New Gator ad campaign makes debut at Gator Growl

November 5, 2008

Thousands of Florida Gator fans caught a first glimpse of the next generation of the University of Florida branding campaign on Oct. 24 at Gator Growl.

The new campaign is based on the theme “When did you become a Florida Gator?” and the television commercial captures inspirational answers to that question.

“The new theme is an extension of the original campaign,” commented Dan Williams, director of marketing for University Relations. “It builds upon the success the campaign has enjoyed and takes it to the next level.”

“Gators feel tremendous pride in their connection with UF,” Williams said. “We want to encourage and reward that feeling with our advertising.”

A major component of the campaign is an invitation for Gators to share their own stories in written or video form. More than 60 written stories and 150 videos already have been uploaded to the Web site, www.insidethegatornation.com. The stories range from reminiscent and inspiring to humorous and entertaining.

For Gators without access to a video camera, a traveling recording studio* will be available at select football games and other UF events. The studio, manned by student-run public relations firm Alpha PRoductions, will capture the stories and post them to the newly redesigned Web site.

A few videos will air on the jumbo screens at upcoming games at Florida Field and the O’Connell Center.

The new campaign not only will be featured in television commercials, but also in magazines and through various online media.

“Gators are extremely proud of their connection to UF,” Williams said. “That sense of pride and the lifelong bond we all share is what the campaign is all about.”

* NOTE: The mobile studio will be at the stadium’s north entrance before and after the Nov. 15 game.