http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130...?p=1&tc=pg

Sounds like its been unseasonably cool up there...hope the coaches are making sure everyone is getting hydrated starting now.

I was praying it would be at 7pm... where we could have tailgated all day... now, the game is over at 3 30... and so, I will be stuck in Gainesville until sunday... it better be fun at the bars and such...

(08-26-2013 11:04 AM)TampaRocket Wrote:  http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130...?p=1&tc=pg

Sounds like its been unseasonably cool up there...hope the coaches are making sure everyone is getting hydrated starting now.

Hotter up here the past few days, and it appears that trend will continue into the first week of September.

Don't know what the temps were at last year's opener for UF but "105 fans were treated for heat-related issues."

Latest forecast for Saturday:

High of 90 degrees (about 85 degrees at kickoff)
60% chance of rain mostly after 4 pm
humidity at 73%
winds at 2 mph

(08-26-2013 01:05 PM)NewMex RocketFan Wrote:  Latest forecast for Saturday:

High of 90 degrees (about 85 degrees at kickoff)
60% chance of rain mostly after 4 pm
humidity at 73%
winds at 2 mph

Hopefully it's overcast....that stadium is an oven.

Supposed to be around 90 all this week starting today in Toledo. Good preparation.

Since I am a Southern boy now, the heat shouldn't be a problem. Leaving Thursday for the game. I can hardly wait. I think we have a chance. Slim, but a chance.

florida is wet heat right? so, this should be lots of fun...

Played in a soccer match on Sunday when it was 85 here. Went through 64 oz of Gator piss like it was nothing. Stay hydrated Rockets, we'll be fine!

We are already losing the battle if you are drinking GATORade this week!!!

The team has been hydrating for months. Heat won't be an issue. Also lots of practices on grass to keep knees and ankles fresh. Do we execute a solid gameplan is the question.

Received this from a buddy of mine who thinks our team will wilt under the heat...sent to all season ticket holders in regard to heat.

Dear Gator Fan,

With anticipation building for the Gator football team’s 2013 opener next Saturday at 12:21 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin against Toledo, the University Athletic Association wanted to provide fans with a number of initiatives in place for the upcoming campaign.

General Guidelines for High-Temperature Days

· Wear loose fitting clothing and a hat

· Sunscreen of at least 30 SPF - repeat application

· Get out of the sun if dizzy

· Drink plenty of fluids - water and Gatorade

· Avoid excess alcohol - it will compound heat problems

· If you have G-1 respiratory or cardiac disease be especially careful

· Go immediately to an aid station if you need help

Special Heat Initiatives for the Gators’ season opener against Toledo:

· Misting stations located around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: Outside Gate 2, Gate 16, Gate 9, upper North endzone Sunshine Seats

· Hand fans distributed at Verizon Gator FanFest outside Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O’Connell Center and select gates as fans enter the football stadium

· Sunscreen and Cooling Hand Towel giveaways at Verizon Gator FanFest outside Gate 2 of the O'Connell Center

· Numerous water fountains available throughout stadium

· $2 12-ounce bottled water will be available at concessions stands

· Officers at gates watching for fans in heat distress and directing to first aid stations

· Fans with a football ticket can enter the O’Connell Center through Gate 1 to get out of the heat and cool off

· The football game vs. Toledo will be on two of the O’Connell Center’s video boards for fans to watch while staying cool inside

· Gator volleyball will be hosting the final day of the Campus USA Credit Union Invite that Saturday – matches include LIU-Brooklyn vs. New Orleans at 1:30 p.m. and Florida vs. Duke at 4 p.m.

Alligator Alley (Located on the West side of the Stadium Atrium outside Gate 1 and Gate 4)

· An effort has been made to increase the fan experience while at The Swamp and utilize the West Stadium atrium area outside Gates 1 and 4. Two areas will be set up with fan experience items, Centerplate Concessions, and additional new TVs and speakers.

o Televisions: Nine additional 55” TVs with speakers

o Food Court – West Stadium atrium, Gate 1 (South end)

§ Customizable Sandwich Station - Freshly sliced Italian and Turkey subs

§ Ice cold bottled water, Pepsi products and Gatorade available

§ Strawberry-infused, fresh-squeezed lemonade stand

§ The Sweet Spot - Offering delicious vanilla, chocolate and twist soft serve ice cream that will be available in both waffle cones and cups

§ Round tables, chairs and cocktail tables available by the concessions food court for fan comfort

o Concessions – West Stadium atrium, Gate 4 (North end)

§ Hawaiian Shaved Ice stand - A variety of tropical-flavored frozen delights

§ Everglades BBQ sandwiches and nachos

o Fan Enhancement Items

§ Photo booth

§ Face painters

§ Marketing booth



New Gator Guest Services Twitter account

· @GatorzoneFans - pertinent event announcements and information for fan s

Tag-A-Fan Program

The Tag-A-Fan Program is meant to reduce the amount of time a parent/guardian could be separated from their missing party in a game-day crowd. The wristband allows a parent/guardian to fill out their section, row and seat section and number in case a fan becomes separated from his/her party, and can be picked up at the Gator Guest Services booth located outside Gate 2.

The information on the wristbands provides stadium personnel to help re-unite guests with their respective parties. Any lost person will be escorted to the main Guest Services desk located in the Gator Ticket Office lobby (between Gates 1 and 2). Parents, guardians or family members with a lost person should contact the nearest police officer or event staff member

Game Day Enhancements in the Evans Champions Club and Holloway Touchdown Terrace

There are several significant game day enhancements for the Evans Champions Club and Holloway Touchdown Terrace. The enhancements include:

· Extended food & beverage hours

· Buffet will remain open until the middle of the 2nd quarter

· Beverages will remain out through halftime

· Snacks will be provided at halftime

· Both the Champions Club and Touchdown Terrace will have ice cream bars available at halftime

· Televisions

· Additional televisions in each area with the ability to watch other games of interest

· Touchdown Terrace: 10 additional TVs

· Champions Club: 15 additional TVs

· Kids’ Zone – organized activities for kids in the Champions Club

· Wii gaming station

· Coloring station, arts, crafts, themed days for select games

Zero Waste Initiatives

As part of the University of Florida's zero waste ambitions, The Swamp is taking the first step in 2013.

· Throughout stadium concourses, fans will now find a compost container paired with a recycling container.

· Visual aids will be at each station to help fans get it in the right can.

· Green team members will be throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium educating fans and assisting in the sorting of compostable and recyclable items.

For all of the latest information on Florida football, log on to http://www.gatorzone.com/football/ or follow the team’s Twitter account @GatorZoneFB at http://www.twitter.com/GatorZoneFB.

People from the south are oblivious to Ohio weather patterns. This August was fairly cold, but temps are identical this week in Florida and Ohio. Both are swamps, and both are sticky right now. UA was hotter last season, and that didn't seem to pull us down?

(08-27-2013 09:58 AM)UofToledoFans Wrote:  People from the south are oblivious to Ohio weather patterns. This August was fairly cold, but temps are identical this week in Florida and Ohio. Both are swamps, and both are sticky right now. UA was hotter last season, and that didn't seem to pull us down?

I spent 27 years in Ohio, so I'm far from oblivious to your weather. What you fail to realize is that the sticky weather is routine in Florida from May-October. We dont have weeks that cool off...its highs in the low 90's and lows in the mid 70's the entire time. Therefore, the Gators will be conditioned to play in that atmosphere. I think it will be an issue as they can go deeper on their bench to give their guys a rest.

In regard to my previous post, I thought it would be useful for those making the trip South. Go Rockets!

(08-27-2013 10:22 AM)TampaRocket Wrote:  

(08-27-2013 09:58 AM)UofToledoFans Wrote:  People from the south are oblivious to Ohio weather patterns. This August was fairly cold, but temps are identical this week in Florida and Ohio. Both are swamps, and both are sticky right now. UA was hotter last season, and that didn't seem to pull us down?

I spent 27 years in Ohio, so I'm far from oblivious to your weather. What you fail to realize is that the sticky weather is routine in Florida from May-October. We dont have weeks that cool off...its highs in the low 90's and lows in the mid 70's the entire time. Therefore, the Gators will be conditioned to play in that atmosphere. I think it will be an issue as they can go deeper on their bench to give their guys a rest.

In regard to my previous post, I thought it would be useful for those making the trip South. Go Rockets!

Valuable/helpful info.
The AZ game was cooler than normal for Tucson. I was on the sidelines and no problems. It was an evening game which helped considerably. Living in the metro DC area for about 30 years, hot and sticky can me miserable. We may catch a break if there are clouds (60% chance of rain) and the humidity is projected to be "only" 77%. Not out of the ordinary for DC or even Ohio for that matter but a whole lot different that Northern NM!