My first trip to the Swamp...

[GatorRaz]

My wife and I have decided to come to the home opener. It's my first trip and I'm bringing my daughter and youngest son which are huge Gator fans. My wife is a gamecock (can't wait for that meltdown) and my middle son well he likes the clowns (not sure how that happened).

Any advice on where to stay Fri and Sat night? Also where is the best parking and tailgate areas? It has always been a dream of mine to come to the Swamp! It's a 9 hr drive and we r leaving on Fri after football practice.

Thanks for all the info.

Go Gators!!!

 

[heavychevy]

In a nut shell:

Show up, drink, have a good time, don't get arrested, go home, come back

 

[NVGator]

In a nut shell:

Show up, drink, have a good time, don't get arrested, go home, come back

And stay away from Alcoholica and Captain Sassy Pants.

 

[GatorRaz]

Yeah got a tad chippy last night. Ha ha!

 

[Gatordiddy]

Hey Raz... read through this thread.
Lots of good ideas in there.
Not sure if it covers hotels though...

https://gatorchatter.com/threads/tiger-fan-coming-to-the-swamp.10064/

 

[SGG]

Hey Raz... read through this thread.
Lots of good ideas in there.
Not sure if it covers hotels though...

https://gatorchatter.com/threads/tiger-fan-coming-to-the-swamp.10064/

The one thing I will add about hotels is that I've stayed at the Super 8 in Lake City a few times, you're about a 25 minute drive away the next day and/or after the game.

Cost you about a third of what anything in Gainesville will.

 

[MJMGator]

Hope y'all are blessed with great weather. Make sure to do your best to transform your middle son into a Gator. I'm sure he doesn't understand the consequences of being a Semi and he needs your guidance now more than ever!

 

[GatorRaz]

Poor kid was dropped alot. Could be the issue!

 

[Delg8tor]

Not sure I would admit that publicly. But that would certainly contribute to his identity crisis.

 

[78]

Hope you have a great time, Raz, but you can almost forget getting a hotel room if you haven't booked already. No biggie. Either drive home or a few miles out of town.

 

[GatorStud]

Gotta get that other sons 'mind straight'... 'noles, not while I'm paying the freight

My boys started out on our laps, grew into season seats, now all grown up fans... just plant your family tailgate among the others (we were Law Library freaks back in the day), take in the band tuning up, cruise University Ave, players walk and the mojo/karma of the Swamp will get everyone's 'mind straight'. Have a good time, it will be.

 

[olegator]

Poor kid was dropped alot. Could be the issue!

Still....gotta work on him, regardless of why he's that way.

 

[playzwtrux]

Either drive home or...

you musta missed the part where he said home was a 9 hr drive

My wife is a gamecock (can't wait for that meltdown) and my middle son well he likes the clowns (not sure how that happened).

Thanks for all the info.

Go Gators!!!

best piece of advice I can give is... leave these two at home :)

GO

 

[TLB]

Tie the middle son up in the parking lot of the hotel and explain to him this is the fate of nole fans - it's on him to choose more wisely.

For the wife, be patient. Quietly assure her that there is room at the Gator table for those who suffer at the hands of Muschamp, and she'll be welcomed when she realizes her mistake.

 

[GatorRaz]

I really appreciate all the advise and suggestions. If any of you are going to the home opener let me know. It has always been a dream to come to the Swamp and I hope the weather is good and no lightening. I grew up and live about 20 minutes for the home of SOS. Once again thanks a ton, I really appreciate it!

 

[LighthouseGator]

Check Airbnb or VRBO. That's usually the avenue I take and it always works out. More comfortable, spacious and cheaper than the price-gouging hotels. For the opener it shouldn't be too difficult to find a good spot.

 

[Captain Sasquatch]

And stay away from Alcoholica and Captain Sassy Pants.

Forget what he said. Come see me and SQ before the game, you'll have a great time.

 

[GatorRaz]

Sounds great. I will get in touch the closer it gets.

 

[rogdochar]

Lake City is good solution to "no vacancy" problem.

 

[Swamp Queen]

Forget what he said. Come see me and SQ before the game, you'll have a great time.

Ummm....we'll be in Washington.