Gator Growl
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gator Growl is the largest and most well known student run pep rally in the world. It is held annually in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, otherwise known as the Swamp at the University of Florida and has been a UF tradition for more than 80 years. In the past, Gator Growl has attracted well known talent such as Robin Williams, Dennis Miller, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Bill Cosby, Billy Crystal, Bob Hope, and Dane Cook. There have also been cameo appearances from Former Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton, Hulk Hogan, Dave Letterman and Katie Couric among others. Growl 2006 will host comedian Gabriel Iglesias from “Last Comic Standing” and famous stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan. In addition, Sister Hazel band members and Gainesville natives Ken Block and Drew Copeland will sing the National Anthem.
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HISTORY
Gator Growl has been a University of Florida tradition for more than 80 years. Gator Growl has its roots in the tradition of “Dad’s Day,” a turn-of-the-century tradition in which fathers of the all-male student body were invited to visit the new campus. In 1916, a pep rally replaced Dad’s Day and “Gator Growl” was born. At the original pep rally, freshmen contributed their weight in wood to a giant bonfire—“firing up” enthusiasm for the next day’s football game. In 1925, the tradition grew as skits, musical performances and guest speakers expanded the rally into a variety show. Students & alumni continued to express their Gator spirit by participating in cheers and enjoying performances by UF’s Marching Band, Cheerleaders and Dazzlers.
Over time, Gator Growl reached its current unparalleled scale. Today, it is a showcase of athletic talent and spirited tradition; a dazzling spectacle of fireworks, light displays, live music, comedy; and much more. More than 500 student volunteers, including hundreds of staff members, dozens of assistant directors, 30 directors, five associate producers and the overall producer, work for thousands of hours to create an amazing night of festivities for the entire University of Florida community to enjoy. UF students are in charge of everything from production, execution, promotion and dismantling of the show. These student volunteers earn Gator Growl its beloved nickname, “the world’s largest student-run pep rally!”
In its long history, Gator Growl has been recognized by Good Morning America, Comedy Central, Entertainment Tonight and many other popular culture outlets—“What is Gator Growl?” was even the response to an answer on Jeopardy!
GROWL 2006: RELIVE THE TRADITION
After 100 years of Gator football, it’s time to “Relive the Tradition.” From long-standing traditions like singing “The Boys of Old Florida” after the third quarter to newer traditions like Urban Meyer's innovative "Gator Walk" from University Avenue into the stadium, every Gator takes pride in demonstrating their school spirit. This year, the greatest tradition of all is taking an opportunity to honor and revitalize that Gator spirit. Gators of all ages can look forward to a show filled with tributes to the University of Florida’s athletes, history and unique culture. “Gator Growl 2006: Relive the Tradition” will showcase appearances by UF athletic teams; performances by the UF Cheerleaders, Dazzlers and Marching Band; the crowning of the 2006 Homecoming Queen and the world-famous student skits. The world’s largest student-run pep rally will also feature feature a performance from family-friendly comedian Jim Gaffigan. Mark your calendars for October 6 and join your fellow Gators to cheer on the team before they take on their rival LSU Tigers in the Homecoming Game.
