As we approach the fall season here in Gainesville, many are getting geared up for football season. Florida Gator football is serious business around the area for many. Whether you are new or just moved to town, you may be wondering where the best spot is to watch the Gators play football around your Gainesville apartment.
The number one spot to watch the Gators this fall is, of course, in person at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium; AKA The Swamp! The crowd, the excitement, nothing can compare; only Gators get out alive.
If you are in an apartment near UF, lucky you, and you can walk to cheer on the Gators for any home game. If not, check out the Gator Aider Shuttle schedule for pickup and drop-off locations throughout town to catch a ride near your apartment in Gainesville to the game. Park and Ride locations for the Gator Aider include Oaks Mall, Celebration Pointe, Downtown Parking Garage, Haile Plantation, Town of Tioga, and UF Park and Ride #2 off Hull Road. You drive to that location, and the shuttle takes you to the game and back.
Check out football tickets available for students, premium packages, mini plans, single games, and more. Currently, Florida Atlantic, Tennessee, Vanderbilt (Homecoming weekend), Samford, and Florida State are playing in Gainesville, and tickets are still available. Alabama is playing in Gainesville this year, but the game is sold out already. Everyone must experience watching the Florida Gators in person at The Swamp at some point. Still, if you prefer a sports bar or restaurant experience, we have a list of some local favorites around Gainesville below.
SPURRIER'S GRIDIRON GRILLE
Spurrier's Gridiron Grille recently opened in Celebration Pointe west of I-75 and is a must-visit for every Gator fan. It is like a football museum, and restaurant all rolled into one. Visors Tailgate + Rooftop Bar is, just like the name implies a great place to tailgate and watch the big games.
WORLD OF BEER GAINESVILLE
Gainesville has two locations of World of Beer. The first location is located in the Archer Road area on 34th Street. The other site is World of Beer Gainesville- Tioga, located west of town in the Tioga area. Both locations have a great drink and food selection with lots of TVs to cheer on the Gators.
BJ'S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE
BJ'S Restaurant & Brewhouse, located in west Gainesville next to the Oaks Mall, is a family favorite with a menu that will please everyone and all the TVs to watch the Gators play football this fall.
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
Buffalo Wild Wings is located outside the Oaks Mall and is a fun spot to watch the games. Beer, wings and large screen TVs go hand in hand with Gator Football.
GATORS DOCKSIDE GAINESVILLE
Because beer, wings, and football go so well together, we'll add another wings restaurant to our list, Gators Dockside off Newberry Road. Another favorite family spot with a ton of large TVs you can't go wrong at Gators.
Suppose you have lived in Gainesville for a while or have friends or family coming to visit your apartment in Gainesville this fall for the Florida Gators football season. In that case, everyone may be wondering what happened to The Swamp Restaurant. Don't worry, it is on its way back to town but will be in a new location when it re-opens in 2022 in Midtown Gainesville, and we couldn't complete our list of the top spots to watch the Gators play football around your Gainesville apartment.