UF Homecoming Weekend - Gators vs Razorbacks - Football, Food, and Fun

Despite the rain clouds over central Florida, we are enjoying our homecoming weekend celebration. Gainesville residents and thousands of fellow returning gators celebrated at the Homecoming Parade and Gator Growl today. Tomorrow, we'll pig-out at the barbeque before the big game.

More Homecoming History From Florida Blue Key:

While Homecoming at the University of Florida is a long established tradition, it was not always the sensational experience we have come to know today. Each year, members of the Gator Nation strive to make the Homecoming experience better than the last.

The University of Florida's Homecoming celebration began with Dad's Day in 1907, over one hundred years ago. This was a weekend that served as a visitation day for fathers of the all-male student body. Gradually over the years, this weekend flourished into the homecoming events we know today. While the homecoming parade originated in 1923, events such as the Florida Blue Key Alumni Reunion are less than five years old.

Both Homecoming and Gator Growl are produced almost entirely by students. Since its formation in 1923, Florida Blue Key, the oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary in the state, has provided the leadership and funding for Homecoming and Gator Growl. Under Florida Blue Key's direction, these activities have grown into the largest student-run events of their kind.

The events will begin on Monday, Sept. 21 with Homecoming Pageant and will continue through the end of October with the traditional homecoming football game. This year the Florida Gators will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks on Oct. 17.

Since the first celebration of Homecoming in 1907, all aspects of the events have dramatically increased. One thing that always remains the same however, is our loyalty and love for the Gator Nation. All alumni, students, families, faculty, and friends who remember this rich history come back annually to participate in this month of incredible events.