Alright, let's talk Gators football. Seriously, trying to keep track of the **University of Florida football schedule** every year feels like a part-time job sometimes. Where are they playing? Who are the big rivals this season? And how in the world do I get tickets without selling a kidney? If you're searching for the latest **UF football schedule**, you're probably a die-hard fan like me, planning a trip to The Swamp, or just trying to figure out when to clear your Saturdays. This guide? It’s everything I wish I had easily found years ago.
The Complete 2024 University of Florida Football Schedule
Here it is, the official lineup. Mark these dates on your calendar, set reminders on your phone, do whatever you need to do. Missing a key game? That’s just painful. This table shows the essential details – opponent, date, kickoff time (when available, they sometimes adjust these later in the season), location, and how you can watch it. Bookmark this page. Trust me, you'll come back to it.
| Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time (ET) | Location | TV / Streaming | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, August 31 | Miami (FL) Hurricanes | 3:30 PM | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium "The Swamp" (Gainesville, FL) | ABC | Rivalry / Season Opener |
| Saturday, September 7 | Samford Bulldogs | 7:30 PM | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | SEC Network+ / ESPN+ | Home Game |
| Saturday, September 14 | Texas A&M Aggies | 3:30 PM | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | CBS | SEC Home Opener |
| Saturday, September 21 | at Mississippi State Bulldogs | TBD | Davis Wade Stadium (Starkville, MS) | TBD | SEC Road Game |
| Saturday, September 28 | UCF Knights | TBD | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | TBD | Home Game (In-State) |
| Saturday, October 5 | OFF WEEK | - | - | - | BYE |
| Saturday, October 12 | vs. Tennessee Volunteers | TBD | Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, TN) | TBD | Major SEC Rivalry |
| Saturday, October 19 | Kentucky Wildcats | TBD | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | TBD | SEC Home Game |
| Saturday, October 26 | BYE or Georgia (Jacksonville) | TBD | TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, FL) | TBD | THE WORLD'S LARGEST OUTDOOR COCKTAIL PARTY (Rivalry) |
| Saturday, November 2 | BYE or Contingency | - | - | - | BYE (if Georgia played Oct 26) |
| Saturday, November 9 | at Texas Longhorns | TBD | Darrell K Royal Stadium (Austin, TX) | TBD | Major SEC Road Game (New!) |
| Saturday, November 16 | LSU Tigers | TBD | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | TBD | Major SEC Home Game |
| Saturday, November 23 | Ole Miss Rebels | TBD | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | TBD | SEC Home Game |
| Friday, November 29 | at Florida State Seminoles | TBD | Doak Campbell Stadium (Tallahassee, FL) | ABC | Rivalry Game / Season Finale |
| Saturday, December 7 | SEC Championship (If Applicable) | TBD | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA) | CBS | Postseason |
Important Notes:
- Kickoff Times & TV: Most games beyond the first few weeks get finalized kickoff times 6-12 days in advance. Annoying? Yep. Check ESPN or the official Florida Gators website (floridagators.com) religiously the Monday/Tuesday before the game. Don't rely on that initial schedule time holding.
- The Georgia Game: That Oct 26/Nov 2 entry? Yeah, the exact date for the Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville isn't *always* set super early. It's *usually* the last Saturday in October, but double-check as the season approaches. It will be one of those two dates.
- Tickets: More on that nightmare... err... process below.
Breaking Down the University of Florida Football Schedule: Key Games & What to Expect
Not all games are created equal. Some are must-win for pride, some are brutal road trips, some define the season. Let's dissect this **University of Fla football schedule**.
Season Kickoff & Non-Conference Battles
Miami (FL) (Aug 31, Home): Fireworks guaranteed. Opening the season against an in-state rival like Miami sets the tone immediately. The Swamp will be absolutely bonkers. High stakes, lots of emotion. Win this, and the hype train leaves the station fast. Lose? Well... it makes the climb way steeper. This is THE early-season highlight of the **University of Florida football schedule**.
UCF (Sept 28, Home): Don't sleep on this one just because it's not SEC. UCF has been dangerous for years and loves nothing more than knocking off a "Big 3" Florida team. They'll bring energy. Gators need to match it. It’s a trap game if they overlook them.
The Meat Grinder: SEC Conference Play
This is where seasons are made or broken. The SEC is just different. Looking at this schedule gives me flashbacks to some tough losses.
Texas A&M (Sept 14, Home): SEC home opener. Huge. The Aggies are always loaded with talent. Winning this sets a strong conference tone at home. The atmosphere will be electric for this one.
at Mississippi State (Sept 21): Starkville is a tough place to play. That cowbell noise... it gets inside your head, even watching on TV. Early SEC road test. Can't afford a slip-up here if they have bigger ambitions.
at Tennessee (Oct 12): Neyland Stadium. Over 100,000 people singing "Rocky Top" non-stop. It's intense. This rivalry runs deep. Tennessee has been on the upswing lately too. This road trip is brutal, historically. A win here feels incredible. A loss lingers.
Kentucky (Oct 19, Home): Kentucky isn't the pushover they used to be. Seriously. They play physical, disciplined football. This *should* be a win at home, but you can't just show up. They'll make you earn it every snap.
vs. Georgia (Jacksonville) (Likely Oct 26): The biggest one. Period. Forget records. This game defines seasons and coaching tenures. Neutral site, but split down the middle with fans. The energy in Jacksonville is unmatched. Georgia has owned this lately... which makes this year even more critical. The absolute pinnacle of the **University of Florida football schedule**.
at Texas (Nov 9): New SEC opponent, massive road trip. Austin is a fantastic city, but Darrell K Royal is huge and loud. Texas joining the SEC adds a major new challenge. How will the Gators handle this new environment late in the season?
LSU (Nov 16, Home): Night game potential? Please! LSU in The Swamp under the lights is pure magic. Always a shootout, always wild. Expect points and drama. Defense optional? Sometimes it feels that way. Must-win for momentum late in the year.
Ole Miss (Nov 23, Home): Lane Kiffin's offense is fast and fun. Can Florida keep up? This could be a crucial game for bowl positioning or even sneaky SEC East implications depending on how things shake out. Don't underestimate the Rebels.
The Grand Finale: FSU
at Florida State (Nov 29, Tallahassee): Ending the regular season in Tallahassee is tough. Doak Campbell gets loud. FSU will be gunning for the Gators, no matter their respective records. This rivalry is pure hatred. Winning here salvages a lot. Losing... ruins Thanksgiving leftovers. The final boss of the **University of Florida football schedule**.
Fan Perspective: That three-game stretch of Georgia, at Texas, and LSU? Oof. That's as tough as it gets in college football. Depth gets tested. Coaching gets tested. Fan nerves get fried. Survival through that stretch is key.
Your Guide to Attending a Game: Tickets, The Swamp, & Gainesville Tips
So you want to experience Gator football live? Excellent choice. The Swamp is legendary for a reason. But it takes planning. Learned this the hard way over the years.
Getting Your Hands on University of Florida Football Tickets
This is often the biggest hurdle. Demand is high, especially for the big games.
- Official Source (Gator Ticket Office): Florida Gators Ticket Office. Season tickets are the dream, but tough/expensive. They do sell single-game tickets for some games, especially non-conference or less popular opponents. Be ready the SECOND they go on sale. Like, camp on the website.
- Secondary Market (The Reality for Most): StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek. This is where most fans end up. Prices fluctuate wildly based on opponent, team performance, and timing.
- Pro Tip #1: Prices often dip slightly right after a loss (if it's not a huge rival). Morbid, but true.
- Pro Tip #2: Avoid buying *right* before kickoff unless you love stress and potential scams. Sometimes you can snag a deal from desperate sellers outside the stadium, but it's risky. I've done it, got burned once.
- Pro Tip #3: Check the view from the seats! Some corners of The Swamp have poles or limited views. Sites usually have a preview.
- Student Tickets: If you're a UF student, you know the drill (or will learn quickly!). Activate your ticket, claim games fast, and good luck with the lottery for big games.
- Premium Options: Suites and club seats are available through the ticket office or brokers. Big bucks, obviously.
Navigating Gainesville & The Swamp on Game Day
Game day in Gainesville is an event. Prepare accordingly.
- Parking: Nightmare is an understatement. Campus parking is heavily restricted and expensive ($20-$50+ for lots that open early).
- Best Bet: Park downtown or in designated off-campus lots (check Gainesville city/county sites or Gator Boosters for options) and take a shuttle bus ($5-$10 round trip). Much less hassle.
- Ride Share (Uber/Lyft): Surge pricing is insane after the game. Be prepared to wait or walk a good distance to get a reasonable fare. Seriously, walked 2 miles once to avoid $80 surge.
- Walking: If you're staying nearby, this is often the easiest. Just hydrate. Florida heat is no joke in Sept/Oct.
- Where to Stay: Book MONTHS in advance, especially for big games. Hotels fill up fast and prices skyrocket. Look towards Ocala or even Orlando if Gainesville is booked solid. Airbnb can be an option, but also books early.
- Pre-Game & Tailgating: This is half the fun! The atmosphere around The Swamp (especially on Museum Road and the Plaza of the Americas) is electric.
- Gator Walk: About 2.5 hours before kickoff, the team walks from the bus into the stadium near the corner of Lemerand Drive and Stadium Road. Get there early for a spot.
- Albert & Alberta: The mascots are everywhere. Great photo op for kids.
- Food & Drink: Bring your own tailgate supplies, or wander and soak it in. Many local businesses set up. Try the local BBQ joints near campus too.
- Inside The Swamp:
- Cashless: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is entirely cashless. Cards or mobile pay only. Don't get caught needing cash for food/drinks/merch.
- Bag Policy: STRICT. Clear bags only (specific size limits) or very small clutch purses. Check the latest policy on the Gators website BEFORE you go. Official Bag Policy. Saw so many people turned away.
- Security: Lines can be long. Get there early (at least 60-75 mins before kickoff for big games).
- Concessions: Standard stadium fare. Lines get long, especially at halftime. Go before the half ends or wait it out. Prices are... stadium prices.
- Sun & Heat: September/October day games are HOT. Sunscreen (non-aerosol!), hat, sunglasses are mandatory. Hydrate like crazy (water bottles allowed if empty upon entry, fill inside). The student section is brutal in the sun. Sections higher up or on the west side offer more shade later.
Watching the Gators from Home: Broadcast Info & Streaming
Can't make it to Gainesville? No worries. Here's how to catch every snap of the **University of Florida football schedule**.
- National Broadcasts (ABC, CBS, ESPN): The biggest games (Miami, Georgia, FSU, key SEC matchups) will be on these major networks. Check your local listings (or the table above as times are confirmed).
- SEC Network: Hosts a ton of SEC games. If it's not on ABC/CBS/ESPN, it's likely here. Requires a cable/satellite package that includes it or a streaming service that carries it.
- ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU: Catch many other games here, especially non-conference or earlier season matchups.
- SEC Network+ / ESPN+: These are streaming-only platforms. They typically air lesser-profile games (like Samford). You need an ESPN+ subscription to watch these.
- Streaming Services: Most cable-replacement services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream) carry the major networks (ABC, CBS in many markets) and ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network). Check their packages to ensure you get all the necessary channels *before* the season starts. ESPN+ is usually an add-on.
My Setup: YouTube TV (gets me ABC, CBS where I am, ESPN family, SECN) + ESPN+ subscription. Covers virtually every possible game on the **UF football schedule**. Costs less than my old cable package too.
Understanding the University of Florida Football Schedule: Key Dates & Context
A few things to keep in mind beyond just the opponent names:
- Bye Weeks: Florida has one scheduled bye week (Oct 5). This is CRUCIAL rest and recovery time mid-season, especially before the Tennessee game. The potential second bye (Nov 2) depends on the Georgia date. Players desperately need these breaks.
- Home vs. Away Balance: Counting Jacksonville as neutral, it's a fairly balanced schedule. 7 games in Florida (6 in The Swamp, 1 neutral Jacksonville), 5 true road games (Starkville, Knoxville, Austin, Tallahassee, and potentially another depending on Georgia placement). That Austin trip is a beast.
- Strength of Schedule: On paper? Brutal. Miami (opener), at Tennessee, Georgia (neutral), at Texas, LSU, at FSU. That's a gauntlet. ESPN and others consistently rank it among the nation's toughest. Surviving this schedule is an achievement.
- Historical Significance: Rivalries matter deeply. The history with Miami, Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, and FSU adds layers of intensity you won't find elsewhere. Knowing the backstory makes watching even more compelling. That FSU game? Always emotional.
Planning Your Season Around the Gators Schedule
Being a Gator fan is a commitment! Here's how to manage it:
- Mark Critical Dates: Obvious, but do it. Rivalry games (Miami, Tennessee, Georgia, FSU), key SEC home games (Texas A&M, LSU), tricky road trips (at Texas). Block out those Saturdays (and that Friday after Thanksgiving!).
- Travel Planning (For Away Games):
- Flights/Accommodation: Book WAY in advance for destinations like Knoxville, Austin, and Tallahassee (Rivalry Week). Prices soar.
- Know the Visiting Stadium: Check bag policies, parking, tailgating rules for the opposing stadium. They differ wildly from The Swamp. Don't assume.
- Georgia/Florida (Jacksonville): This is a massive event. Hotels book solid a year out. Consider staying in St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, or even Amelia Island and driving in.
- Ticket Budgeting: Be realistic. Home games against Samford or UCF are cheaper. Miami, LSU, FSU? Prepare to pay premium secondary market prices if you didn't score them officially. Factor in travel costs for away games too.
- Flexibility: Embrace the TBDs. Kickoff times change. Embrace the chaos. It's part of the CFB experience.
University of Florida Football Schedule: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's tackle the common stuff people wonder about the **University of Florida football schedule**.
Q: When does the full University of Florida football schedule with confirmed times usually come out?
A: The basic framework (opponents, locations, dates) is usually released in late spring/early summer by the SEC. However, confirmed kickoff times and TV networks for most games are typically announced 6-12 days in advance. The exceptions are the first few weeks and select marquee games (like the season opener vs. Miami), which might get times set earlier. Always double-check the week of the game!
Q: How many home games are on the University of Florida football schedule?
A: For the 2024 season, Florida plays 6 regular-season games at home in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp): Miami (FL), Samford, Texas A&M, UCF, Kentucky, LSU, Ole Miss. The Georgia game in Jacksonville is considered a neutral site.
Q: Where can I find the official University of Florida football schedule?
A: The most official source is always the Florida Gators Athletics website: https://floridagators.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=436. Bookmark this page. It will be updated with the latest times, TV info, results, and links to tickets.
Q: Does the University of Florida football schedule include the SEC Championship?
A: The SEC Championship Game (December 7 in Atlanta) is not part of the regular season schedule. Florida only plays in it if they win the SEC Eastern Division. If they make it, it's added as a postseason game.
Q: When is the Florida vs. Georgia game in 2024?
A: The annual rivalry game, "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," is played in Jacksonville, FL at TIAA Bank Field. For the 2024 **University of Fla football schedule**, it is currently listed for either Saturday, October 26th or Saturday, November 2nd. The exact date is sometimes confirmed a bit later. Check the official Gators site as summer progresses for the final date.
Q: What's the best way to watch University of Florida football games if I don't have cable?
A: Streaming services are your best bet. Look for services offering ESPN, ESPN2, ABC (often via local affiliate), and SEC Network:
- Top Choices: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream. Compare their channel lineups and prices for the sports channels you need.
- Essential Add-On: You'll likely also need an ESPN+ subscription to watch any games airing exclusively on SEC Network+ or ESPN+. It's relatively cheap (around $10.99/month).
- Note: CBS games (like the Georgia game) can sometimes be trickier on streaming. Ensure your chosen service carries CBS in your area or has a workaround.
Q: Are there any Friday games on the University of Florida football schedule?
A: Yes, the regular-season finale against Florida State in Tallahassee is scheduled for Friday, November 29, 2024. This is a longstanding tradition for this rivalry game on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Q: How tough is the University of Florida football schedule in 2024?
A: Universally regarded as one of the toughest schedules in the nation. Playing Miami (opener), at Tennessee, vs. Georgia (neutral), at Texas, vs. LSU, at FSU (rivalry finale), plus other SEC foes like Texas A&M and Ole Miss is an incredibly demanding path. Strength of Schedule (SOS) rankings consistently place Florida near the top.
Final Thoughts on Navigating the Gators Gridiron Gauntlet
Following the **University of Florida football schedule** is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands passion, planning, and sometimes, a strong stomach. This 2024 lineup? It’s brutal but exciting. Knowing the key dates, understanding how to get tickets (and survive game day logistics), and knowing where to watch ensures you won't miss a moment of the action, whether you're soaking in the madness of The Swamp or cheering from your living room. Keep this guide handy throughout the season – it’s packed with the practical info you actually need as a fan navigating another rollercoaster year of Gator football. Go Gators!
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