Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, home of the Florida Gators football team, is one of the most iconic stadiums in college football. With a capacity of over 88,000, the stadium is always packed with rowdy Gators fans eager to cheer on their team. Choosing where to sit in a massive stadium like “The Swamp” can be an overwhelming decision. Fans want seats that provide great views of the action, while also giving them a chance to fully experience the electric atmosphere. Certain sections offer unique benefits that can maximize your enjoyment of a gameday in The Swamp.
Lower Level Sideline Seats
Fans looking for the most immersive experience should try to sit lower down on the sidelines. Sections 21-24 and 42-45 on the lower level put you right next to the field. You’ll have up close views of the players, feeling like you’re part of the action. These low rows also provide easy access when the Gators run out of the tunnel before the game and for a great view of the Pride of the Sunshine marching band.
The lower sidelines have long been favored by hardcore fans like alumni and students. Sitting in the first 10-15 rows allows you to clearly see plays develop and provides the chance to interact with players and coaches just a few feet away. Being so close to the band and cheerleaders also lets you fully soak in the school spirit.
Pros
- Excellent views of gameplay and sidelines
- Close to the team for interaction
- Better chance at catching prizes tossed into the crowd
- Near cheerleaders and band
Cons
- Sections near the 30 yard line are premium pricing
- Missing the video board views
- Can feel far away when action is on the opposite endzone
Upper Level Midfield
Fans who don’t want to break the bank for lower level tickets should target the upper midfield instead. Sections 301-306 and 327-332 on the upper level provide this optimal balance of affordability and great views. The rows here are steeply pitched to allow you to clearly see over the sideline crowds.
Sitting near the 50-yard line provides the best vantage point to see plays developing all over the field. You’ll have a balanced view of action in both endzones. The upper deck also protects you from the scorching sun on those hot early season games.
Pros
- Elevated midfield view allows you to see full field
- Cheaper price point than lower level
- Shaded from the sun
Cons
- Far away from the sidelines/endzones
- Missing out on midfield team entrances
- Less interaction with players and crowds
The student section
No fans bring more energy and excitement than the Gator students in sections 37-41. Sitting here puts you in the heart of the deafening cheers and synchronized chants like “Gator Bait” that make Ben Hill Griffin Stadium so loud and intimidating for opponents. You’ll be crammed in and rowdy right along with your fellow students.
The lower student section also provides strong views of the field that are only partially obstructed by the team benches. You get great looks at the team warming up and can watch them head back to the locker room at halftime up close.
Pros
- Epicenter of the stadium atmosphere and excitement
- Chance to rush the field after big wins
- Decent views of the action
- Affordable tickets
Cons
- Tightly packed crowds
- Partial views obstructed by team benches
- Students often stand entire game
- Mostly endzone views
North Endzone
The north endzone sections 130-136 hold a special allure for many Gators fans. Everyone wants the chance to have the team attacking right towards you to score. This gives you the best seat in the house to watch exciting receiving touchdowns and hard hits at the goal line.
Endzone ticket holders also get the vantage point of watching plays develop. You can clearly identify holes opening up for running backs and see receivers break open downfield. Don’t forget the view you’ll have when the Gators student section does the classic “Gator Chomp” facing your way.
Pros
- Chance to watch plays coming straight at you
- Best views of north endzone scoring action
- See the view of the “Gator Chomp”
- Cheaper pricing than midfield
Cons
- No views of video board replays
- Can only see one endzone up close
- Worse view of midfield plays
South Endzone
Fans on a budget who still want that prized endzone experience should target sections 231-236 in the south endzone. You’ll move higher up but maintain the endzone views. Sitting above the lower level gives you better perspective for watching plays unfold.
Endzone seats also provide prime access to the concession stands, bathrooms, and more on the concourse without missing any action. This endzone is also closer to the band and student section energy.
Pros
- Cheapest field level seats
- Upper level provides better angle
- Views of the “Gator Chomp”
- Close to concessions and amenities
Cons
- Far from the sidelines
- Obstructed view from field deck overhangs
- Less direct views of scoring plays
Corner Sections by the Endzones
Fans who enjoy watching both endzone and sideline action should consider corner sections like 133-134 on the north side and 234-235 on the south side. You’ll be diagonal from the endzones to see scoring plays unfold while also getting clear views of the sidelines.
These vantage points provide the chance to see action on both sides of the field. Corner seats also avoid the straight-on endzone only views in the neighboring sections behind the posts.
Pros
- Perfect view of both endzones and sidelines
- Angle minimizes endzone post obstructions
- Mid-pricing between endzones and sidelines
Cons
- No direct perspective into endzones
- Worst seat views in the corners
- No center field perspective
Conclusion
Whether you seek an immersive experience near the team or the best views from upper midfield, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has a section suited for you. Securing tickets for lower sidelines, upper midfield, the student section, or the north endzone all come highly recommended. But fans on any budget can find great seats throughout The Swamp to cheer on their Florida Gators!
