University of Florida Homecoming & Gator Growl Announces 2014 Entertainment Lineup
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Indie-pop band Foster the People, and three-time Grammy winning rapper Ludacris will co-headline Gator Growl 2014, the University of Florida Homecoming & Gator Growl organizers announced Friday.
Brooks Wheelan, one of Comedy Central’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch,” will emcee the pep rally event, scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 17 on Flavet Field.
“This year’s entertainment promises to captivate the entire Gator Nation,” said Devin McDaniel, event producer of Gator Growl. “These contemporary musical artists are a unique pair who bring two completely different feels to the show.
Foster the People’s 2010 single “Pumped up Kicks” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative songs chart, while Ludacris is working on his new “Ludaversal” album and is currently a judge on the new ABC series “Rising Star.”
“I am thrilled to include comedian Brooks Wheelan, featured on HBO’s “Girls” and “Laugh Factory,” said McDaniel. “Brooks will bring a fun dynamic to Growl because everyone loves to laugh and he is an expert at doing just that.”
The Homecoming and Gator Growl staff, made up of students from Florida Blue Key and other UF student organizations, is devoted to ensuring this year’s entertainment is memorable for all. Student Government Production (SGP) has played a significant role in the production of Gator Growl through donations and assistance with booking entertainment.
“SGP and Gator Growl producers were able to work together to find talented musicians and comedians that students want to see perform,” said Cory Yeffet, student body president. “Both artists represent different genres that appeal to the diverse preferences of our student body.”
Planning is underway for the new venue at Flavet Field. The new location offers a more intimate experience that will include front row standing room, not available in the past, as well as seating within close proximity to multiple stages.
“We will host a food truck rally at Flavet throughout the show to promote community businesses and partnerships. We will also have the fireworks that are such a pivotal part of Growl,” said McDaniel. “Being the nation’s largest student run pep rally is something we continue to take pride in as we plan this year’s show.”
More information about homecoming events and Gator Growl ticket sales are available at gatorgrowl.org.
About Gator Growl
Gator Growl is a University of Florida tradition marking the culmination of Homecoming Week. The annual spectacle is the nation’s largest student run pep rally, showcasing musical and comedic entertainers, Gator athletes and performances by UF’s cheerleaders, Dazzlers and Pride of the Sunshine Marching Band. The pep rally is rooted in the tradition of Dad’s Day when fathers of the then all-male students would visit their sons on campus. In 1924, Dad’s Day was replaced with a Friday night pep rally, and in 1932 with the addition of comedy skits, Gator Growl was born. Today, the Gator Growl tradition continues as students and alumni come together to celebrate the spirit of the Gator Nation.
Credits
Media Contact
- Devin McDaniel, producer@gatorgrowl.org