Florida Heat: An Afternoon at "The Swamp"

In all kinds of weather

We'll all stick together

For F-L-O-R-I-D-A

If there was ever a phrase that perfectly describes a game day experience at the University of Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, it would be the one above. The final three lines of the traditional We are the Boys From Old Florida bring nostalgic chills to some and drunken exuberance to others.

The song is greeted by the unanimous standing, swaying, and singing of 90,000-plus rabid Gator fans and is a sign that the fourth quarter is coming and the home team is on its way to another big victory.

So is life at everyone's favorite Gainesville sporting destination. Every fall, the stadium that is still best known as "The Swamp" (one of Steve Spurrier's many remnants of influence), is a mecca for anyone whose life revolves around all things orange and blue.

An afternoon or evening at The Swamp is a strange mix of tradition, charm, and intimidation that blends together for an epic and slightly overwhelming experience.

It is an experience that begins before one ever even steps foot into the stadium.

It begins with simple actions such as maneuvering your car through the intense game day traffic. Only on Autumn Saturdays will you find the usually bland Gainesville streets packed with the chaos of New York City. Replace yellow cabs with cars that are laden with any and every form of Gator decorations and the scene is set.

After parking, your walk may take you down Lemerand Drive where you can visit the sparkling new Heavener Complex that showcases the team's three National Championship trophies, three Heisman Trophies, and an assortment of other Gator history.

After Lemerand comes University Avenue where you will be greeted by abundant tailgate parties and the shoulder-to-shoulder packed patio of Swamp Restaurant, a campus institution. You may even catch a glimpse of the Gator Walk, a new addition to game days in Gainesville.

No matter how many times you return, the electricity of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium captivates you as soon as you walk through the gate.

Crowds often gather early to make their presence felt during warm-ups and the nearly 60 years of regular expansions give the stadium a number of quirky features. Few stadiums put fans closer to the action.

The field being significantly below ground level (the stadium was built in a ravine) makes the accumulation of  crowd noise and blistering heat make life nearly unbearable for visiting teams.

Opponents are always greeted with verbal hostility and the world famous chomp, a gesture that looks some what corny when performed alone but can sweep across the stadium quickly making for a unique sight.

The stadium goes silent only momentarily all day. That moment is when the crowd awaits direction for the now legendary "Two Bits" cheer. The cheer, which was initiated and carried on for almost 60 years by Gator super fan George Edmondson, will be the responsibility of Albert the mascot and the cheerleaders beginning this season.

With that comes the dramatic entrance of the Fightin' Gators, all set to an entrance video that concludes with the assertive public address system proclamation:

"The Swamp...Only Gators get out alive!"

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