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Details revealed for first-ever ‘Tom Petty Day’ as part of Florida-LSU weekend
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Florida’s athletic department announced on Oct. 2 that renowned musician and Gainesville native Tom Petty will be honored during a “Tom Petty Day” celebration being held as part of the Gators’ game against LSU on Saturday.
On Wednesday, details for the event were revealed by the university, which unofficially begins with the “Chomp the Block” block party that happens the Friday before every Florida home game. Pop-up Airstream trailers with Petty memorabilia will set up shop throughout Celebration Pointe and at Gator Walk Village before the game on Saturday.
As for gameday itself, SiriusXM’s “Tom Petty Radio” will broadcast from the North Lawn at Gator Walk Village. In addition, special commemorative rally towels themed around Petty’s signature song “Won’t Back Down” — played before the 4th quarter of every Gators home game since Petty’s death in 2017 — will be given to the first 10,000 fans in attendance. There will also be souvenir cups for purchase at a limited capacity.
Florida and LSU kick off at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and will be televised on ESPN.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
