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The Florida Gators picked up their biggest win of the basketball season on Tuesday by toppling top-ranked Tennessee. The home team never trailed in the contest, controlling the game from start to finish.
A number of students didn’t get to witness that dominant performance firsthand. They were turned away at the gate due to a now-controversial ticketing decision.
Classes aren’t currently in session in Gainesville as students enjoy the final week of their winter break. With many choosing to return home for the holidays, the athletic department made the decision to sell students’ section seating to the general public for a handful of games.
The Gators opened conference play on the final week of break. They hosted the No. 1 team in the country for their first league home game. Anticipation was at a high, with many returning a few days early to take in the scenes. Unfortunately, they were turned away!
Droves of students camped out outside the arena gate, some of whom arrived in the wee hours of morning. When the game tipped off at 7 pm, though, a large majority of seats were empty.
There are non students in the student section.
There was a long line for students outside last time I looked… pic.twitter.com/8JtWbUu5vL
— Florida Gators 🐊🔥 (@gatorsszn) January 7, 2025
There were even reports of police escorting students sitting in the lower bowl out of their seats, which were presumably reserved for general admission patrons.
Looks like UFPD is kicking students out of the student section with the university opening the section to general admission. Don’t expect much rowdy from the reptiles tonight. What a shame pic.twitter.com/bYnYu4FZdb
— Will🐊🏀 (@Will24ODell) January 7, 2025
All the while, those long lines of students waited outside before finally being told that no more would be let into the arena.
Here was the reaction from students when UFPD cops told the crowd that no more students would be let in
One senior I spoke to waited outside for two hours and wasn’t told about the possibility of not being let in
Ended his Winter Break early to come back for the game#Gators pic.twitter.com/PLrK19Hnvn
— Noah Ram (@Noah_ram1) January 8, 2025
The “Rowdy Reptile” promotion allowed fans the opportunity to sit courtside for three games (North Florida, Stetson, and Tennessee). The ticketing announcement was made public earlier in the year, but maybe this game should’ve been handled differently given the opponent and upcoming start to the school semester.
Rowdy Reptile for a Game Ticket Package
Gator fans, here is your chance to sit in the courtside UF student section for the Florida Gators men’s basketball games vs North Florida on Saturday, December 21 at 12pm, Stetson on Saturday, December 29th at 1pm and Tennessee on Tuesday, January 7th at 7pm. Tickets are only $20 for the North Florida & Stetson games and $35 for the Tennessee game. Those prices include an exclusive holiday-themed Gators t-shirt with every ticket purchased!
In the end, a number of students either were turned away or decided to leave after being split from their groups upon entry. The students’ absence certainly took away from the atmosphere inside the arena. Fortunately for the team, they wouldn’t need the extra energy. The Gators left with an emphatic 73-43 win to land their first victory in SEC play.