Thinking of going to the Florida game on 9/15. Have never been there before. Anyone on here with experience going to Gainesville, looks like I can get there through Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville. Jville is closest but almost double Orlando and Tampa. Given it's a 2:30 game, thinking of staying in the city we fly in to and driving back and forth on Saturday to the game and back, but if staying in Gainesville is more preferable let me know suggestions.

All other suggestions very welcome.

Thanks!

Gainesville is a college town so stay in or nearby area to soak in the atmosphere.

If you fly into Orlando, do not check in luggage if possible. If there's lightning in the area, it would delay you getting your luggage by at least 30 minutes. Lightning storms are not uncommon in September in Orlando.

akm91 said:

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Gainesville is a college town so stay in or nearby area to soak in the atmosphere.

If you fly into Orlando, do not check in luggage if possible. If there's lightning in the area, it would delay you getting your luggage by at least 30 minutes. Lightning storms are not uncommon in September in Orlando.

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I live in Tampa so somewhat biased.

If you fly into Tampa and drive up should be under 2 hours easily, once you clear I-4 interchage should be good flow.

I'd stay in Ocala after the game, easy drive from Gainesville.

Just looked on Marriott site - Ocala wide open both nights - before / after.

Depending on your flights and ability to desire to drive, I might stay in Tampa night before and even after. But Ocala not a bad place.

jrgypsum said:

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Just looked on Marriott site - Ocala wide open both nights - before / after.

Depending on your flights and ability to desire to drive, I might stay in Tampa night before and even after. But Ocala not a bad place.

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Thanks!

There's a really good McDonald's just down the street from the stadium, on West University Ave.

Hydration packs and bug spray

Aggie Class of 2026 said:

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Hydration packs and bug spray

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We are flying into Orlando and staying there, but we are also going to Mickey's Not so Scary Halloweens Party. on Sunday after the game. Also Halloween Horror Nights are going on at Universal. There are more flights into Orlando than Tampa, due to all of the tourists. The problem with flying into Orlando is that you fly into the Orlando airport.

With the exception of on Disney property, there are lots of rooms available at reasonable rates, including Disney Springs and Universal. Also it appeared that there were plenty of rooms in Tamps and in Clearwater. The bad thing is that the Bucs and Rays are on the road.

I would rather live in Tampa than Orlando. Having great beaches near a major metro is hard to beat.

Security at Orlando can be a nightmare sometimes if you don't have TSA pre or clear.

American Airlines 31K miles $11. Flying through CLT.