Ben Hill Griffin Stadium parking ranges from $20-$60 across official stadium lots and surrounding garages. Florida Gators game day parking passes can be prepaid online for the closest lots, with cheaper options available within walking distance of the venue. Tailgating is allowed in designated lots only; find lot maps, ADA accessible parking, and rideshare drop-off details below.
Common questions
How much is parking at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
Where can I find cheap parking near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
Where do I park for a Florida Gators game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
Can you tailgate at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
How Much Is Parking at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
Parking at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium ranges from $20 for remote park-and-ride lots up to $60 or more for on-campus game-day passes, with pricing varying by opponent and proximity to the gates.
On-campus UF campus lots cost $40-$60 on game days and fill early, while surrounding neighborhood lots and private driveways typically charge $20-$40. The Maguire Park & Ride lot (Brown Zone) offers limited day-of parking at $40 per vehicle, credit card only upon arrival. The RTS Gator Aider shuttle is the budget-friendly alternative at $20 for a single-game round trip.
Pricing is heavily opponent-dependent. A non-conference opener against Florida Atlantic may see baseline rates near $30-$40 in secondary lots, while rivalry games against LSU, Georgia, or Oklahoma push secondary-market pass prices well above $100. Prepaid passes booked 3-10 days before the game tend to offer the best rates, as day-of inventory tightens and prices rise. Always confirm current pricing on the official Florida Gators athletics site before game day.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Parking Lots and Maps
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium parking is organized into color-coded zones based on distance from the gates, ranging from the closest Orange Zone to the remote Brown Zone park-and-ride.
The Orange Zone lots, including Lots 18, 20, and 25, are the closest available to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, sitting within a quarter mile or a couple-minute walk from the gates. Lot 25 includes both a surface lot and a parking garage; the garage enforces a strict 7-foot vehicle height limit. The Blue Zone (Lots 104 and 112) places fans less than a mile from the stadium, about a 5-20 minute walk; both 104 and 112 are garages with the same 7-foot clearance. The Yellow Zone runs along Gale Lemerand Drive roughly one mile from the stadium, approximately a 20-minute walk. Parking in the Yellow Zone is not sold for a specific spot; attendants direct you upon arrival. Lots 113 and 114 in the Yellow Zone are also garages with 7-foot height limits.
The Purple Zone is designated exclusively for RVs and party buses and sits approximately one mile from the stadium. Most event parking structures on the UF campus are dedicated to booster club members. A limited number of public lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but each public parking area tends to fill up quickly. Visitors cannot park on grass or sidewalks, towing is strictly enforced. The official parking map is available on the Florida Gators athletics website and is updated each season.
Preferred/Premium Parking at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
The closest premium parking to The Swamp is the Orange Zone, which places fans within a quarter mile of the gates and requires a pre-purchased digital pass.
Orange Zone passes (Lots 18, 20, and 25) are the most coveted on-campus spots and routinely sell out well before game day. On the secondary market, premium passes for high-demand matchups can average several hundred dollars through resale platforms. Reserved parking on campus is a privilege largely limited to certain levels of Gator Booster Club members. If you are not a booster member, premium on-campus availability is limited and must be purchased the moment passes go on sale through the University Athletic Association.
The Flavet Lot is a fan-favorite premium option described as a stone’s throw from The Swamp. The O’Connell Center lot is another go-to for fans looking for easier gate access. For those with oversized vehicles, note that the garages in the Orange, Blue, and Yellow Zones strictly enforce a 7-foot vehicle clearance, lifted trucks that exceed this limit will be turned away. Contact UF Transportation and Parking Services at 352-392-8048 for booster-level reserved or RV lot inquiries.
Free Parking Near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Truly free parking near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is limited, but the most reliable budget option is pairing a free or low-cost off-campus lot with the RTS Gator Aider shuttle.
The Oaks Mall serves as one of the primary Gator Aider park-and-ride locations and is one of the most popular cost-effective choices, park free at the mall and pay $20 for a round-trip shuttle directly to The Swamp. The downtown parking garage at 105 SW 3rd Street offers low-cost parking during Florida Gators games and is also served by the RTS Gator Aider. Street parking in the neighborhoods near the UF campus is heavily restricted on game days, and unauthorized parking carries an immediate towing risk, do not attempt to park on sidewalks, grass, or bike lanes.
The Parker Elementary School lot, located a short walk north of The Swamp, is a community-operated paid option at around $25-$40 per event that still represents savings over premium campus lots. The VA Hospital parking lot is a quieter, family-friendly alternative in the surrounding area. Fans willing to walk 15-20 minutes can use UF Health Medical Plaza (Garage 3) off Archer Road, which has offered flat rates around $20 for large events and avoids the post-game gridlock heading north on Gale Lemerand Drive.
Can You Tailgate at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
Yes, tailgating is allowed at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in select lots, and it is one of the most established game-day traditions in college football.
The best tailgating spots include the O’Dome Lot (the most popular gathering point), the Hume Hall Lot, the VA Hospital Parking Lot (a quieter family option), and the Parker Elementary School Lot north of the stadium. Various lots within and outside the campus welcome tailgaters, and rates and opening hours vary by facility. For UAA lots, tailgating setup can begin as early as 6:00 AM on game day, with UAA-controlled lots opening at 8:00 AM. Teardown must be completed by 3:00 AM after the game.
Key rules to follow: tents cannot exceed 10 feet by 12 feet without a special permit; grilling is allowed but only with propane, open flames and oil-frying equipment are prohibited; spaces cannot be saved and violators risk being towed; tailgating is not permitted in taped-off areas marked by university staff. Keep music at a respectful volume and pack out all trash. Starting 2.5 hours before kickoff, Gale Lemerand Drive between University Avenue and Stadium Road closes to all vehicle traffic, so tailgaters must be parked and set up before that window closes.
ADA and Handicap Parking at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
ADA and handicap parking at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is available in both reserved UAA lots near the stadium and public accessible spaces on campus, with free shuttle service connecting remote lots to the gates.
The University Athletic Association maintains reserved ADA parking spaces near the O’Connell Center, the Murphree Hall area, and the Infirmary Lot. For game days, ADA-accessible parking spaces are also available in Lots 18, 20, and 25 (Orange Zone) for fans who have pre-purchased a pass for those lots and display a valid state-issued ADA credential such as a placard or ADA license plate, simply showing up with a placard without a pre-purchased lot pass is not sufficient.
For fans without a reserved pass, the primary public ADA parking location is Garage IX (also referenced as Lot 109), located on the south side of Archer Road on Gale Lemerand Drive. From Garage IX, a free, wheelchair-accessible ADA shuttle runs directly to Gate 18 of the football stadium. Shuttle service begins four hours before kickoff and runs continuously until kickoff; return trips begin at the start of the fourth quarter. Golf carts are available at Gate 18 to assist patrons who need further help reaching their gate. For additional assistance, call the Gator Lift line at 352-494-2305. ADA shuttles are also available from Yellow Zone lots for credentialed fans who have a pre-purchased Yellow Zone pass.
Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
The designated rideshare drop-off point for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is along University Avenue, north of the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, keeping drivers away from the worst traffic bottlenecks near Gale Lemerand Drive.
The primary drop-off is University Avenue north of the O’Connell Center, from which it is an easy walk to the gates. The Reitz Union via McCarty Drive serves as a solid secondary drop-off on the south side of the stadium. A traditional recommended zone is the corner of Gale Lemerand Drive and West University Avenue, between SW 21st Terrace and Gale Lemerand Drive. Do not direct your driver to the stadium address or onto Gale Lemerand Drive near game time, the road closes completely 2.5 hours before kickoff, and attempting to enter after closure will strand you blocks from the gates in heavy traffic.
For post-game pickup, walk away from the stadium before requesting your ride, as surge pricing and wait times spike immediately after the final whistle. Uber and Lyft operate in Gainesville but availability is limited on game days due to demand and road closures. Using Waze on game day is strongly recommended, as the University Athletic Association actively programs it with real-time road closures and lot-specific entry routes, making it far more accurate than Apple Maps or Google Maps on campus.
Public Transit to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Gainesville has no rail transit, but the Regional Transit System (RTS) operates the Gator Aider shuttle specifically for Florida Gators home football games, making it the most reliable public transit option to The Swamp.
The RTS Gator Aider is a park-and-ride program with four pickup locations: Celebration Pointe (behind Regal Cinemas), UF Park and Ride Lot 2 (behind 3450 Hull Road), Parking Garage 9 (Archer Road), and UF Health Professional Park (behind 3300 SW Williston Road). Stadium drop-off and pickup is at the East Hall Parking lot. Gator Aider tickets cost $20 for a single-game round trip or $100 for a season pass. Shuttle service begins three hours before kickoff; the last bus departs 15 minutes before kickoff; return service starts at the beginning of the fourth quarter and runs until one hour after the game ends. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on game day using the GoRTS Fares mobile app (available on iOS and Android) or with a credit card at park-and-ride locations.
For standard city bus service, RTS routes 5, 43, 118, and 150 stop near the Gator Corner Dining Facility on Gale Lemerand, a two-minute walk from the stadium. The regular RTS fare is $1.50 cash (exact change) or $3.00 for a 24-hour pass. University of Florida and Santa Fe College students ride free with a valid Gator 1 ID. For real-time tracking, use the GNV RideRTS app or text a bus stop ID to 844-899-1556.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Parking Tips
The single most important tip for parking at The Swamp is to buy your pass early, on-campus lots routinely sell out before game day, and prices rise sharply the closer you get to kickoff.
Arrive at least three hours before kickoff to secure your spot and beat the road closures. Gale Lemerand Drive between University Avenue and Stadium Road closes to all vehicle traffic 2.5 hours before kickoff and does not reopen until the game ends, any driver approaching after that window is forced to detour. If you hold a prepaid campus pass, plan to cross into campus no later than 90 minutes before those closures. If your lot is in the Orange or Blue Zone, the lots generally open hours before the game, so arriving early is your best insurance.
For the best value, park at the Oaks Mall or another Gator Aider location for a flat $20 and ride the shuttle to East Hall. Fans who park south of the stadium near Archer Road, such as at UF Health Medical Plaza, benefit from bypassing post-game gridlock heading north on Gale Lemerand Drive. Drivers with trucks or SUVs must confirm their vehicle height before booking a garage, Lots 25, 104, 112, 113, and 114 all strictly enforce a 7-foot clearance. Download the Waze app before you leave home; the UAA feeds it live road closure data on game day. If you are relying on Uber or Lyft post-game, walk several blocks away from the stadium before requesting your ride to avoid surge pricing and long wait times.
Heading to a show? See our Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp) bag policy for everything else you need to know before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for a Florida Gators game?
Official on-campus parking runs $40-$60 for most games, while surrounding neighborhood and private lots charge $20-$40. The RTS Gator Aider park-and-ride shuttle is the most affordable option at $20 per round trip. Pricing varies by opponent, and high-demand rivalry games push secondary market rates significantly higher.
Where can I buy a parking pass for The Swamp?
Official parking passes are sold through the University of Florida Athletic Association website. Passes must be purchased in advance, most lots require a pre-purchased digital pass and will not sell tickets upon arrival. Third-party platforms like SeatGeek also list passes, though prices fluctuate based on demand.
What lots are closest to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
The Orange Zone lots, Lots 18, 20, and 25, are the closest available, sitting within a quarter mile of the gates, about a two-minute walk. These lots sell out earliest and require advance purchase. Lot 25 includes both a surface area and a garage with a 7-foot height limit.
When does Gale Lemerand Drive close on game day?
Gale Lemerand Drive between University Avenue and Stadium Road closes to all vehicular traffic starting 2.5 hours before kickoff and remains closed until the end of the game. Plan to arrive and be parked well before that window closes to avoid being detoured away from your lot.
Is there free parking near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
Truly free street parking near the UF campus is extremely limited on game days, and unauthorized parking risks immediate towing. The best budget strategy is to park free at the Oaks Mall and take the $20 round-trip RTS Gator Aider shuttle to the stadium, or use a low-cost lot like the downtown garage at 105 SW 3rd Street and ride the shuttle in.
Where is the ADA parking at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
Reserved UAA ADA spots are located near the O’Connell Center, Murphree Hall area, and the Infirmary Lot. Public ADA parking is available at Garage IX on Archer Road, where a free wheelchair-accessible shuttle runs to Gate 18 starting four hours before kickoff. A valid state-issued ADA placard or license plate is required, and a pre-purchased lot pass is needed for Orange Zone ADA spaces.
Can you tailgate at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
Yes, tailgating is allowed in select lots including the O’Dome Lot, Hume Hall Lot, VA Hospital Lot, and Parker Elementary School Lot. UAA lots open for tailgating at 8:00 AM on game day. Propane grills are permitted, but open flames and oil-frying equipment are prohibited. Tents must not exceed 10 by 12 feet without a permit.
Where does Uber and Lyft drop off at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
The primary rideshare drop-off is on University Avenue north of the O’Connell Center. A secondary option is the Reitz Union via McCarty Drive on the south side of the stadium. Never direct your driver to Gale Lemerand Drive near game time, it closes to traffic 2.5 hours before kickoff.
How does the RTS Gator Aider shuttle work?
The Gator Aider is a park-and-ride shuttle that picks up fans at four locations, Celebration Pointe, UF Park and Ride Lot 2, Parking Garage 9, and UF Health Professional Park, and drops off at the East Hall Parking lot near the stadium. Tickets cost $20 per round trip or $100 for a season pass, purchasable via the GoRTS Fares app or at lot locations. Service runs from three hours before kickoff through one hour after the game ends.
