GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said he anticipates Gators football games having fans at full capacity during the 2021 season.
Speaking during a UF Eye Opener Discovery Breakfast Wednesday, Stricklin told those attending the virtual event he expects all sporting events to allow full-capacity crowds, according to Gainesville TV reporter Sara Cardona of MYCBS4.
Stricklin’s comments are the first significant ones about UF’s plans for allowing fans to attend games.
Last season, the COVID-19 pandemic and Alachua County ordinances limited capacity in the Swamp to 17,000 fans or roughly 20% capacity in order to meet social distancing guidelines for fans entering and exiting the stadium, using bathrooms or purchasing concessions. The iconic venue can seat up to 88,548.
UF coach Dan Mullen hinted on his Twitter account last week the Swamp would be ready to host full crowds.
Mullen tweeted, “See you in the Swamp this fall,” along with a video of the 2019 Auburn game. A raucous sellout crowd watched the Gators beat the Tigers 24-13 during one of the loudest games at the stadium in recent memory.
The largest crowd in 2020 reached 16,610 on Dec. 12 against LSU, when the heavily favored Gators lost 37-34 on Senior Night. Only 12,049 attended the Gators’ 41-17 win against Missouri on Halloween night.
If UF is able to meet Stricklin’s aims, Mullen is sure to support the decision.
Mullen generated national headlines and experienced significant backlash with calls to pack the Swamp following the Gators’ Oct. 10 loss at Texas A&M. Stadium capacity remained the same all season.
For it to change in 2021, UF officials, along with those at the SEC and Alachua County, would have to change current restrictions. But optimism around the COVID-19 vaccine rollout does provide hope people can begin to gather in groups during the coming months.
Mullen said last month he hopes there is enough time before the team’s Sept. 4 opener against FAU to re-establish the Swamp as one of best home-field advantages in college football.
“Hopefully we’re able to get back to some normalcy in the fall when we hit the field again,” Mullen said March 15. “I think all the Gator Nation is going to be excited. Everyone I see is like, ‘Boy, I hope we can pack the Swamp. I hope we get there; I hope to get it back to where we want it to be as the fans.’
“They’re desperate to get back into the stadium and to go experience Saturdays in the Swamp. And so hopefully through all the precautions and everything going on we’re able to stay safe and we’re able to fill the stadium this fall.”
