Gator Nation invited to barbecue tailgate inside O'Connell Center

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gator Nation will celebrate Homecoming weekend with an Alumni Barbecue before the Homecoming football game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The barbecue starts at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 8 at the O’Connell Center, two hours before the game. Attendees can enter through Gate 2. Tickets are available from the University Box Office in advance for $7 or the day of the event for $10.

The Homecoming Alumni Barbecue is the ultimate family-friendly tailgate. Gator fans will enjoy delicious catered barbecue in the comfort of the air-conditioned O’Connell Center. There will be performances by the UF Cheerleaders, Dazzlers, Albert and Alberta, as well as music and prizes.

The barbecue is sponsored by the University of Florida Alumni Association.

“This year’s barbecue will feature the same great food and good times as in years past. We are giving away many exciting prizes, including autographed footballs. Gator fans can look forward to seeing performances and will love the exciting pre-game atmosphere before rooting on the Gators against Mississippi State. It will be fun for all ages,” said Gail Shropshire, director of the barbecue.

The 2005 Homecoming celebration takes place Oct. 3-7, ending with the largest student-run pep rally in the nation, Gator Growl.

For more information, call (352) 392-1671 ext. 400, visit the Web site http://www.ufhomecoming.org or e-mail natrue@ufl.edu.