Football in Florida

Football is a popular pastime in the State of Florida.
football clipart

On a Saturday many years ago, we arrived in Englewood to visit my wife’s family. After lunch, I asked my father-in-law why the neighborhood was so quiet. He said that everyone was indoors getting ready for the game between the Gators and the Seminoles.

That was my first introduction to Florida’s love affair with the gridiron sport. On any weekend during the season you can either find a game to attend or there are countless games on television.

Friday nights are usually high school football nights. My recollection of high school games, was playing in front of a few friends and family. But, in Florida, high school games are well-attended. And, they are a lot of fun.

A quick glance at the local sports pages will provide the necessary information as to game times and locations.

College Football

The Florida Gators are the national champions of College Football in 2007. How great is that?

There are several College teams in Florida. But, the main rivalry is between the Miami Hurricanes, Florida State Seminoles and the University of Florida Gators. These teams are usually all ranked in the Top Twenty teams and the competition between the schools and their fans is intense.

A trip to a Gators game on a Saturday is not a difficult trek from Englewood. The Gators home stadium, affectionately known as “the Swamp” is located in the Gainesville area of northern and central Florida, not far from I-75. The directions that I have provided below illustrate how easy it is to get to a Gators’ game.

One word of caution: Before going to a Gators’ game call ahead several weeks before the game to reserve tickets. (This warning should be followed for any college or professional game for this sport in Florida.)

Directions from Englewood:

Take I-75 north to Exit 76 (Newberry Road/Rte 26)
Turn Right (east) at traffic light (Newberry Road)
After approximately 7 miles turn right on Gale Lemerand Drive
The “Swamp” (also known as Ben Hill Griffin Stadium) is on the left hand side of the road.

NFL

Sundays are the usual game days in the NFL.

In Florida, there are three venues, Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa that feature NFL games.

Going to a game is a lot of fun. The game is of course, the main reason for going to the stadium, but everything surrounding the events of the game are a lot of fun. Make sure that you get to the stadium early to enjoy the tailgate parties.

The Tampa Buccaneers play at Raymond James Stadium. I have provided directions from Englewood. But once again an important caution, don’t look for tickets on game day. Instead, reserve tickets, weeks or even months in advance, if you can. These tickets are almost impossible to purchase.

Directions from Englewood to Raymond James Stadium