtown goes crazy
Chaos and celebrations also erupted in Midtown.
Florida sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway drove his car through the Midtown parking lot, opening his window to chomp and celebrate with fans.
One such Gator fan was 19-year-old computer science major Leon Calef. He was just arriving at Midtown when he spotted Lagway through his window.
"Dude, this is just so f*cking electric," Calef said. "This is what college sports are all about.”
Other fans continued chomping at the cars that drove by on University Avenue, getting constant honks in return.
"I'm in heaven," Calef said. "One of the best moments of my life.“
SEC rivalries
For Shannon Meloy, a 22-year-old UF psychology senior whose family is from Auburn, a decade of bragging rights were on the line. A Gator win would help justify her decision to attend UF instead of Auburn.
“My grandparents and my parents are texting me this entire game, like ‘Oh my god, Auburn’s winning,’ and I’m like, no,” she said. “The community around this is incredible.”
Meloy’s family wasn’t the only Auburn fan who was betting on a Tiger win. President of social media at Barstool Auburn Wes Smarp traveled to Gainesville for the final four matchup. Although confident in his team, Smarp overestimated Auburn’s ability.
“Your guys’ Barstool [account] is as weak as your basketball — so very weak.” Smarp said. “I heard Gator tastes good.”
High prices and long lines
At sunrise on April 5, Gator fans were already cramming the sidewalk outside of The Swamp Restaurant — some had been camping since 5 a.m. By midmorning, over 100 fans were waiting in line to snag a table for the Final Four game, offered on a first come, first serve basis.
But for the right price, eager fans could skip the line. Lawn tables for up to eight people with bottle service at The Swamp were available for $1,500, according to the restaurant.
The midtown staple MacDinton’s also offered reserved tables for game night. A basketball fan could pay $700 for a four-top, $1,400 for eight to 10 people, or a whopping $2,600 for a table for 20, according to the bar. Tickets to enter the bar without a table, priced at $50, sold out days ahead of time.
At the sports bar Mom’s OG, Gator fans could also reserve a table for up to six people for $800. Yet according to the bar, no one reserved a table, so fans were all allowed in for free Saturday afternoon.
Despite arriving at 7:45 a.m., nearly five hours before the watch party doors opened at Swamp, 18-year-old UF public health sophomore Zorielle Bursac and her friends were unable to secure a seat in the restaurant, and sat in folding chairs outside the dining room instead. Yet four hours before the game, there were still big smiles on their faces because of what was ahead.
“Last weekend we went to MacDinton’s, but cover was $40,” she said. “This weekend, we wanted to do Swamp.”
She said the group was all tired, but they kept each other entertained by talking about the game.
Isabella Hughes, a 21-year-old UF business junior, started camping outside Swamp at 8:30 a.m., and said there were “over 300 people” there already. Yet for Hughes, the line was worth it.
“Enjoy this,” she said. “I’m gonna remember this forever. No matter what happens, win or lose, this is a memory we’re all going to go home with.”
As Gator basketball fans waited, employees at different establishments across Midtown helped mitigate the chaos of game day.
“It was a lot more busy than our owners expect,” Liam Ferguson, an 18-year-old UF aerospace engineering freshman said.
Ferguson was grabbing lunch from his workplace, Cantina Anejo, when he knew he’d have to come in earlier than expected. He began working in the afternoon when he was supposed to clock in at 9 p.m.
“I got a text saying ‘yo we f*ed up, show up right now,” Ferguson said.
The Gators will face off Houston Monday at 8:50 p.m., just one battle away from potentially holding their first National Championship title in 18 years.
This is an Alligator Staff Report
