Get Ready for Kickoff: How Florida's College Football Towns Show Team Spirit
With college football season upon us, Local Voices United takes a look at the local traditions that make Florida’s college football towns stand out.
We want to hear your voice! Vote for your favorite Florida college town by clicking here!
With a metropolitan area of more than 2.5 million people, is internationally renowned Orlando the world’s largest college football town?
The City Beautiful certainly thinks so. Each year before the season kicks off, the city raises UCF’s flag above city hall, rallying the community behind the Knights and marking its status as a major college football town.
The event, featuring coaches, players, mascots and community leaders, builds hometown—and home team—pride.
The “War Chant.” The Marching 100. Legendary Coach Bobby Bowden.
These are just a few of the college football traditions that come to mind when you think of Florida A&M University and Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.
Another is days dedicated to celebrating FAMU and FSU in Florida’s Capital City, where community collides with school spirit. The Capital comes alive with locals rallying for the Rattlers and Seminoles, as they get ready to “Get Up” for the Rattlers and “fight, fight, fight” for the Garnet and Gold.
Football is the pulse of Tallahassee, bringing the community together to support two hometown teams. When locals rally behind their team, they're not just backing a group of athletes—they're igniting the pride and unity that makes the city truly exceptional.
Thousands of people visit Gainesville every year to catch a Gators home football game. But the game is just one of numerous things to experience in a traditional football weekend at the University of Florida.
Tailgating and the “Gator Walk” before the game is a tradition enjoyed by students, alumni, and local residents alike. Local businesses get in on the action, setting up tailgates near the stadium for the community to enjoy.
Several cities are connected to college football programs and follow the lead of Gainesville and the Gators. Certainly, the college helped put the town on the map!
Boca Raton might surprise you as a college football town!
Home to FAU, the city shines during college football season, and during the Boca Raton Bowl, hosted at FAU Stadium. Florida Atlantic athletics is bringing attention like never before to this coastal college town!
The “eye” of Florida College Football; The Miami Hurricanes
Beyond its beaches and skyline, Miami is home to the legendary Hurricanes.
The “Hurricane Walk” is a cherished tradition where fans cheer on their team and keep “The U” connected to the community.
