Fastest shrinking fan bases

I totally agree that hotel costs are killing it for a lot of fans who live in places like Pensacola or Miami and points in between. I’m fortunate to live only 45 minutes to an hour away, (depending on traffic, which is pretty much dependent on what time I leave for the game).
Attending the Florida/Georgia game and spending a couple of nights In Jacksonville that weekend has always been one of my favorite events. But the cost of hotels that weekend is so ridiculous now that we forgo the trip.
For many years the Love family sponsored a charter bus trip from Dunnellon for that game that was a fun alternative, but I think after the COVID year it finally fizzled out.
I will still walk across a bed of hot coals to see my Gators play on Saturday, but it ain’t quite like it used to be. And NIL, transfer portal, alternative unis, parking, or rather lack of, ticket prices and so many of my buddies not around anymore to share a pre game bourbon or two, also take a chink out of the experience.

 

I live in Daytona which isn’t that far away from Gainesville — but it’s all 2-lanes and after a long day of football and drinking and eating I’m not inclined to do the over & back in the late night. Besides, I like to take in the whole Gainesville and UF scene when I’m there — Lillian’s and other bars downtown, crawfish etouffee at Harry’s Friday night, tailgating, food and drinks after the game at Spurrier’s …..

 

I prefer woods, farmland and lakes/ponds over rows of houses any day. I’m a country boy. That said, the only stretch of road that seems any longer to me that Dunnellon to Ormond Beach on SR 40 is Dunnellon to Ormond Beach on SR 100, via Flagler Beach.

 

Oh I much prefer the 2 lanes but not after 10:00 pm after a long day of football and drinking

 

^ you guys are funny. I much prefer the interstate to a rural 2 lane road with traffic lights and speed traps any time of day. Of course, no traffic helps.

I will put in a vote for Harry's seafood tho.

 

Agree - if I lived 2 hours straight down I-75 I’d probably try the over & back. But ~90 minutes of dark 2-lanes, nope

 

agree