Football season is officially in full swing, which takes the Gainesville bar scene to a completely different level. For seven weekends every year, Gainesville is transformed from a typical college town into a 48-hour party including everybody from alumni to toddlers.
Things usually get started Friday night when people hit the bars and clubs to get pumped up for a Gator beat down on the Volunteers, Seminoles, Hurricanes, Tigers, Wildcats or whichever opponent we happen to be facing that weekend.
Most college students and Gainesville residents are disappointed when they get to their favorite bar or club and realize that they not only have to pay cover, but they have to wait in line as well. I understand it's upsetting to college kids, who are on a budget, but alumni and out-of-towners are willing to pay, and bartenders and bouncers' No.1 concern is keeping the bar full of people that are spending the most money.
The best advice I can offer college students is to participate in the other form of "nightlife" that football season has to offer - tailgating. Although tailgating still requires you to shell out some cash, it's probably a lot less than you would be spending at a bar, and you can party on your own terms.
Some tips on tailgate etiquette: Never finish all the food or booze at somebody else's tailgate unless you're willing to go get more, and always make sure you've got plenty of Gator gear. Face and body paint get bonus points.
So go a little wild because all of us at the bar scene depend on it. Just try not to be the person that should have left the bar three hours ago. Build up your stamina throughout the season, and by the UF vs FSU game you'll be able to spend all day toasting the Gators.
