A Hub for Sports Fans and Athletes
Gainesville, FL is surrounded by an impressive lineup of sports venues that cater to fans, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Within the city, the University of Florida’s world-class facilities—such as Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the O’Connell Center, and Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium—offer year-round collegiate excitement across football, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and more. Just a short drive away, fans can catch professional action in every major sport, with NFL games in Jacksonville and Tampa, NBA and NHL matchups in Orlando and Tampa, and MLB games in Tampa Bay. From cheering on the Gators at home to enjoying pro-level competition nearby, Gainesville puts an exciting and diverse sports scene right at your fingertips.
Gator Football
Gainesville Raceway
Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Turkey Creek Golf Course
Exactech arena
Stephen C. O'Connell Center
The “O-Dome” is home to the Gators’ men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, indoor track, and swimming and diving teams. The Stephen C. O’Connell Center, nicknamed the “O-Dome,” is a 12,000-seat multi-purpose arena located just west of the football stadium, a.k.a. “the Swamp.” The arena opened in 1980. The O’Connell Center contains indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and it regularly hosts such events as career fairs, graduation ceremonies, concerts, dance marathons, home shows, and guest speakers. Visitors can see the inner workings of the facility on non-event days.