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Florida AD Scott Stricklin explains why the Gators won’t have spring game in 2021
Published:
There’s a bit of good news, bad news situation to share from Gainesville as Florida is officially set to begin spring practice this week.
That’s the good news.
The bad news? There won’t be a spring game for Gator fans to enjoy this season.
Holding spring football in a safe manner is the priority in Gainesville and with the NCAA expected to extend the ongoing recruiting dead period, meaning teams won’t be able to host recruits this spring, look for more teams to likely follow Florida’s lead.
Here is the statement issued by Florida AD Scott Stricklin on Tuesday to explain the school’s decision:
During the COVID pandemic, the UAA’s focus has been on safely conducting athletic events against outside competition while allowing a limited number of Gator fans to attend those games, per UF Health guidelines.
Beginning this Thursday, the Gators football team will have 15 practices that will encompass four weeks. However, hosting fans for an intra-squad spring football scrimmage seems unwise given all circumstances, including the fact that Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is being used as a large scale COVID testing and vaccination site.
Staying engaged with Gator fans and their passion for Florida football remains a priority. As part of spring football practice, the football team’s social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook will provide enhanced coverage of spring practice to give fans a more complete view of the Gators’ progress. Also, the SEC Network will have a dedicated window to showcase Gators Football, similar to what televised spring games have provided in the past.
We appreciate the continued support of our fans throughout the pandemic, and we can’t wait to host Gator Nation at the Swamp for games this Fall. Go Gators!
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
