Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: A History of "The Swamp"
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, known as "The Swamp," is more than just a football stadium; it's a symbol of the University of Florida's rich athletic history and passionate fan base. Located on the university's Gainesville campus, this iconic stadium has evolved from a modest 22,000-seat facility into the largest stadium in Florida, with a capacity of over 88,548. Its history reflects the growth and success of the Florida Gators football program, marked by expansions, renovations, and unforgettable moments.
Early Beginnings: From Fleming Field to Florida Field
The story begins with the University Athletic Field, later known as Fleming Field, the first on-campus home for the Florida Gators football and baseball teams. Established in 1910, the University Athletic Field was located just west of the campus. In January 1911, the Florida Gators baseball team inaugurated the new facility, and that same year, the football team began playing there and adopted the "Gators" nickname. In 1915, larger bleachers were added, and the facility was renamed "Fleming Field" in honor of former Florida Governor Francis P. Fleming.
Despite hosting memorable games, Fleming Field's limited capacity of approximately 5,000 and the challenges of traveling to Gainesville meant that many important games were held in larger cities like Jacksonville and Tampa. As the football program gained prominence in the 1920s, the need for a modern stadium became apparent.
The Birth of Florida Field: Overcoming Obstacles
In 1928, University President John J. Tigert spearheaded the effort to construct a new stadium. Construction began on April 16, 1930, on a site adjacent to Fleming Field. The chosen location, a shallow ravine, presented significant engineering challenges due to groundwater and drainage issues. An underground stream flooded the construction site, delaying the project and forcing the Gators to play their initial home games of the 1930 season at Fleming Field.
Despite these setbacks, Florida Field was completed by October 27, 1930, and dedicated on November 8, 1930, with a game against Alabama. The stadium's name honored servicemen who lost their lives in World War I. The original U-shaped concrete grandstand had a seating capacity of 21,769, forming the lower half of the current stadium.
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Expansion and Evolution: Meeting Growing Demand
As fan support continued to grow, Florida Field underwent numerous expansions to accommodate the increasing demand.
1949-1950: A second tier was added to the west stands, and bleachers were installed in the south end zone, almost doubling the capacity to approximately 40,000.
1965-1966: The east grandstand was doubled in size, and a dormitory (Yon Hall) for athletes, along with office and meeting spaces for the athletic department, were added. The press box was modernized, and larger bleachers in the south end zone increased capacity to over 60,000.
1982: The south end zone was enclosed with a new double-decked grandstand featuring chairback seats and a concourse that allowed fans to circle the stadium.
1991: An upper deck of "Sunshine Seats" and a middle deck of club seating ("Touchdown Terrace") were constructed above the north end zone seats, increasing the capacity to 83,000. A wide concourse, new entrances, and a façade extending the stadium onto Fleming Field were also added.
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The Naming of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Continued Enhancements
In 1989, the stadium was renamed Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in honor of Ben Hill Griffin, Jr., a dedicated Gators fan and generous university donor. Further improvements followed:
2003: A $50 million expansion of the press level was completed, expanding the press box and adding 2,900 club seats and 34 luxury suites.
2008: The Heavener Football Complex opened on the southwest corner of the stadium.
2009: New HD video/scoreboards were installed in the north and south end zones.
2011: An extensive renovation of the west stands concourse improved restrooms, lighting, concessions, and crowd circulation. Statues of Florida’s three Heisman Trophy Winners, Steve Spurrier, Tim Tebow, and Danny Wuerffel, were unveiled outside the stadium.
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2016: The playing surface was renamed Steve Spurrier-Florida Field.
"The Swamp": A Name Synonymous with Home Field Advantage
The stadium's nickname, "The Swamp," was coined by Steve Spurrier in 1992. He described it as a place where Gators feel comfortable, but opponents feel tentative, hot, sticky, and dangerous. Several factors contribute to the intimidating atmosphere of "The Swamp":
Design: Originally built in a shallow sinkhole, the playing surface is below ground level, with steep stands enclosing the field on all sides.
Climate: Gainesville's warm and humid climate creates a swamp-like environment, with game-day temperatures at field level sometimes exceeding 100°F (37°C).
Fans: Florida fans are known for their loyalty and exuberance, creating a tremendous home-field advantage for the Gators. From 1979 to 2011, every home game was sold out.
The concentrated fan noise, combined with the stadium's design and the climate, makes "The Swamp" one of the loudest stadiums in America, disrupting opposing teams and making it difficult to hear playcalls.
Traditions and Game Day Experience
Attending a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is an experience filled with traditions and passionate displays of school spirit.
Tailgating: Fans gather outside the stadium before the game to tailgate, creating a festive atmosphere.
The Pride of the Sunshine: The University of Florida's marching band, known as the "Pride of the Sunshine," performs before the game, at halftime, and during breaks in the action. Their large bass drum, the "Biggest Boom in Dixie," is a fan favorite.
Albert and Alberta: The costumed mascot couple, Albert and Alberta, have been attending games together since 1984, adding to the game-day fun.
"Mr. Two Bits": For almost 60 years, George Edmondson, known as "Mr. Two Bits," led fans in the "Two Bits" cheer, becoming a beloved figure among Gator fans.
"We Are the Boys from Old Florida": At the end of the third quarter, the Pride of the Sunshine Band plays "We Are the Boys from Old Florida," and fans sway back and forth while singing along.
"Orange and Blue": Students and alumni participate in shout-outs and chants, yelling "ORANGE" and "BLUE" from different sections of the stadium.
Beyond Football: Other Uses and Events
While primarily a football stadium, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has also hosted other events throughout its history.
Gator Growl: For 82 years, Florida Field was the home of Gator Growl, a student-produced show and pep rally held before the homecoming football game.
Bowl Games: Florida Field has twice served as a temporary home for college bowl games when other Florida stadiums were undergoing renovations.
Concerts: In the past, the stadium was a concert venue, hosting artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones.
Future Enhancements
The University Athletic Association Board has proposed a $100 million facilities upgrade, including a stand-alone football facility for players. This new facility will include updated locker rooms, training environments, a strength and conditioning center, and other amenities. Future plans also include upgrading the fan experience with better technology, more luxury areas, and chair-back seating.
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