Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Capacity: 88,548 

Home Teams: Florida Gators (NCAA College Football)

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Events

Located on the Gainesville campus of the University of Florida, the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has been home to the university’s Division 1 football team, the Florida Gators, since 1930, though it has undergone significant expansion and renovation since. The stadium has become commonly known as The Swamp ever since legendary Gators ex-coach and Heisman-winning quarterback Steve Spurrier named it thus in the early 1990s, a moniker that seems fitting given the often hot and humid climate of Florida along with the scaly denizens of its wetlands that give the team its name. It is a huge stadium, stretching its capacity up over the 90,000 mark for big games, packing its legions of red-clad fans into the grandstands. The proximity of the fans to the field as well as the steep layout of the stadium helps to create a raucous and intimidating atmosphere known for intimidating visiting teams and boosting the home side, with the Gators boasting an astonishingly lopsided home record through long stretches of their history. The university’s marching band, the Pride of the Sunshine, performs before the game, at halftime, and in their seats while the game is going on, and features a huge bass drum that needs to be wheeled out onto the field. Despite having a full repertoire of songs, the band is perhaps best known for belting out the theme from Jaws while the fans enact a “Gator chomp” with both arms and for playing “We Are the Boys from Old Florida” after the third quarter while everyone sways and sings along. Along with all Florida Gators home games, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium also sometimes hosts student events and high school football games, as well as concerts, though these have decreased in recent years. Anyone showing up to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium hungry will find all the usual classics such as pretzels, hot dogs, burgers, and beer, along with some local flavors at the Everglades BBQ stand. Popular Gators merchandise can be found at kiosks and shops around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium or the campus.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Seating Chart

As a large venue, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium offers many different seating options to its visitors. Premium seating is available in luxury areas such as the Champions Club or Touchdown Terrace and some of the more expensive sections contain comfortable club seats. There is also plenty of general seating in bleachers, including special rates for recent graduates and others associated with the university (as well as an opposing fans’ section). For Gators home games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (or other events), head to TicketX to search for tickets that match your budget and preferences. Our handy seating chart is a great way to evaluate different seating options. 

Getting to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium via public transportation

You can get to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium using public buses, but on game days, an easier and more fun way to travel is with fellow fans on a shuttle bus. Visit the Gators’ official website for more information on catching one of these shuttles. A taxi or ride-share is another way to get to the venue.

Getting to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium by car

You can drive your own vehicle to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, though traffic and limited parking near the venue can make doing so a bit of an ordeal. Reserve your parking and plan to arrive early. The Gators’ official website has driving directions and a map. Also consider Park and Ride services that provide shuttle service to the venue.

Does Ben Hill Griffin Stadium have on-site parking?

There is limited on-site parking at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. While parking is available on the day, it is first-come, first-served, and so it is highly recommended that you purchase a parking pass well in advance. For detailed parking information, visit the Gators’ official website and use the Waze Traffic App for directions to your parking spot (many streets are closed on game days, so this is a big help!). 

How much does Ben Hill Griffin Stadium parking cost?

Parking passes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium can cost anywhere from $30 to well over $100, so it is often best to park elsewhere and take advantage of one of the game shuttles. Please visit the Gators’ official website for more information on how to purchase a parking pass in advance.