Date set for black uniforms in 2024, other Florida Gators home game designations

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators have set dates for all their home game themes this season and the themes for each. Themes include “352 community day”, “Championship Reunion Weekend & UF Family Weekend”, “UF Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day”, “Homecoming, UF Athletic Hall of Fame & GatorMade Week”, “Saluting those who Serve”, and “Senior Day”.

The Gators will honor the United States Military on November 16, when the LSU Tigers come to town. As part of that game in 2023, Florida wore black jerseys for the first time in program history.

The idea was first brought up by head coach Billy Napier back in May at a spring speaking event before he ever coached a game.

“We’re going to wear black uniforms for the first time in school history. I know everybody is excited about the uniform. I do think it’s important, I don’t want to lose sight of the intent here relative to what we’re trying to do. Each player on the team’s jersey will display one of the five core values on the back of the nameplate,” Billy Napier said. “We worked with the military branches and the state and here locally, allowed them to select the core value that they wanted to use. Those five core values are: honor, courage, commitment, excellence, and integrity. You’ll see that this week when we play.”

Aug. 31 – Miami, 3:30 p.m. | The Swamp Opener

The season-opening game marks a return to The Swamp, one of the most intimidating atmospheres in all of college football.  The Hurricanes travel to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the first time since 2008 when they suffered a decisive 26-3 defeat by Florida. 

Sept. 7 | Samford | 352 Community Day

Join the festivities as the Gators welcome local organizations and community groups from throughout the greater North Central Florida region back to Gainesville. Special ticket offers will be available for this matchup. Click here for more information.

Sept. 14 | Texas A&M, 3:30 p.m. | Championship Reunion Weekend & UF Family Weekend

The UAA annually invites members of UF championship teams celebrating 10-, 25-, and 50-year anniversaries to campus to be remembered, saluted and cheered. Additionally, the matchup against Texas A&M will be on Family Weekend with the UF campus-wide events from lectures to performances, leading up to the football game.

Oct. 5 | UCF | UF Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day

The Gators will celebrate UF Faculty and Staff members for their contributions to the university when Florida hosts UCF. UF Faculty and staff members will be eligible to receive up to 20 percent off tickets to the UCF game. The Knights last visited The Swamp in 2006, a 42-0 dominating victory by Florida.

Oct. 19 | Kentucky | Homecoming, UF Athletic Hall of Fame & GatorMade Week

As previously announced, the Gators will host the Wildcats for its annual Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 19. The UF tradition was first celebrated in 1916, and it continues to bring Gator Nation back to Gainesville year after year. Around campus, festivities will include the Gator Growl pep rally, Gator Gallop, and other special events. Florida owns a 72-26-2 record in Homecoming games all-time, including a 30-5 mark since 1989.

The UAA will also induct eight Gator Greats and one Honorary Letterwinner into the UF Athletic Hall of Fame. The list of Gator Greats on this year’s class includes Elizabeth Beisel (Women’s Swimming & Diving), Marcin Cieslak (Men’s Swimming & Diving), Francesca Enea (Softball), Chas Henry (Football), Genevieve LaCaze (Women’s Track & Field), Hannah Rogers (Softball), Preston Tucker (Baseball) and Scottie Wilbekin (Men’s Basketball). The eight Gator Greats were part of two NCAA and 12 Southeastern Conference title teams and claimed four NCAA and 21 SEC individual crowns. In addition, former soccer head coach Becky Burleigh will enter as an Honorary Letterwinner.

Furthermore, GatorMade Week will raise awareness and promote the initiatives of the GatorMade program. GatorMade is a player-led and purpose-driven initiative that empowers its football scholar-athletes with opportunities to learn, serve, and lead.

Nov. 16 | LSU | Saluting Those Who Serve

Pay tribute to members of the armed forces, veterans and local first responders as part of Florida’s annual ‘Saluting Those Who Serve’ game against LSU. For each ticket purchased, the UAA will donate an LSU game ticket to a local military hero, up to 2,000 tickets.

Nov. 23 | Ole Miss | Senior Day

Arrive early for this game as seniors will be honored for their contributions to the program during pregame ceremonies prior to kickoff. The Rebels haven’t played in Gainesville since a 38-10 loss in the 2015 season.