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Tears Gator Tears

3rd-43 said:
So it becomes a destination because of some new hotels
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Exactly.

I remember the good old days, when Hogtown got a HILTON hotel at the corner of Hull and 34th Street, a hotel that was supposed to transform that sleepy little hamlet into a world-class destination.

Instead, that Hilton is known as the place where Willie Williams set off a fire extinguisher to mimic "running through the smoke" at a UM game.

Good times...
 
MrCane said:
I mean what good could come from HS kids seeing the 5 star hotels and apartments their players enjoy. You gotta eat the Mac and cheese , say a couple of "Go Gators" and some chomps, proving you are worthy of such spoils first.
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The stadium project doesn’t include hotels and apartments though. 🤣
 
Sorry, y’all, I should have cited TOC’s earlier post when I made my first comment. It probably would have made more sense.

This rebuild is costing $1.45B and it’s also getting rid of some of the general seating. Stricklin (AD) is saying that capacity is remaining the same, but people are ****ed because they’ve just turned it into corporate suites instead, which is an issue when fans have been complaining about ticket prices for years. Also, it looks like a lot of the money is going to foundational and electrical work because the stadium has been falling apart for so long.

It doesn’t appear that really any of it is going to be better for the (non-suite) fans at all. They say there’ll be a Jumbotron on the north end, but there’s already one there. So I guess it’s going to be upgraded? Nothing about the one in the South end though, so I guess $1.45B wasn’t enough? They also keep trying to sell these corporate suites to fans as how they’re going to make the stadium even louder, because they’re going in at the top of the east side, which is the student section. So basically it’s going to look just like the west side now, and they’re saying that’s going to contain all the noise (like at HRS). But the west side is already built and the noise doesn’t bounce like that. Any time it does get loud, it’s because the stands are built so close to the field. Nice try, though.

From what I can tell, it also appears they may have pulled back on the original accessibility upgrade plans as well. I will be really ****ed off if this is the case. A couple years ago, the plan was more detailed, but now all I can find is accessible concessions and generic better accessibility crap.

God, I hate Stricklin.

The Swamp Renovations

theswamprenovation.com theswamprenovation.com

From what I saw last night in an alumni group on IG, half the people were all in and buying every word, and half of them were ****ed. And of course the first half were lashing out at the second half. They are such a mess right now. I am so glad we’re not there anymore.
 
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TheOriginalCane said:
Exactly.

I remember the good old days, when Hogtown got a HILTON hotel at the corner of Hull and 34th Street, a hotel that was supposed to transform that sleepy little hamlet into a world-class destination.

Instead, that Hilton is known as the place where Willie Williams set off a fire extinguisher to mimic "running through the smoke" at a UM game.

Good times...
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Wait, that’s why he did that?!? Why didn’t I know this? 😂😂😂
 
caneingville said:
Sorry, y’all, I should have cited TOC’s earlier post when I made my first comment. It probably would have made more sense.

This rebuild is costing $1.45B and it’s also getting rid of some of the general seating. Stricklin (AD) is saying that capacity is remaining the same, but people are ****ed because they’ve just turned it into corporate suites instead, which is an issue when fans have been complaining about ticket prices for years. Also, it looks like a lot of the money is going to foundational and electrical work because the stadium has been falling apart for so long.

It doesn’t appear that really any of it is going to be better for the (non-suite) fans at all. They say there’ll be a Jumbotron on the north end, but there’s already on there. So I guess it’s going to be upgraded? Nothing about the one in the South end though, so I guess $1.45B wasn’t enough? They also keep trying to sell these corporate suites to fans as how they’re going to make the stadium even louder, because they’re going at the top of the east side, which is the student section. So basically it’s going to look just like the west side now, and they’re saying that’s going to contain all the noise (like at HRS). But the west side is already built and the noise doesn’t bounce like that. Any time it does get loud, it’s because the stands are build so close to the field. Nice try, though.

From what I can tell, it also appears they may have pulled back on the original accessibility upgrade plans as well. I will be really ****ed off if this is the case. A couple years ago, the plan was more detailed, but now all I can find is accessible concessions and generic better accessibility crap.

God, I hate Stricklin

The Swamp Renovations

theswamprenovation.com theswamprenovation.com

From what I saw last night in an alumni group on IG, half the people were all in and buying every word, and half of them were ****ed. And of course the first half were lashing out at the second half. They are such a mess right now. I am so glad we’re not there anymore.
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So suites for a few wealthy donors and the hoi polloi get aluminum bleachers?
 
JD08 said:
So suites for a few wealthy donors and the hoi polloi get aluminum bleachers?
Click to expand...
Exactly. Nothing is happening to current seating, except that some is getting removed to make more suites for those wealthy donors.

From the website I posted:
IMG_0593.jpeg

Love how they say SHOULD experience. Not WILL experience. They aren’t even confident in their ability to provide this measly bs for $1.45B!!!
 
caneingville said:
Exactly. Nothing is happening to current seating, except that some is getting removed to make more suites for those wealthy donors.

From the website I posted:
View attachment 365089
Love how they say SHOULD experience. Not WILL experience. They aren’t even confident in their ability to provide this measly bs for $1.45B!!!
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Legit though the whole rendering was satire. Like who in the **** thinks Gainesville is some epicenter of commerce, outside of 2 home games a year (the first 2 as season falls apart after that).
 
3rd-43 said:
Legit though the whole rendering was satire. Like who in the **** thinks Gainesville is some epicenter of commerce, outside of 2 home games a year (the first 2 as season falls apart after that).
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Are you talking about the one TOC posted a few weeks ago, or the actual one from UF?
 
caneingville said:
Exactly. Nothing is happening to current seating, except that some is getting removed to make more suites for those wealthy donors.

From the website I posted:
View attachment 365089
Love how they say SHOULD experience. Not WILL experience. They aren’t even confident in their ability to provide this measly bs for $1.45B!!!
Click to expand...
Couldn't they build a brand new stadium for 1.45B?
 
caneingville said:
Sorry, y’all, I should have cited TOC’s earlier post when I made my first comment. It probably would have made more sense.

This rebuild is costing $1.45B and it’s also getting rid of some of the general seating. Stricklin (AD) is saying that capacity is remaining the same, but people are ****ed because they’ve just turned it into corporate suites instead, which is an issue when fans have been complaining about ticket prices for years. Also, it looks like a lot of the money is going to foundational and electrical work because the stadium has been falling apart for so long.

It doesn’t appear that really any of it is going to be better for the (non-suite) fans at all. They say there’ll be a Jumbotron on the north end, but there’s already one there. So I guess it’s going to be upgraded? Nothing about the one in the South end though, so I guess $1.45B wasn’t enough? They also keep trying to sell these corporate suites to fans as how they’re going to make the stadium even louder, because they’re going in at the top of the east side, which is the student section. So basically it’s going to look just like the west side now, and they’re saying that’s going to contain all the noise (like at HRS). But the west side is already built and the noise doesn’t bounce like that. Any time it does get loud, it’s because the stands are built so close to the field. Nice try, though.

From what I can tell, it also appears they may have pulled back on the original accessibility upgrade plans as well. I will be really ****ed off if this is the case. A couple years ago, the plan was more detailed, but now all I can find is accessible concessions and generic better accessibility crap.

God, I hate Stricklin.

The Swamp Renovations

theswamprenovation.com theswamprenovation.com

From what I saw last night in an alumni group on IG, half the people were all in and buying every word, and half of them were ****ed. And of course the first half were lashing out at the second half. They are such a mess right now. I am so glad we’re not there anymore.
Click to expand...
Where are they getting the 1.4 billion?
 
786Cane said:
Couldn't they build a brand new stadium for 1.45B?
Click to expand...
That’s what a lot of people are saying. Atlanta spent $1.6B to build Mercedes-Benz stadium in 2016. Granted, costs are higher now, but still, UF doesn't need everything that Mercedes-Benz has. Not even close.

A few more things I forgot to mention:
- Some Gators were asking if the new stadium is going to help them get CFP games, to which UF gave some vague reply about how they hope it will help them in the postseason
- The reno will start in 2026 and go through 2030 (assuming it is completed on time).

Also, in order to build a new stadium, they would need to blow up the Swamp and put the new stadium there. So then they would need to find somewhere else to play for...a while? Not sure. At least a season, maybe two? That would kill the local economy. There are so many businesses whose entire existence depends on football season tourism, which then impacts taxes, employee salaries, everything. They can't do that. And I don't even know where they would play. They might be able to negotiate a deal with Jacksonville, but that's still several hours away from campus, and all the students would have to get hotels for all the "home" games. It would be such a nightmare.

But this reno website is insane. I read through the entire thing three times and I have no idea where all that money is going. Maybe someone who is experienced in construction can figure it out, but I think it's just more of Stricklin's bs. This is his ONE JOB, and he still can't handle it. And he's been working on this since he got hired!

LokiCane said:
Where are they getting the 1.4 billion?
Click to expand...
From the website:

The project will be funded through a combination of private giving, capital reserves, project-generated revenues, and financing mechanisms, including long-term debt, through approval of the Florida Board of Governors. The funding plan is designed to support the project while maintaining the long-term financial health of Florida Athletics.

So between this answer and what I've gathered elsewhere, it seems that it's mostly public bonds.
 
caneingville said:
Look what I just got in my email. Now, I love football, and I love shopping. I own more makeup and more shoes than any one woman needs. I even did custom UM nails for the natty.

But this feels a little...silly? Patronizing? Not sure. I don't mind it as a fundraising event and meet-and-greet. But they could do an event for everyone that included film study (that wasn't dumbed down for women), and still have shopping and other elements that women enjoy, as well as other elements that men would enjoy too.

Or maybe I'm just overreacting. Entirely possible.

* * *

The subject line: The Wait is Over

View attachment 364286

Calling All Ladies of Gator Nation! ​

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By popular demand, the Ladies Clinic is officially returning on Friday, July 24, and we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening with Florida Gators Football.

Event Details​


Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
Location: Heavener Football Training Center
Doors Open: 4:30 PM
Event: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The 2026 Ladies Clinic will feature an exclusive, behind the scenes look at the program as the Gators embark on a new era under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall.

Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or simply looking for a unique night out with friends, the Ladies Clinic is the perfect opportunity to connect with the program and fellow fans in an engaging setting!

Throughout the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to:
  • Gain behind-the-scenes insight into the Florida Gators Football program
  • Learn the game from Florida’s coaching staff through film study sessions
  • Participate in interactive on-field drills and activities
  • Shop with local vendors
  • Capture memorable photos throughout the evening
  • Bid on one-of-a-kind experiences and memorabilia available only at the event
Open to women ages 18 and older, this event is the perfect blend of football, fun, and Gator camaraderie.

Reserve Your Spot Today​


Tickets are on sale now, and availability is limited. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of one of the most anticipated events of the summer!

Purchase Your Tickets HERE

Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable attire and footwear to fully enjoy the interactive on-field portion of the event.

Grab your friends and join us on July 24! We look forward to seeing you there.

Plan Your Stay​


Need a place to stay? We’ve got you covered.

Our hotel partner, Hotel Eleo, is offering attendees an exclusive discounted rate for the night of July 24. Book your room HERE.
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Are you sure this isn’t a recruiting event at their OVs?
 
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