A closer look at the newer fan experience initiatives and their impact on game day operations .
A decade ago Florida fans were coming off of a 13-1 season and averaging over 90,000 for home game attendance. The only game day initiatives in place for the upcoming 2010 season were heat initiatives and Gator Fan Fest outside of the O’Connell Center. Fast forward ten years to Florida football game day and the layout and atmosphere has completely changed.
Prior to the kick-off of the 2019 football season, the list of game day initiatives leading up to the game versus UT-Martin was released. The release included eleven new initiatives for the 2019 season and seventeen initiatives being continued from previous seasons. This new push for fan experience is to combat declining fan attendance by getting fans into the venue early and creating a fun and memorable environment.
A few of the New Game Day Initiatives for the 2019 Season
Official Florida Gators App
This new app was used as a ticket, guide and waiter on game day. Once a user has logged into the app it can then be connected to their ticketmaster account allowing them to scan into the game using a digital ticket. The app comes with the ability to access all the information any fan would need on game day. Once users have made it into the game, they are able to purchase concessions and Swamp Moments from their seat using the app.
The transition to mobile ticketing was a bit of a process. Fans encountered issues with the network being overwhelmed and their phones having low battery or dying. After the first couple of games fans knew what to expect and and were prepared.
Gator Walk Village & Official Swamp Head Tailgate
On the northside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium this season fans were able to enjoy the perks of tailgating right outside of the stadium. Fans had the opportunity to experience the local entertainment and flavor with a stage for area bands, food trucks from around Gainesville and a Swamp Head Brewery sponsored tailgate.
This was a great use of space on University Ave. which is closed leading up to a game for pedestrian traffic. This area required a great deal of set-up and break down during a game day. Overall, I think it was a great opportunity for first time fans to experience all that Gainesville has to offer.
Gators Food Patio
After entering the game, fans’ food options were expanded beyond typical concessions. The Gators Food Patio located by Gate 1 allowed restaurants to set-up tents to sell their food inside of the stadium. This provided fans a wide variety of food options to choose from during the game including Gator BTW, Jersey Mike’s, Sonny’s BBQ, Chick-fil-A and a Moe’s Southwest Grill.
This initiative was one of the most popular ones throughout the season. Fans loved the different quickserve options being inside of the stadium. The only issues we encountered was the limited space between the food stands and the ticket scanning area and meeting the different needs of the vendors.
Game Day Security and Fan Experience 
Cassidy,
I loved this article! You gave some great information on how fans can have the best and easiest experience when going to a game. It is crazy to think about the times where we would carry a ticket into the stadium now. The Florida Gators app seems to be properly put together and gives more information than a fan could ever think of! From parking to where to find food.. great app!
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Hey Cassidy,
This was a very informative look at what fans can do on game day. With the rapid ease of watching everything from home, these types of things are more important now than ever to get fans engaged. My favorite one you mention is the tailgate village, because it provides fans with a rather unique experience with music and food.
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