About Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp)
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, famously known as 'The Swamp,' is one of the most intimidating venues in college football. Home to the University of Florida Gators since 1930, the stadium sits below street level, creating a bowl effect that traps noise and heat. The swamp-like atmosphere, combined with passionate fans, has made this one of the toughest places for visiting teams to play. The stadium features the iconic Gator Walk and houses over 88,000 screaming fans.
Team That Call This Home
Show your team pride with our team-inspired sneakers in the colors of this team.
Football
Parking & Getting There
Parking Options
Multiple campus lots and private options around stadium
- Campus parking garages (Gale Lemerand, Stadium Road)
- O'Connell Center lots
- Flavet Field parking
- Private residential parking (cash)
Typical Pricing: $20-40 depending on proximity to stadium
Public Transportation
RTS (Regional Transit System) provides free game day routes
Rideshare & Dropoff
Dropoff zones on Gale Lemerand Drive and Museum Road
Walking & Accessibility
Accessible from UF campus and nearby hotels
Bicycle Parking
Bike parking available - popular option for students
Things to Do Nearby
Attractions
- University of Florida campus
- Florida Museum of Natural History
- Harn Museum of Art
- Depot Park
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (10 miles)
- Historic Downtown Gainesville
Restaurants & Dining
Great spots to grab a bite before or after the game:
- Midtown Gainesville (restaurants and bars)
- Downtown Gainesville dining district
- The Swamp Restaurant (sports bar)
- Satchel's Pizza
- Dragonfly Sushi & Sake
- Burrito Brothers Taco Company
- Ti Amo Italian (pre-game favorite)
- Gator's Dockside
Stadium History
Florida Field opened in 1930 with a capacity of just 21,769. The stadium was renamed Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in 1989 after a major donor. Coach Steve Spurrier famously nicknamed it 'The Swamp' in 1992, saying 'A swamp is where Gators live. We feel comfortable there, but we hope our opponents feel tentative. A swamp is hot and sticky and can be dangerous.' The stadium has been expanded numerous times and now seats over 88,000. It's known for one of the loudest and most passionate fan bases in college football, with the iconic 'Gator Chomp' motion performed by fans throughout games.
Location Map
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp) is located at 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611