Gamedays at UF aren’t just about football.
Since the Gators’ 1906 football debut, millions of fans have created and partaken in traditions. These five cherished rituals have become part of the Gators culture, and they (among others) will undoubtedly make reappearances this fall.
1. Tailgating
For some, tailgating is not a tradition but a lifestyle. Hours before each game, UF’s campus is packed with trailers and tents. People gather everywhere — Plaza of the Americas, the North Lawn and even along University Avenue — to celebrate in anticipation of the game. Grab some friends and food and find a space — and don’t be afraid to share.
2. Cornhole
Cornhole is a popular tradition at tailgates — it’s fun, doesn’t require much setup and is easy to play. The game involves a raised, wooden platform with bean-bag-sized holes in it. Players walk a few feet away and toss bean bags at the platform. Typically, landing a bag on the platform is worth one point, so aim for the the hole — it’s worth three. Play until 21.
3. The Gator Walk
The Gator Walk takes place about two hours before each home game. Fans crowd the north end of the stadium for a chance to see, cheer and high-five the team as the players walk into the stadium.
4. Two Bits Chant
This tradition takes place in the Swamp itself. For decades, George “Mr. Two Bits” Edmondson, Jr. pumped up the crowd with a cheer. These days, he’s retired, so Albert leads the stadium in the cheer before each game begins. It’s short, sweet and super effective at driving the audience into an orange and blue frenzy.
5. The Gator Chomp
The chomp is an everyday occurrence at UF, but it has even more significance on gamedays. Palms flat, extend one arm over the other and move them like an alligator’s mouth. When coupled with the “Jaws” song, the sound and illusion created by the chomp intimidates both the other team’s fans and players. They have a reason to be scared — after all, only Gators get out alive.
Contact Julia Glum at jglum@alligator.org.
SWAMP SONGS:
It doesn’t matter if students are wedged between their best friends or standing next to people they’ve never met — at the end of third quarter, everyone in the Swamp gets close and loud for “We Are The Boys.”
We are the boys from old Florida,
F-L-O-R-I-D-A
Where the girls are the fairest,
The boys are the squarest
Of any old state down our way (Hey!)
We are all strong for old Florida
Down where the old Gators play (Go Gators!)
In all kinds of weather
We’ll all stick togetheeeeer
for F-L-O-R-I-D-A
The Orange and Blue
On, brave old Flor-i-da, just keep on marching on your way!
On, brave old Flor-i-da, and we will cheer you on your play! Rah! Rah! Rah!
And as you march a-long, we’ll sing our victory song anew,
With all your might, Go on and Fight, Gators!
Fight for Dixie’s rightly proud of you.
(Chorus)
So give a cheer for the Orange and Blue, Waving for-ev-er,
Forever pride of old Flor-i-da, May she droop nev-er
We’ll sing a song for the flag to-day, Cheer for the team at play!
On to the goal we’ll fight our way for Flor-i-da.
