Will Florida football in 2026 be impacted by Ben Hill Griffin Stadium renovations?

Gainesville residents and football fans preparing for the upcoming season of Florida football can rest assured that the stadium renovations of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will not impact their gameday experience in 2026. The $1.45 billion project, the most expensive stadium renovation in college sports history, will commence after the 2026 season. Gameday protocols, including gate opening, parking, and road closures, remain largely the same as previous years.

Gale Lemerand Drive will be closed starting five hours before kickoff, fully closing three hours prior. University Avenue is also closed three hours before kickoff, with University Avenue between Gale Lemerand and NW 17th Street and Stadium Road from Gale Lemerand to Fletcher Drive also blocked. Fletcher Road will be one-way this year only.

Parking is limited, with the closest general parking lots on Fraternity Drive and Woodlawn Drive. Visitors are advised to arrive early and consider parking at Celebration Pointe, Park and Ride lot #2, or Garage 109 on south of Archer Road and taking a shuttle. Digital tickets, available for sale and sold out for the Florida Atlantic game, should be added to a digital wallet to avoid delays.

Other amenities at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium include misting stations, sunscreen at Guest Services Kiosks, and cooling buses. Restrooms are available throughout campus. The 2026 game against Florida Atlantic is special, designated as 352 Community Day and the 2026 Stars of Honor game. Ticket sales support an Alachua County charity and students with academic achievement, character, and fitness receive complimentary tickets.

Following the game, Florida basketball opens practice inside the O’Connell Center, and fans receive a PixMob LED wristband for the halftime drone show.