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Asking for home game suggestions..places to stay.....things to do......

Discussion in 'RayGator's Swamp Gas' started by dfoxfan37, Jan 24, 2024.

  1. dfoxfan37

    dfoxfan37 Recruit

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    Hello gator nation, I’m reaching out about info some things for a game at the swamp. My buddy turns 50 and we are flying in for the Ole Miss game. He’s a huge gators fan, and never been to the swamp. Wondering if I can get some suggestions on places to stay, where to go things to do? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Gatorhead

    Gatorhead GC Hall of Fame

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    Recommend you hit Spurriers Restaurant while in Gainesville.
     
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  3. 31g8r

    31g8r GC Hall of Fame

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    Make reservations very early in the year
     
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  4. FusionGator

    FusionGator Senior

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    And have large budget.
     
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  5. ThePlayer

    ThePlayer VIP Member

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    According to CFN, you both may be happy with the result too. ;)

    2024 SEC Predictions For Every Game, Early Version
    2024 Florida Football Schedule

    Early Predicted Record: 7-5

    Aug 31 Miami W
    Sept 7 Samford W
    Sept 14 Texas A&M W
    Sept 21 at Mississippi State L
    Sept 28 OPEN DATE
    Oct 5 UCF W
    Oct 12 at Tennessee L
    Oct 19 Kentucky W
    Oct 26 OPEN DATE
    Nov 2 vs Georgia (in Jacksonville) L
    Nov 9 at Texas L
    Nov 16 LSU W
    Nov 23 Ole Miss W
    Nov 30 at Florida State L

     
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  6. revgator

    revgator All American

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    I drive down from Atlanta for the games, and stay in Lake City. It’s about a 30-40 minute drive to UF before the games. 40-50 minute drive back to Lake City after the games. 31g8r’s advice re: making reservations early is on target.
     
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  7. dfoxfan37

    dfoxfan37 Recruit

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    Jan 24, 2024
    So I messed up, we are actually coming for the LSU game, Nov 16. We will be flying into Orlando, or Tampa/Clearwater or Jacksonville the earliest flights land around 7am. Being the game time won’t be announced until a week or 2 before, that sort of makes things up in the air. Looking at the schedule for that day, this game or the Tenn-UGA game are definitely the 2 biggest games based on name and brand this weekend. Maybe Wisconsin-Oregon. But my hopes are this will be a 3:30 or night game.
     
  8. gtr2x

    gtr2x GC Hall of Fame

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    Don't know your budget, but iid probably stay at the Hilton off 34th. Not many good hotels in gville. Of course for 1 night I can sleep anywhere. Good luck, s/b hopefully a fun game but I think that will be a tough game to win.
     
  9. 2oldgator

    2oldgator GC Hall of Fame

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    31g8r’s advice is spot on: book early. I would be surprised if the Hilton will reserve any stay of less than 3 nights. Could be wrong.
    I would try to book now and if they tell you they aren’t taking reservations yet inquire as to when you will be able to book.
    And yes, if you go this route you may be shocked at the rate.
     
  10. Wanne15

    Wanne15 GC Hall of Fame

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    I often stay at Gator Inn which is basically a Motel 6 type place. $550 or so for the two night minimum. It’s basic and clean. Definitely hit up Spurriers. I usually eat there and make my way near the stadium for gator walk.
     
  11. sierragator

    sierragator GC Hall of Fame

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    Is the Bambi Motel still there? asking for a friend ;)
     
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  12. Matherly87

    Matherly87 GC Hall of Fame

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    If you are coming into Orlando or Tampa Inter. I'd consider getting a room in Ocala. Many of the visiting teams use to stay at the Ocala Hilton off of Hwy 200 because you can be in Gville in under 45 minutes. Most Ocala hotels off I-75 book up as well for home games but you might find a better price in Ocala than Gville. If you stay in Ocala you can easily drive up and park at one of the park and rides and pay for the bus ride in. My fav is the one behind the Gville Hilton. Its a short ride in and far enough away to get out of the worst traffic after the game. Up to you if you want to get there early to tailgate with the other tens of thousands near the stadium but for my flavor its the bus ride in every game.
    If you do choose Ocala let me know and I can give you plenty of local info, best places to eat etc. since I am one of few natives left.
     
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  13. Matherly87

    Matherly87 GC Hall of Fame

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    [​IMG]
     
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  14. manigordo

    manigordo GC Hall of Fame

    I always parked near the law school and, if not at the Hilton, I stayed at The Herlong Mansion in Micanopy.
    When there I would eat at The Yearling Restaurant.
    But that was long, long time ago.
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2024
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  15. Claygator

    Claygator GC Hall of Fame

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    A loss to Mississippi State, but not Ole Miss? Hmmm...
     
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  16. HomeGrownGator

    HomeGrownGator Senior

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  17. paidinfull

    paidinfull GC Hall of Fame

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  18. archigator_96

    archigator_96 GC Hall of Fame

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    Thinking the same thing. Maybe the writer doesn't know the difference between the two.
     
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  19. Wanne15

    Wanne15 GC Hall of Fame

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    Well we did lose to Arkansas last year and beat Tennessee so that’s pretty much par for the course
     
  20. gatorstrackman

    gatorstrackman GC Legend

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    Hilarious. Our HS track & field team stayed there in ‘73 for the Florida Relays. It was a dump even then.
     
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