What started out as a simple Homecoming tradition at an all-male school has now blown up what is billed as the largest student-run pep rally in the nation.
Today, UF students can celebrate 84 years of the UF Homecoming tradition Gator Growl.
The pep rally was started in 1916, wrote Anna Murphy, spokeswoman for Gator Growl, in an e-mail.
As a tradition for the original pep rally, freshmen contributed the equivalent of their weight in firewood for a giant bonfire, she wrote.
This tradition was known as "firing up" for the football game, she wrote.
In 1925, the pep rally expanded to include skits and performers, Murphy wrote.
It was known then as a variety show.
The show evolved into Gator Growl in 1932.
That was also the first year the pep rally was put on in the stadium.
WRUF sports announcer Red Barber was the first emcee of Gator Growl.
Now, with more technology available to produce digital skits, along with live performances by bands and dancers, more than 500 students work to put the show together.
"It has now escalated to a professional level, but still maintains the spirit of what a traditional pep rally is," Murphy said in an interview.
Unlike shows decades ago, this year's show will feature "elaborate pyrotechnics," light shows and a celebration of many recent national titles for UF's sports teams.
The show has gained prestige because of the reputation of past Growl successes.
Past performers, including Bill Cosby, Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Crystal, have helped escalate the show's reputation of being more than just a regular university pep rally, Murphy said.
Randy Talbot, executive director of the UF Alumni Association and member of the class of 1975, was at Growl when Robin Williams headlined.
"When he came, I laughed so hard I sweated," he said.
"He was 'raunchy,' or at least what was considered to be the definition during that time frame."
The show traditionally had two comedians, but this year the staff of Florida Blue Key, which puts on Growl, has decided to change the format.
This year, comedian Frank Caliendo, who was a cast member on the TV show "MADtv," and band Lynyrd Skynyrd will headline the show.
The stage will also be set on a different side of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium this year.
It will now be in the stadium's north endzone.
Talbot said the purpose of Gator Growl is not outdoing what was done before but just producing a good show.
This year, ticket sales are not the only thing funding the production.
Verizon Wireless is sponsoring the event, bringing even more attention to an already hyped show.
This is the first year Gator Growl has boasted a corporate sponsorship.
