Florida Gators Make It 7 Against Poor Tennessee

Jacksonville, Florida
Staff Writer, J.E. Miller

The University of Florida Gators defeated the University of Tennessee Volunteers this weekend, making it the seventh year in a row the Gators have won this rivalry game.  Florida has won this so many times that some sports talk hosts are suggesting that it is losing its luster.

Did anyone ever hear the song Rocky Top at the stadium on Saturday?

That was always my favorite part of the annual rivalry between Tennessee and Florida.  Back in the 80's and 90's, Tennessee scored enough that you would hear them play it five to eight times per game.  Just in case you haven't heard it in seven years, I've included a video with the song for your entertainment.  Be sure to page down and watch a quick video of our 300 UF vs. UT photographs of fans, food, and fun.



We drove down to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium early to enjoy the hospitality the event brings to Gainesville, Florida.  The security in the area was high, but most open containers of alcohol went unnoticed.  Nevertheless, we did see some women being told by officers to empty their open beer cans and throw them away.  Overall, the fans were in good moods and very cordial to each other.

I chose to wear a solid black outfit with the Miller on Sports logo proudly displayed.  This made me look like a bad guy among a sea of Orange and Blue and the Tennessee washed-out orangy color.  But, it provided the perfect segway to discuss sports with all of the fans on both sides.  Gator fans were everywhere within a 10 square block radius of the stadium.  They were cooking a variety of foods, yelling everything, singing everything, and drinking  everything.  Two liter containers of liquor were clearly visible on tables, chairs, held as trophies, and just carried around this party zone. Interestingly enough, no one seemed drunk, though clearly there was enough alcohol for Oktoberfest.

Tennessee fans were few and far between.  My old (ha!) friend Harold was posting images of Tennessee fans in bib overalls all week leading up to the game.  But, though they were not wearing the country bumpkin blue jean overalls Harold had indicated, the Tennessee men and women chose to wear checkerboard Orange and White overalls.  When I asked a group of Tennessee fans to "act mean" near the Bull Gator statue for a photograph, the ladies responded, "But, no one from Tennessee ever acts mean!"  Now, you have to love that response.  And, actually, I think there is a bit of truth there.

2011 Gator Walk

For the first year, I witnessed the Gator Walk.  This is a traditional event where the Gator football players walk a gauntlet of cheering fans and high security.  The cheerleaders rouse the crowd with many recognizable cheers while the proud players are escorted to the stadium.  If you have not seen the Gator Walk, it is well worth it.




There was a record attendance at Ben Hill stadium for the Florida vs. Tennessee game. But what is hard to imagine is that there are probably just as many tailgaters enjoying the game directly outside the stadium.  I guess they can hear the energy while enjoying their front row seats and free food and beverage.  The group to the left projects the game on the second level of a parking garage in front of Ben Hill stadium for approximately 30 to view.  Nearly all of the tailgaters are utilizing Direct TV.  Part of the enjoyment of the tailgating crowd is feeding passerbys.  I was invited to partake at every turn.  It was hard to avoid especially with the beautiful spreads of delectable delights.

Though there were nearly 100 decorated buses, limousines, jeeps, and other forms of transportation, this motor home took the prize.  This was a custom Gator tailgating motor home complete with a 60" flat screen and pull-out living room and bedroom.

Entrepreneurs were everywhere selling everything from Gatorade to women's hair scrunchies.  Unlike in NFL cities, these unlicensed vendors were not discouraged, but nearly encouraged to earn profits from the onslaught of out-of-towners.  One mile from the stadium, the parking prices ranged from $15 (blocked) to $20 (unblocked).  Prices escalated as you drove closer to the stadium.  The most expensive parking was directly across the street from the stadium.  For $50 (unblocked), you could park your car and maybe receive a few free beers.  Homeowners within blocks of the stadium could park approximately 20 unblocked cars and another 10 blocked cars.  Of course, if your car is blocked in, you have to wait until everyone returns from the game to be able to depart the parking lot.

Self promoting gatorade salesmen.  $2 for an ice-cold gatorade.
It's worth it when you're hot.  They actually sold me on several cold ones.











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