So you're trying to figure out the University of Florida football schedule this season? Smart move. Whether you're a die-hard Gators fan planning your fall weekends or a casual viewer wanting to catch key matchups, this is your no-fluff guide to everything about the Florida Gators football calendar. I've been tracking these schedules for years – trust me, there's more to it than just dates and opponents.
2024 University of Florida Football Schedule: Every Game Breakdown
Here's the full lineup for the upcoming season. I double-checked dates against the official SEC release, but remember kickoff times often shift for TV (those 7:30 PM ESPN slots love to mess with tailgate plans).
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31 | Miami Hurricanes | Gainesville | 7:30 PM | ESPN |
| Sep 7 | Samford Bulldogs | Gainesville | 12:00 PM | SECN+ |
| Sep 14 | Texas A&M Aggies | Gainesville | 3:30 PM | CBS |
| Sep 21 | at Mississippi State | Starkville, MS | TBA | TBA |
| Sep 28 | UCF Knights | Gainesville | 7:00 PM | ESPN2 |
| Oct 5 | BYE WEEK | (Recovery time after 5 straight weeks) | ||
| Oct 12 | Tennessee Volunteers | Gainesville | 3:30 PM | CBS |
| Oct 19 | at Kentucky | Lexington, KY | 12:00 PM | SECN |
| Oct 26 | Georgia Bulldogs (WLOCP) | Jacksonville, FL | 3:30 PM | CBS |
| Nov 2 | Texas Longhorns | Gainesville | 7:30 PM | ESPN |
| Nov 9 | LSU Tigers | Gainesville | TBA | TBA |
| Nov 16 | Ole Miss Rebels | Gainesville | 12:00 PM | SECN |
| Nov 30 | at Florida State | Tallahassee, FL | 7:30 PM | ABC |
Heads up: SEC games often get "flexed" to different times 6-12 days beforehand. That Tennessee game? Could easily move to night if both teams are ranked. Book hotels early but stay flexible.
Must-See Games on the University of Florida Football Schedule
Not all games are created equal. Having sat through my share of blowouts and thrillers, here's what deserves your full attention:
| Game | Why It Matters | Fan Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Miami (Aug 31) | Opener against in-state rival – sets the season tone | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Max energy, brutal heat) |
| Texas A&M (Sep 14) | First SEC test against new conference member | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Loud stadium, recruiting impact) |
| Tennessee (Oct 12) | Historic SEC East rivalry – checkerboard end zone insults guaranteed | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Most hostile crowd of the year) |
| vs Georgia (Oct 26) | World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party – neutral site chaos | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ (Epic tailgates, split stadium) |
| Florida State (Nov 30) | Season finale against hated ACC rival – playoff implications possible | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Hostile road environment, high stakes) |
That Georgia game in Jacksonville? It's absolute madness. Last time I went, I saw a grown man trade a smoked brisket for a boat ride across the St. Johns River. Totally normal.
Getting Tickets for the University of Florida Football Schedule
Prepare your wallet. Gators tickets aren't cheap, especially for big games. Here’s how normal fans actually get seats:
Pro Tip: Avoid buying from scalpers near the stadium. I got burned with fake tickets in 2019 before the Auburn game. Stick to verified resale platforms.
Official Sources:
- UF Athletics Box Office: Single-game tickets release in July (usually $90-$200 face value)
- Season Tickets: $600-$3,000+ including required Gator Boosters donation
Resale Market Reality Check (2024 Expectations):
| Game | Lower Bowl Avg. | Upper Deck Avg. | Best Value Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | $275-$400 | $150-$220 | Week of game |
| Tennessee | $400-$600 | $250-$350 | 2 weeks prior |
| Texas | $500-$750+ | $300-$450 | When announced |
| FSU (Away) | $350-$500 | N/A (UF visitor section limited) | Early November |
Student tickets work differently – they enter a lottery system for $140 per season. But good luck getting the Georgia game.
Watching Gators Games: Broadcast and Streaming
Can't make it to Gainesville? Here's exactly how to catch every matchup:
- CBS: 3:30 PM ET SEC Game of the Week (Tennessee, Georgia)
- ESPN/ABC: Primetime slots (Miami, Texas, FSU)
- SEC Network: Noon kickoffs (Kentucky, Ole Miss)
- ESPN+: Streaming exclusives like Samford game
Fun fact: The SEC’s new deal with Disney means no more CBS theme music after 2024. I’ll miss that.
Tailgating at The Swamp: Your Game Day Survival Guide
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium holds 88,000 screaming souls. Here’s how to navigate:
Parking Nightmares:
- On-campus parking: $50-$100 via UF Prepaid (sells out by August)
- Off-campus lots: $20-$40 cash (expect 1+ mile walk)
- Shuttles: $10 from O’Connell Center ($5 for students)
Critical: Campus roads close 4 hours pre-kickoff. Arrive early or Uber surge pricing hits $80+.
Tailgate Essentials:
- Best Spots: Flavet Field (student zone), Norman Hall lot (family-friendly)
- Must-Bring: Collapsible chairs, cooler wheels, sunscreen (September games hit 95°F)
- Local Secret: The Bat House near Lake Alice – free parking if you arrive 6+ hours early
The Rivalry Games Defining the Schedule
Three dates make or break every Florida football schedule:
1. Florida vs Georgia (Jacksonville)
October 26 in 2024. Neutral site insanity since 1933. Key notes:
- Tickets: 50/50 split at TIAA Bank Field
- Lodging: Book Jacksonville Beach hotels 10+ months ahead
- Tradition: Gator Walk happens at 1:30 PM ET near EverBank entrance
2. Florida vs Florida State
November 30 in Tallahassee. The hated finale:
- UF visitor section: Sections 39-41 in Doak Campbell Stadium
- Travel warning: Traffic on I-10 post-game is apocalyptic
3. Tennessee Hate Week
October 12 in Gainesville. SEC East implications:
- Stadium gates open 2 hours pre-kickoff – arrive early for checkerboard banter
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the University of Florida football schedule typically get released?
The full schedule drops in late January or early February. SEC conference games are confirmed first, non-conference dates earlier.
How many home games are on the 2024 University of Florida football schedule?
Seven home games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium this season. That's rare – usually it's six or seven alternating years.
Where can I find a printable University of Florida football schedule?
UF Athletics posts PDF versions on floridagators.com under the football schedule page once finalized. I keep mine on the fridge.
Has the 2025 University of Florida football schedule been announced yet?
Not fully. We know they'll play Texas in Austin and Miami at home again, but SEC opponents won't be confirmed until fall 2024.
Why This Schedule Matters Beyond Wins
That Texas game on November 2? It's about more than rankings. Future recruits will be watching. The 2025 QB commit from Houston might be in the stands. Every home game impacts recruiting momentum. Seeing the Swamp packed for Samford tells prospects about fan loyalty.
Also – those 12:00 PM kickoffs in September? Brutal for players and fans. Wish the SEC would avoid them.
Look, whether you're circling dates on a calendar or budgeting for away trips, understanding the University of Florida football schedule is half the battle. The other half is surviving the parking lots. Go Gators.