Florida football will be breaking new ground after their spring practice concludes, give the Gators some credit.
I regularly attend the spring game of my alma mater. The game is annually at midday, usually unseasonably hot and I leave with a sunburn. It has never really bothered me; SEC teams play their spring games during the day. That’s just the way it is.
Florida football, though, is aiming to change that. At least for their program that is. Florida will be breaking a pair of SEC football traditions when it comes to spring games.
First, they will be playing their game at night. The game will be at 7 p.m. in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Admission, as it should be for a spring game, will be free. Playing the game in the cooler night and under the lights give fans a chance to work it into their schedule much easier. Many will be able to work and still make the game.
Wait? Did I say still be able to work? I sure did. Florida football will be making an additional adjustment, as hinted at before. The Gators will be playing their game on April 8, which is a Friday.
More from SEC Football
- SEC Football: Rattler, Cook, Mertz Rise in Week 4 QB Power Rankings
- 2023 Week 4 AP Poll Top 25: Every SEC team’s highest, lowest spot on ballot
- SEC Football: Florida, LSU rise in Week 4 2023 power rankings
- 4 SEC football picks to hammer and one to avoid in Week 3
- After down Week 2, Week 3 provides another opportunity for SEC football
Florida football has typically scheduled their spring game for a Saturday afternoon, as most SEC schools do. By moving the game to Friday and at night, they have made their spring game much more convenient for fans.
Some fans could care less about convenience. Diehard Gators will turn their nose up at the idea the team needs to change their spring game to attract more fans.
More sec: SEC Basketball: Where We Stand Now
But come on, spring games aren’t nearly as important as regular season games. Many casual fans could care less. By moving the game and start time, Florida could be in for a huge attendance. It also doesn’t hurt, of course, that the Gators are coming off an SEC East division title.