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Stadium: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
On football Saturdays, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field is the place to be. Also known as "the Swamp" where "only Gators come out alive," the stadium is home to the SEC powerhouse University of Florida Gator Football Team. It also is the site for high school state championship games each December. The original football stadium, the lower half of the current stadium, was constructed in 1930. The completion of the South End Zone project in August of 1982 raised the seating capacity to over 72,000. The addition of the North End Zone in 1991 brought the capacity over 84,000 seats. In August of 2003, the fifth renovation in the history of the stadium was completed and increased capacity to 88,548. The entire project cost $50 million and was built with no state money. The project made Florida Field the largest stadium in the state of Florida and one of the largest and loudest anywhere in the country.
Seating Chart:
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Seating Chart
Team Schedule:
Sep 1 Western Kentucky 6:00pm
Sep 8 Troy 6:00pm
Sep 15 Tennessee 3:30pm
Sep 22 @Mississippi TBA
Sep 29 Auburn TBA
Oct 6 @LSU 8:00pm
Oct 20 @Kentucky TBA
Oct 27 @Georgia TBA
Nov 3 Vanderbilt TBA
Nov 10 @South Carolina TBA
Nov 17 Fla. Atlantic TBA
Nov 24 Florida St. TBA
Season Preview:
For all the expectations surrounding Florida this season, this is not the same team that won the national championship. No, not even close. With only seven seniors and eight juniors in tow, the Gators enter the season with experience and depth concerns and must rely on the past three recruiting classes to make a big impact. QB Tim Tebow made a big impact in a part-time role as a true freshman in 2006 but now he must prove himself as a passer and leader in a full-time role. The offense returns capable playmakers such as receivers Andre Caldwell, Percy Harvin, Louis Murphy and Jarred Fayson as well as experience, talent and depth along the offensive line. But the tailback situation remains a question entering fall camp. No SEC defense lost more talent than Florida, especially with the loss of four juniors -- FS Reggie Nelson, DE Jarvis Moss, LB Brandon Siler and CB Ryan Smith -- to the NFL draft. The Gators return only two starters -- DE Derrick Harvey and SS Tony Joiner -- but FS Kyle Jackson, DTs Javier Estopinan and Clint McMillan and LBs Dustin Doe and Brandon Spikes all have some starting experience. Plus, eight freshmen defensive players -- five true freshmen and three redshirt freshmen -- saw action for the Gators in 2006. The lack of proven, experienced corners and the lack of size along the defensive line could be fatal flaw in the SEC. The Gators must replace P Eric Wilbur and K Chris Hetland after not finding answers in the spring. Jonathan Phillips and Joey Ijjas, last season's kickoff specialist, will continue to compete for the kicking job while the coaches are hoping true freshman Chas Henry will win the punting job. Sophomore Brandon James was suspended indefinitely in June for allegedly purchasing marijuana with reserve basketball player Brandon Powell. James isn't very big at 5-6, 178 pounds, but he's a dangerous return threat. If he remains suspended, the Gators could turn to one of their backup running backs.
Official Site:
www.gatorzone.com