Game Day at The Swamp: A Planning Guide for Fans With Limb Loss
Orange and blue, familiar cheers, and a stadium full of Gator fans. Football season is part of life in Gainesville, and a little planning can help fans with limb loss spend more time enjoying the game.
A visit to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium involves more than finding your seat. From parking and stadium entrances to restrooms and the trip home, knowing what to expect can make the day easier to navigate.
Choose Your Seat With the Route in Mind
Before purchasing tickets, consider how you will reach your seating section. Ask about stairs, nearby elevators, and the distance to restrooms.
UF offers wheelchair-accessible seating at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Contact the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683 to discuss your needs and available options before purchasing tickets. Availability varies by game.
Be specific about what would help you. Saying, “I can walk, but several flights of stairs would be difficult,” gives staff useful information when discussing seating. Ask about arrangements for anyone attending with you, too.
Plan Your Route From Parking to the Stadium
The closest parking space on a map may not provide the easiest route to your seat. Consider the walking distance, terrain, crowds, and any stairs along the way.
Check UF’s current football parking information before leaving home. If you need accessible parking, a drop-off location, or shuttle transportation, confirm the requirements and arrangements in advance.
Choose a meeting point with your group and allow enough time to move at your own pace. Plan the return trip as well, when many fans will be leaving together.
Know Where to Find Elevators and Assistance
UF’s stadium guide lists two accessible elevators reserved for guests with disabilities and mobility challenges:
North End Zone: Between Gates 7 and 8.
Southwest corner: Between Gates 1 and 18.
Accessible restrooms are located throughout the stadium. Review the current stadium map and confirm which route serves your seating section.
If you need directions once you arrive, look for Guest Services staff wearing bright green shirts. Asking for help early can save an unnecessary walk around the concourse.
Prepare for a Full Day Out
Think about what helps you stay comfortable during longer outings. Wear familiar footwear and bring any personal prosthetic supplies your care team has recommended.
Check the stadium’s current bag and permitted-item rules before packing. If you need medically necessary items, ask about the entry procedures beforehand.
Leave room for sitting breaks throughout the day. Tailgating, walking to the stadium, and moving through crowds can add time on your feet before the game even begins. Let your group know what pace and arrangements work for you.
Discuss Fit Concerns Before Game Day
If you have noticed rubbing, discomfort, or difficulty keeping your prosthesis secure during everyday activities, contact your prosthetist before a long outing.
Describe what happens and when. Does the discomfort begin after walking a certain distance? Does your fit feel different after standing for a while? Is getting up from a seat becoming difficult?
These details can help your prosthetist understand your concerns and discuss your plans. If discomfort develops during the outing, take a break and seek assistance rather than feeling you have to push through it.
Enjoy the Game Your Way
Whether you are returning to The Swamp or attending your first game since receiving a prosthesis, choose arrangements that work for you. Taking an elevator, requesting accessible seating, or allowing extra time can all be part of an enjoyable game day.
The goal is to spend less time figuring out logistics and more time enjoying the atmosphere with the people beside you.
Planning a longer outing and have questions about your prosthetic fit? Contact Gainesville Prosthetics to discuss your concerns and goals.
Sources and Game-Day Information
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Guide — Florida GatorsOfficial stadium maps, elevator locations, restrooms, entrances, and Guest Services information.
Accessible Seating Information — Florida GatorsAccessible seating options and Gator Ticket Office contact information.
Football Parking Information — Florida GatorsParking information to review when planning your visit.
Venue arrangements may change. Confirm seating, parking, and entry details with UF for the specific game you plan to attend.
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