Fall may be all about football, but during the spring, baseball is the hottest sport (literally!). Fans of all ages come from all over Florida to support the Gators on the diamond.
Do you want to become the ultimate UF baseball fan? Here’s our quick guide to the essentials!
The Basics.
Games are held in Alfred A. McKethan Stadium at Perry Field (it’s located on Stadium Road, a short walk down from the O’Connell Center). It opened in 1988, was recently renovated, andseats 5,500 fans.
General admission is free with your Gator 1 (just flash it at the gate). This gives you access to sit in rows 11 and up in the bleachers along the third base line and out into left field. If you register for Bleacher Creatures (the Gator Baseball program’s official studentsection), you can get prizes, free and discounted food at select games, or the chance to participate in on-field games.
About the Team.
The Gator baseball team is coached by Kevin O’Sullivan (assisted by Brad Weitzel and Craig Bell). There are 34 guys on the roster. Last year, the team won both the Gainesville Regional competition and the Gainesville Super Regional competitions but lost to UCLA and FSU in the College World Series. The team is currently ranked number one!
Our personal favorites are catcher Mike Zunino, infielder Nolan Fontana, and pitcher Karsten Whitson (who turned down the MLB’s San Diego Padres to play at UF!) for their skills and Bryson Smith for his country at-bat walkup song.
What to wear.
Because they’re located in direct sunlight, the bleachers can get hot during afternoon games. In fact, if you wear a tank top, you could probably get a tan (just don’t forget your sunscreen)! Shorts are a must for day games, as are sunglasses and a cute hat to protect your face. Tie your hair up. Above all, stay hydrated – bring a few bucks to buy water bottles from the concession stand.
On the other hand, Night games tend to be cooler. Leave the sunglasses at home and wear capris instead of shorts. Switch your tank top for a Gators T-shirt and you’re good to go!
When to go.
The season runs until May, but below we’ve compiled the home games during the rest of the semester.
Tuesday, March 15 @ 7pm – FSU
Tuesday, March 22 @ 7pm – Winthrop
Wednesday, March 23 @ 7pm – Winthrop
Friday, March 25 @ 7pm – South Carolina
Sunday, March 27 @ 1pm – South Carolina
Friday, April 1 @ 7pm – Tennessee
Saturday, April 2 @ 1pm – Tennessee
Sunday, April 3 @ 1pm – Tennessee
Tuesday, April 5 @ 7pm – UCF
Friday, April 22 @ 7pm – Alabama
Saturday, April 23 @ 6pm – Alabama
Sunday, April 24 @ 1pm – Alabama
Friday, April 29 @ 7pm – Ole Miss
Saturday, April 30 @ 7pm – Ole Miss
Tips and Tricks.
UF baseball games are a great opportunity to invite your family up to see a sporting event without having to deal with extreme ticket prices. Gator Baseball has weekly Family Sundays where General Admission tickets, popcorn, and 12-ounce sodas are each sold for $1.
Friday/Saturday night games are very popular for local baseball teams and families. If you plan to get a good seat (or want to sit with a bunch of friends), try to show up around 6:30. Concessions for non-Sunday games can be kind of pricy ($4 for a hotdog, $5 nachos, and $4 for a 20-ounce bottle of water) but the concession stands run a before-6pm early bird special during some games. Gator Baseball also runs occasional promotions in which students can receive a voucher for free food during specific innings.
See you in the crowd, collegiettes!