Parking, cooling stations on what to know list for fans at Florida football

Florida football will be back in the Swamp.

The Gators play their first game under new coach Jon Sumrall on Saturday, Sept. 5, and their first home game since the win over rival Florida State on Nov. 29.

This past offseason, the University Athletic Association announced a $1.45 billion renovation to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium – the most expensive stadium renovation project in college sports history – that will completely transform the facility.

Will those renovations affect the gameday experience for those venturing into the Swamp for the 2026 season?

The short answer? No. Renovations don't begin until after the 2026 season.

In fact, gameday protocols are quite similar to years past in terms of gate opening, parking and road closures.

But for those who have yet to attend a Gator home game, or those who just need a reminder on what to expect, here's what to know before 7:45 p.m. Saturday night vs. FAU.

Florida football offers final preseason glimpse before Sept. 5 opener

What Gainesville roads will be closed for Florida football home games?

Starting five hours before kickoff, Gale Lemerand Drive will be limited to ticket holders only. Three hours before kick, the road completely closes from Stadium Road to University Avenue.

University closes to vehicles starting three hours before kick as well between Gale Lemerand and NW 17th Street, as does Stadium Road from Gale Lemerand to Fletcher Drive. Fletcher is a one-way road this year. Turning south from University Ave is not permitted.

Where to park on UF campus for Florida football home games

Many of the lots closer to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium are reserved. The closest general parking lots are on Fraternity Drive and Woodlawn Drive near Flavet Field.

UF recommends arriving early for general parking lots. Parking on sidewalks is prohibited.

It also recommends parking at either Celebration Pointe, Park and Ride lot #2 at 3497 Hull Road or Garage 109 south of Archer Road on Gale Lemerand Drive and taking a shuttle to the stadium.

When do gates open for Gators games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?

Gates open an hour and a half before kickoff and two hours before in premium areas. For the Florida Atlantic game, that is 6:15 p.m. for general and 5:45 p.m. in premium areas.

Once again, tickets are digital. UF recommends adding them to your digital wallet to avoid delays at the stadium. You can also register for express entry, which uses your face instead of showing your ticket.

Tickets are sold out for FAU – the Gators' 19th straight sellout – but tickets are still available on the secondary market .

Where are Florida football cooling stations and restrooms?

Florida football helps fans beat the heat with misting stations throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and free sunscreen at Guest Services Kiosks, located at Gates 1, 7 and 16. Cooling buses are located outside Gates 2 and 13.

Restrooms are available throughout campus. A full list is available here .

What is unique for Florida football vs Florida Atlantic?

The game is designated as 352 Community Day. A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to an Alachua County charity organization. The full list of organizations can be found here. Saturday's battle is also designated as the 2026 Stars of Honor game. It's "a community initiative that rewards local K-12 students with complimentary tickets to a game for academic achievement, character and fitness."

Starting at 4 p.m., fans can watch Florida basketball's open practice inside the O'Connell Center, across the street from the Swamp.

Every fan in attendance will also receive a PixMob LED wristband upon entry that will light up in unison as part of a halftime drone show following the band's performance.

Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com . Follow him on X @Noah_ram1 , Instagram @Ramreporter and Facebook Noah Ram - Reporter .