FLORIDA GATORS EXPERIENCE:
Location: Gainsville, Florida
Stadium: Stephen C. OConnell Center
Conference: SEC Conference
Rivals: Kentucky Wildcats, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Bulldogs
The Florida Gators began playing college basketball in 1915. In 1932 the Florida Gators became a charter member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team’s first real success wouldn’t come until 1987, when Vernon Maxwell helped lead the team to a Sweet Sixteen appearance. In 1994, with the outstanding play of Andrew DeClerque and Dametri Hill, the Florida Gators made it to their first Final Four appearance. Since Billy Donovan was hired in 1997, Florida has improved dramatically. They’ve gone to the NCAA tournament every year since Donovan’s third season. The Florida Gators would lose a national championship game in 2000 to Michigan State. Florida would win their first national title in 2006 and return all 5 starters the next season to win a second championship. Corey Brewer, Al Horford, and Joakim Noah were leaders on those two championship teams and have succeeded on to the NBA.
The Florida Gators play their home games at Stephen C. O’Connell Center, also known as the “O Dome” in Gainesville, Florida. The arena holds 12,000 spectators. Also known as the “House of Horrors” the arena is an increasingly tough place for visiting teams to play. Watching a game there has become a college basketball experience with the highest level of competition. Buy Florida Gators basketball tickets and be a part of one of college basketball’s newest and brightest traditions!
See Also:
Florida Gators NCAA Tournament tickets
Florida Gators Football tickets