- Gator Growl, the largest student-run pep rally, will be held on Oct. 9 at UF and features comedian Nikki Glaser for the first time since 2012.
- ESPN personality Laura Rutledge and former Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes will co-host Gator Growl alongside Nikki Glaser.
- Live skits will return to Gator Growl after 20-30 years, with nearly all performances done live rather than prerecorded.
Homecoming season has officially descended upon the University of Florida.
Arguably considered one of the more high-energy traditions at UF, Homecoming is a multi-week celebration that brings together students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and the Gainesville community through shared traditions and events.
Some homecoming festivities got underway in September, including the Chomp for Charity 5K and the Leadership Pageant. Soulfest also took place on Oct. 1. The bulk of the events will happen this week, leading up to the football game against South Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Among the bigger events this week is Gator Growl. Claimed to be the largest student-run pep rally in the nation, Gator Growl will take place on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Doors open at 6 p.m.
This year’s event features a few changes, including the return of comedy for the first time in more than a decade. Emmy-nominated comedian Nikki Glaser headlines Gator Growl.
It will be the first time comedy has been featured at the event since 2012, according to Gator Growl Executive Producer Mason Silverstein.
In a phone interview with Mainstreet, Silverstein, who oversees talent selection for Gator Growl, explained that the decision to bring comedy back was driven by tradition and feedback from alumni and the community.
“I think [it was] also just me wanting to see and just having a gut feeling that I thought it could be a really good choice to go with comedy, and especially Nikki, to be able to see how that ties in and resembles to the University of Florida,” Silverstein said.
Glaser was Silverstein’s top choice from the start of his research.
“I’ve always loved Nikki Glaser,” he said, noting some of her past appearances, including hosting the 2025 and 2026 Golden Globes. “She was honestly number one on the list that I had, and she worked out. I’m very excited.”
Glaser will headline Gator Growl, with ESPN personality/UF alumna Laura Rutledge and two-time national champion and former Florida Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes serving as the co-hosts.
Silverstein said he is excited about Rutledge and Spikes hosting this year’s event.
“I knew I wanted to bring back huge known Gator alum to be hosts, and these are two characters and people that a lot of students and community members look up to,” Silverstein said.
In addition to comedy, live skits also return to Gator Growl for the first time in 20 to 30 years. Silverstein noted that all but one skit will be performed live in person rather than prerecorded.
“I’m really excited to see the live skits come to action,” he said. “I think it’ll really resonate with students and alumni and everyone else that is there.”
More information about Gator Growl, including how to purchase tickets, can be found at https://www.gatorgrowl.org/tickets#faq.
Beyond Gator Growl, several other events are also planned for this week to celebrate Homecoming.
Homecoming Festival
Friday, Oct. 9 | 9 a.m.-noon | Plaza of the Americas
The free event is open to the community and will feature lots of activities, giveaways and booths from several vendors in a family-friendly setting.
Gator Gallop
Friday, Oct. 9 | 10:30 a.m. (check-in starts at 9 a.m. and closes at 10:15 a.m.) | Plaza of the Americas
A two-mile fun run across the UF campus and along the parade route before the start of the Homecoming parade. Open to all ages. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Gainesville/UFHomecomingAndGatorGrowlGatorGallopFunRun.
Homecoming Parade
Friday, Oct. 9 | Noon | 13th Street and University Avenue
Floats, bands and performances fill the streets of Gainesville with Gator Spirit. A map of the parade route can be found at https://www.gatorgrowl.org/parade.
UF Homecoming Football Game
Saturday, Oct. 10 | noon or 12:45 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
The Florida Gators host South Carolina.
Nick Anschultz is a Report for America corps member and writes about education for Mainstreet Daily News. This position is supported by local donations through the Community Catalyst for Local Journalism Fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida.