September 3: Gators announce stadium capacity and game day protocols for 2020 football season
Football in the Swamp is a month away, and in order to prioritize the health and safety of the Gator Nation, game days are going to be different in 2020. The University Athletic Association is announcing the first of several game day safety protocols and strategies, including a reduced fan capacity plan ahead of the Gators’ home opener against South Carolina scheduled for Oct. 3.
To comply with physical distancing requirements, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will host approximately 20 percent of its listed capacity of 88,548 in the bowl and club levels, putting the capacity right at 17,000.
In accordance with campus guidelines, face coverings (over the nose and mouth) will be required for all fans throughout the entire game. This includes when fans are entering and exiting the stadium. Fans may only remove face coverings while eating or drinking. Failure to comply with this important health guideline could result in loss of ticket privileges.
The UAA is also making several changes to traditional game day activities. To promote a safer environment, the following fan experiences will not occur this season:
- Tailgating will not be permitted on the UF campus
- Gator Walk will not occur in 2020
- Gator Walk Village will not be set up for 2020
- No Gators Fan Fest
- No Spirit teams on the sidelines
“As we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked hand in hand with UF Health, the SEC and its Medical Guidance Task Force, and campus officials to create the safest environment possible for the student-athletes, staff and fans,” Athletics Director Scott Stricklin said.
Specific information pertaining to ticket ordering and pricing, as well as parking, is expected to be available for fans next week. Information pertaining to capacity and safety measures directly pertaining to suites will be communicated directly to suite holders.
For fans attending home games, there will be notable changes to parking, ticketing, stadium entry gates, concessions, and other stadium operations. Details on some of those areas are below. More information will be announced in the coming weeks.
As with everything related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this situation remains fluid. The aforementioned and following announcements are subject to change as recommendations from local, state, and federal officials evolve in relation to public health developments.
Plans have not been finalized for the Florida-Georgia game at this time.
MOBILE TICKETING
The UAA will require mobile ticketing this fall in an effort to reduce contact between fans and staff. With this, fans will be able to access their tickets through the Florida Gators app from their mobile device, or via FloridaGators.com/myaccount.
Fans can add their tickets to their respective Apple Wallet or Google Pay account for added safety and convenience. Fans will also be able to transfer or donate their tickets easily within the app or online.
To learn more about mobile ticketing, please follow this link for a quick informational video. Fans can find the Florida Gators app download links for Apple and Google here.
PARKING & TAILGATING
Public tailgating and gatherings will not be permitted on the UF campus this fall.
Complete details regarding game day parking are being finalized and will be released soon as a part of the UAA’s ticketing model. However, no RV parking will be allowed anywhere on campus except for those who already possess a football game day RV parking pass for the 2020 season. Overnight parking on home football weekends will be prohibited on campus at all times (pre- or post-game).
Campus parking lots for those with parking passes will open three hours prior to kickoff.
INSIDE THE STADIUM
The safety of our student-athletes, staff, and fans remains our top priority, meaning fans will see new guidelines, signage and enhanced cleaning procedures throughout the stadium.
Please note this includes all fans abiding by a strict physical distancing policy of six feet between groups. Physical distancing will also be required when entering and exiting the stadium. As a reminder, all fans must wear face coverings (over the nose and mouth) when entering, once inside and when exiting the stadium, with the lone exception being while they are eating or drinking.
Concession stands, the Gator Sportshop, the restrooms, and concourses will all have new signage to help reinforce safety measures.
Throughout the stadium, there will be an increased number of hand sanitizer stations in areas such as restrooms, gate entrances, and concession stands. Please also note that restrooms with two doors will be one way in and one way out. Restrooms will also feature updated sinks with one-touch faucets.