Sports fans can find a plethora of stimulating activity. Because of the University of Florida’s top ranked athletic program, spectators can view a wide range of sports activity: football, basketball, baseball, swimming, gymnastics, track and field, tennis, volleyball, golf and more.

Sports fans flock to the athletic events at the University of Florida’s Stephen C. O’Connell Center and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field, the University’s football stadium, which seats more than 83,000 fans. Gator fans from around the country converge on the city for Florida Football. The Gator Football Team won the Southeast Conference Championship from 1992-1996 and in 1996 won its first-ever national championship. The Gator Basketball team also gained national recognition when it went to the NCAA finals in 2000.

Drag racing fans are drawn to the NHRA Gatornationals, held for four days each March. More than 135,000 people attend this event each year. In addition to this event, the Gainesville Raceway hosts armature car, motorcycle, and JR. Dragster drag races.

Canterbury-Florida’s Equestrian Showplace holds horse shows, throught the year in its state-of-the-art facility.

Through the Gainesville Sports Organizing Committee’s efforts, the area’s full time sports commission, the community has experienced many big-time events in eh recent years. Annually, the committee recruits competitions that positively affect the community including high school football championships and competitions in tennis, archery, and track and field. The list includes the National Junior Olympic Track and Field Meet, Georgia vs. Florida High School all-star Football Game, Florida’s Sunshine State Games, Southeast Regional Junior Olympic Wrestling Championships, Gatoraide Track and Field Invitational, USA vs. Japan Volleyball, Florida Special Olympics, Gatortown Shootout Basketball tournament, FAST short curse Swim Meet, National and SE Regional Jr. Olympic Wrestling Championships, USA National 3-Wall Racquetball Championships, and Florida’s State High School Football Championships.

Fishing is also a popular Gainesville area pastime. Guided Fishing tours are available from various locations through the regions. Visitors can fish in our lakes, rivers or on the Gulf Cost.

The Gainesville Area has seven golf courses to challenge the most avid golfer.

Cyclists can go almost anywhere in the county with 60 miles of roadways contain on-street bike lanes. Bicycling Magazine has ranked Gainesville among the top 10 bicycling Communities in the U.S.

The area also has numerous opportunities for tennis or racquetball as well as several top-quality health clubs.