JibbyDee
Legacy Name: JibbyDee

Gainesville Florida is the county seat and largest city in Alachua County. It has also been ranked as one of the "best places to live and play" in the United States. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, the nation's fifth-largest university campus by enrollment, and ranked in the top 10 Best College Towns.

To say it is very much a college town may be a rather large understatement. When the University of Florida has a home football game, the entire city is transformed and ready to celebrate. Residents are decked out head to toe in orange and blue apparel. It's almost impossible to step outside without hearing a friendly "Go Gators!" The UF spirit is everywhere, to say the least. Gainesville is home to Florida football. It is a place where traditions and legends are made both on the field and off.

There's nothing quite like game day at the University of Florida. Fans arrive early, the campus is packed with alumni tailgaters, and students are making the best out of the few Saturday's they wait all year for. No other university or town tailgates harder than this swampland. Because here, tailgating isn’t just a tradition, it’s a way of life.

As game time approaches, a wave of orange and blue colored fans swarm Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Thousands of fans line up before kickoff outside of the stadium and form a walkway that the players traverse through when entering the stadium, known as the Gator Walk. The players then continue across the field and into the locker room. With three Heisman trophy winners, fans pass by and many stop for a Gator Chomp Photo in front of life-sized bronze statues of Florida legends; Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow, located on the West side of the stadium. This is usually while others rush to get a photo on the Bull Gator outside the SE entrance.

While officially named Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, it is more popularly known as "The Swamp." Steve Spurrier once said "The 'Swamp' is a place where only Gators get out alive." Gator fans are known for their enthusiasm, which some may call a passion, and once inside the swamp there is no doubt Gator fans are loyal. Rain or shine, Gators never fail to show their school spirit. Fans bleed Orange and Blue. You can ask any Gator, there is no doubt that God is a Gator fan … after all, the sun is orange and the sky is blue!

“This is the Swamp” proudly covers the stadium wall declaring who we are and where we are from. As the Gators take the field, the announcer can be heard saying "Heeeeeeere come the Gators.” Fans erupt in a thundering Gator Chomp, and you can feel the electricity in the air. The end of the third quarter brings Gator Fans to their feet, arms around each other, swaying back and forth while singing “We Are the Boys from Old Florida.” This tradition that just proves the unity of the Gator Nation, as the words says “In all kinds of weather, we’ll all stick together, for F-L-O-R-I-D-A.” After a win in the Swamp, the entire Gator team and coaching staff run over to the band to sing the Alma Mater, and the fans stand and together sing "thy glorious name we praise. All thy loyal sons and daughters, a joyous song shall raise..." A tradition that to many Gators also says “until next week my friend …” and on the way out of the game, the chant “It’s great to be a Florida Gator” can be heard over and over whether we win or lose.

“Go Gators.” To outsiders, they might just be two small words. But to Gators, they’re so much more. They’re a call to greatness, they’re an undeniable passion, and they’re a sign you’re part of a strong family. They’re recognizable and meaningful. It’s a simple statement, but to Gators, it is the Gator Nation.

As an alumni and season ticket holder, these statements and memories are just a few ways that I can truly say “It’s Great to be a Florida Gator” and am proud to be a part of the Gator Nation.