1,000 Miles from San Antonio, Gator Nation Filling Streets to Watch Championship

The Florida Gators are going for its first national championship in nearly 20 years on Monday in San Antonio.

University of Florida students camp outside The Swamp Restaurant, 1104 SW Second Ave., Monday ahead of the NCAA championship game between the Florida Gators and the Houston Cougars. | Alan Festo/The Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

GAINESVILLE, Fla.-- As the Florida Gators basketball team gets ready to take the floor of the Alamodome in San Antonio for its national championship bout against Houston, UF students have flooded Gainesville’s streets and bars with Orange and Blue in anticipation for the biggest game Florida has played in nearly 20 years

Starting as early as mid-day Sunday, Gainesville saw lines building outside various establishments ahead of Monday's game. Even a whole 24 hours ahead of tip-off, lines expanded down the city's streets.

The scene outside “The Swamp” restaurant in Gainesville. Game is being played 1,000 miles away but Gators students are camping out for the famous bar. #Gators pic.twitter.com/Q3KX3UQaRt

— Dylan Olive (@DylanOlive_UF) April 7, 2025

While only to watch on the big screens, students have made it a priority to secure spots in their favorite bars and restaurants across the town. Despite hefty fees, the lines could be seen building throughout the day.

This is so college.

9 hours before the National Championship and students are already lined up outside multiple bars in Gainesville (some camped out last night)

The Gators are hungry for a Natty 🐊🏆 pic.twitter.com/0zxEV5HS3m

— Jesse Simmons (@ItsJesseSimmons) April 7, 2025

On top of the popular bars and restaurants, a large line could be seen outside of the Gators home court, Exactech Arena, after the university announced it would be open to all for viewing of the game. Entry will be free of charge.

With what looks to be a wild night ahead, the city looks to be preparing for all possibilities.

Gainesville Public Works greases poles ahead of NCAA National Championship. Are you going to a watch party tonight?#floridagators #uf #ncaabasketball

Credit: UF Alumni Association pic.twitter.com/58m8ev09aK

— WCJB TV20 News (@WCJB20) April 7, 2025

Whether in Gainesville, Texas or anywhere in the country, it seems as if Gator Nation will be out in full force for what will they hope be another great night to be a Florida Gator.

Tip-off between the Gators and Cougars in San Antonio is at 8:50 p.m. ET with television coverage on CBS.