Swamp may host NFL games

Gov. DeSantis says if a team is looking, UF has the facility

GAINESVILLE — Football could be played in the Swamp this fall, but not necessarily just by the Florida Gators.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis invited the NFL and other professional sports leagues to play in the Sunshine State if the coronavirus pandemic does not allow them to operate in their home locations.

DeSantis said Wednesday on Fox News the University

of Florida could let NFL teams use Florida Field, better known as the Swamp, if they need venues to play football in the fall.

College football continues to evaluate whether it can play football in the fall as scheduled, but the NFL held its draft last month, released is 2020 schedule last week and is on track to play its season.

“I’ve already spoke with some of our colleges, like the University of Florida,” DeSantis said. “They got a great football stadium, the Swamp, that’s not used on Sundays. So if an NFL team needs a place to land, we could work that out, too.”

UF athletics director Scott Stricklin responded Thursday to DeSantis’ comments.

“Our priority is the wellbeing of Gator student-athletes, staff and fans, and we are working toward the day when we can once again engage with those groups safely on campus,” Stricklin said in a statement. “Following Governor DeSantis’ comment yesterday inviting other pro teams to participate in our state, I reached out to remind him that UF and Gainesville have world class health care facilities, an iconic football stadium, a state-of-the-art basketball arena and a brand-new baseball ballpark within two hours of cities with professional franchises.

“We’ve been receiving excellent guidance from our state and health care officials, and when those groups believe it is safe to host college and pro sporting events in Florida, we will be prepared to do so.”

In addition to UF’s stadium, Camping World Stadium and UCF’s Spectrum Stadium in Orlando and Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee could be options to host NFL teams. If colleges or the city of Orlando got the opportunity to charge teams for use of any of the venues, it could provide a revenue boost.

Last month, DeSantis called sports “essential services” in Florida, paving the way for WWE and UFC events to take place without fans. On Sunday, professional golfers Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Matthew Wolff and world No. 1 Rory McIlroy will play at match at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach. A week later, Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning will face Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady during a golf match will at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound.

Fans will not be allowed, but the events will appear on live TV.