University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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TAILGATING The scene is crawling with trucks, cars, motor homes, tents and of course people. Homeowners who are looking to make a little extra while fans socialize, eat and ex- change tickets with family, friends, or even perfect strang- ers rent out their yards. The term tailgating generally imposes the image of piCk-up trucks, but there is so much more to the pre- kickoff madness. ust as many people can be found at the fraternity-sorority barbeques and Emerson Alumni Hall. Some go back and forth between where they Choose to spend their pre-game hours. In a grassy spot right outside the stadium was where third-year marketing student David Manz was for the Ole Miss game. He said he doesn't usually tailgate there, but was entertaining a visiting friend that weekend with the outside festivities. In the alumni hall, you can find stu- dents from long a go, like John Giblin, from the graduating Class of 1952. Although it's been over 50 years since he attended Class here, he still makes the 340-mile trip to Gainesville with his son-in-law to the occasional game. The two of us have been coming to games for ten years or so, says Giblin. He enjoys it. On any given home game day, pretty much anyone and everyone in the Gaines- ville area is taken hold of by Gator game day spirit. As long as UF football has been a tradition, so has been tailgating, which is not just limited to current students only. People of all ages, from infants and Children to alumni and senior citizens, can be found in any available space on campus and the surrounding area. People such as Cory Veiley, who faithfully shows up with his camper, tent, grill, and cooler to the baseb all field every time the Gators are in The Swamp and who has not missed a home Gator football game since 1969. I've been to every Florida-Georgia game since l69, the one in Athens and the one here, all the games in Tallahassee and all the games here. I've got the oldest motor home in the parking lot. He, his father, and now his son have allbeen University of Florida students at one time or another. -Alyssa Tormillo Parents and students celebrate the Parent's Weekend barbeque on campus before heading to the football game. Photo by lose Otero TAILGATING 25

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Ynu can't help but feel a great sense of pride w hi 1e ta i lga ting, before the footba ll ga mes. Sometimes, Albert and Alberta will stop by just to make sure you're feeling, the. Gator Pride. Plltilfns bf; I086 L.?l'cm Delta Upsilon alumni stop by the house to remember the good old days as Gators. Photo by lose Otero Greek organizations often hold events that involve tailgating before the footballs games. Often, alumni stop by to Visit as well. Photo by I036 Otero Campers, RVs and tents litter campus on gamedays. No matter where you go, even near the O'Connell Center, you can find people having a good time. Photo by Jose Otero 24 TAILGATING Sophomore Noelle Casagrande celebreates the ESPN Game day with her parents before kick-off. Tailgating on campus allows students and parents great bonding time. Photo by lose Otero

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LETS MEET AT THE The information booth between the CSE Building and Turlington Hall is another landmark of the plaza. Hundreds of students pass by the booth everyday to get information about the campus. Photo by lose Otero 26 TURLINGTON PLAZA TURLINGTON PLAZA Turlington Plaza is arguably the focal point for cam- pus life here at the University of Florida. Groups meet there, protests are held there, religions are discussed there, and, perhaps most importantly, students are there. Turlington Plaza was created when the university built Turlington Hall in 1975, in honor of Ralph Turlington, the former State Commissioner of Education and UF alum. Since then, it has been named one of campus' three free-speech zones and hostscountless events, organizations and performances daily. Its unique location on campus also make it one of the most Visited places during the day. It has the highest rate of traffic in the state of Florida according to a recent poll. That means, that during peak hours, more people are crossing through Turlington Plaza than anywhere else in the state. With almost 50,000 students, it's easy to see how this figure can be valid. It's always bursting with energy. You never know what you're going to find there, said Adrienne Alexandria 31M The plaza has also been used as a set for several Hollywood movies, including Par- enthood with Steve Martin in 1989, as well. From religious debate to multicultural activities, Turlington Plaza provides all students with an outlet to express their Views or to promote an organization, as well as a great meeting place for friends and aquaintences. The plaza is home to another campus landmark, the ancient Chert Rock, donated by the Crushed Stone Cor- poration to the Geology Department at the university. Each day, thousands of students cross the pathways of Turlington Plaza on to their various destinations. With this high traffic flow, the plaza has become one of the best points of campus for advertising, advocacy, and rallying. -Gordon Van Owen Protestors in support of an Asian Student Union voice their opinion at Turlington Plaza. Everyday people voice their concerns over various issues. Photo by lose Otero Turlington Hall houses one of the 0 largest classroom buildings on campus. The large number of bicycles outside shows the number of people who have class there at any given time. Photo by Gordon Owen