With the Gators headed to Atlanta for the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, Gator-themed gear is more popular than ever before.
"We already have Eastern Division championship T-shirts coming in," said Christina Rodenwoldt, manager of Gators Plus, an apparel and souvenir shop near campus. "With the Gators doing so well and sales being great, we will probably have some specials going on a little closer to Christmas."
Rodenwoldt’s family has owned Gators Plus for 31 years, and she said this might be one of the best sales seasons yet. She said she thinks it’ll probably roll over to the spring season.
"It was pretty depressing with our record last year," Rodenwoldt said. "Unfortunately, the momentum kind of goes into the following season like basketball and other sports. When it’s an exciting football year, we definitely do better. This year is already so much better."
Other establishments are also preparing for the increase in sales and competition.
Copper Monkey is preparing for more alumni to come back to The Swamp.
"We’re doing $7 pitchers of Rolling Rock and $4 Captain Morgan beverages to attract more people over other restaurants," said Anna Raughley, a Copper Monkey employee.
Andria Lask, a UF telecommunication senior, said she’s noticed the difference this year too.
"In the beginning of the season we weren’t doing much better than last year, just because people weren’t sure if we were going to be good or not," the 22-year-old said. "But there has been a huge difference as people noticed how good the season’s going. Sales have definitely gone up."
Lask, who has worked at The Swamp Restaurant for the past two years, said a lot of changes are coming as the restaurant works on attracting undergraduate students. A student menu is in the works.
"I can’t even imagine how it’s going to be if we win," Lask said. "We’re excited, but we’re also trying to prepare for it."
