Before UF battles Vanderbilt University in Saturday's Homecoming football game, students will have a chance to celebrate with plenty of fireworks, music and comedy at tonight's Gator Growl.
The 84th annual Gator Growl, billed as the world's largest student-run pep rally, will kick off at 7 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Shelley Meyer, wife of UF football coach Urban Meyer, will host the event.
Comedian Frank Caliendo, who is known for impressions of a wide variety of political figures and celebrities, will receive ,50,000 to be Gator Growl's headlining act.
Caliendo has appeared on "MADtv" and "Fox NFL Sunday." His own weekly variety show, "Frank TV," will premiere Nov. 20.
Also performing is Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Jacksonville natives, famous for hits such as "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama," will receive ,150,000 for their performance.
Verizon Wireless, Gator Growl's primary corporate sponsor, is giving ,50,000 to the production this year to help cover costs.
Aron Weingard, Gator Growl producer, said students could also expect plenty of jokes at the expense of Florida State University and Ohio State University during the pep rally's usual student-produced skits.
Other student performances will include the winners of Gator Growl's Talent Night on Oct. 18.
UF freshman Brooke Helvie will perform several country hits, and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority members will dance.
Musical group Unsigned Hype - an eclectic mix of rappers, guitarists, trumpeters, a drummer and a saxophonist - will also perform.
