UF will allow 20% seating capacity for football in Swamp
GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators’ potent home-field advantage at the Swamp will be a thing of the past this season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The school announced Thursday it would allow 20% capacity, or 17,710 people, at a venue that can seat up to 88,548, in order to meet social distancing guidelines for fans entering and exiting the stadium, using bathrooms or purchasing concessions.
Tailgating will not be permitted and masks will required for all who enter the stadium.
“As we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked hand in hand with UF Health, the SEC and its Medical Guidance Task Force, and campus officials to create the safest environment possible for the student-athletes, staff and fans,” UF athletics director Scott Stricklin said in a statement.
By limiting capacity dramatically and enforcing safety measures, the school’s athletic department hopes to offset some of the massive financial losses it anticipates. Football, with revenues originally projected to be $82.4 million in 2020-2021, funds a large portion of a $141.7 million budget.
The University Athletic Association now expects to lose $50 million revenues, even with limited capacity in football.
The 2020 Gators, who are ranked No. 8 in the polls, also are going to lose the impact of one of the most vociferous crowds in the college football. During a pivotal 24-13 win last season against Auburn, UF rode an announced crowd of 90,584 that was one of the loudest to fill the Swamp in years.
The Gators averaged 84,684 fans during six homes game in 2019 — 12th in the nation.
Specific information pertaining to ticket ordering and pricing, as well as parking, is expected to be available for fans next week.
Last month, the school’s booster club laid out options for fans who did not want to attend games due to the virus.
Donors can convert some of their 2020 season ticket and contribution balance through the Gators Marketplace.
Fans who donate would receive five priority points for each $100 contribution — up from one point. Boosters can also redeem all or some of their balance by purchasing one of 175 items and experiences, including sitting with Steve Spurrier during a football game, deep sea fishing with Mike White or playing a round of golf with Dan Mullen.
Finally, boosters can either roll over their 2020 balance to 2021 or request a refund of their 2020 balance.
UF’s first of five home games is scheduled for noon Oct. 3 against South Carolina after the Gators open the season Sept. 26 at Ole Miss.
In recent weeks, many of the SEC’s other member institutions announced capacities of either 20 or 25%. The league office left the decision up to individual schools.
UF worked on its capacity and safety plans with the SEC Medical Task Force and UF Health officials.