Gators basketball fans have the chance to check off the ultimate bucket list item: spend the night in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
After the 7 p.m. gymnastics meet against Missouri Friday, UF students are invited to camp out on the practice court before the Gators men’s basketball team takes on the Mizzou Tigers at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Jake Sillick, a 24-year-old computer and electrical engineering student, said he usually camps out for big games such as Tennessee and Kentucky outside. People would bring blankets and tents.
He said camping out inside for the upcoming game is very exciting.
“It’s a great gesture to have the University Athletic Association have it inside,” said Sillick, the Men’s Basketball Rowdies president.
The first 500 campers to enter the O’Dome starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday will be provided with pizza at Gate 3, according to a press release, as well as breakfast Saturday morning.
To pass time, video games, movies and games will be set up at the free event.
Lucas Dolengowski, a 20-year-old telecommunication sophomore, said he will be attending the camp out because it will be a cool experience.
The tag line for all sport events at the O’Connell Center is “Live Life in the Dome.”
Dolengowski said the UAA is giving students the opportunity to actually do so.
“They’re making that true to form,” he said.
