Florida sets ‘Tom Petty Day’ for upcoming Gators home game

Florida has paid tribute to Tom Petty in every home football game since his passing in October 2017. Now, the Gators will celebrate the late Rock and Roll Hall of Famer from Gainesville with a “Tom Petty Day” in The Swamp.

The official Twitter account for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers news revealed Sunday that Oct. 15 will be “Tom Petty Day” when Florida hosts LSU.

To commemorate Tom’s life, the University of Florida in his hometown of Gainesville has designated this year’s UF x LSU game as the first inaugural Tom Petty Day on October 15.

UF plans to celebrate Tom Petty Day for years to come. pic.twitter.com/Khhisxqk4I

— Tom Petty (@tompetty) October 2, 2022

In honor of this, the Tom Petty Estate has collaborated with UF on a capsule collection to benefit local Gainesville charities. All Tom Petty Estate proceeds from the Tom Petty Day x Florida collection will benefit Kids Count and Family Promise.

— Tom Petty (@tompetty) October 2, 2022

Petty passed on Oct. 2, 2017. The following Saturday, against LSU, Florida played Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” in between the 3rd and 4th quarters. The stadium sing-along was a hit with fans and has become a new tradition.

Video of the first “I Won’t Back Down” of the 2022 season has surpassed 1 million views.

“Won’t Back Down.”

First time in 2022. #Gators pic.twitter.com/awXPAaLFcd

— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 4, 2022

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.