Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The clock is ticking fast toward the end of the O'Connell Center as we know it.

The Florida women's basketball team played its final game in the 36-year-old building Sunday, the UF men's team closed its stay Tuesday against Kentucky, and on March 11, the three-time defending national champion UF gymnastics team hosts North Carolina in the final UF athletic event in the O'Dome's current design.

Once the new O'Connell Center opens in December 2016, the University Athletic Association has announced new amenities for those fans in premium seating areas.

Catered food service, private restrooms, cushion seating and flat-panel TVs are some of the amenities that will be included for fans (seat chart below) in the men's basketball Sideline Club and Courtside Club seating areas.

In addition, the UAA plans to offer beer and wine sales in the O'Connell Center's premium seating lounge areas as well as the premium areas of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium – the Holloway Touchdown Terrace and Evans Champions Club – during Gators football games starting in the 2016 season.

Beer and wine sales are commonplace on campuses across the country, including at softball and baseball NCAA Championships. At least 34 schools sell beer at football games, including at least 14 that limit the sale to luxury suites and/or club areas. UF football suite holders have been able to stock alcohol in their suites for several years.

Five SEC schools sell alcohol at football games and three at basketball.

"Providing alcohol in our premium seating areas for both football and men's basketball was another amenity we wanted to provide to the fans in those areas," said Athletic Director Jeremy Foley.

The beer and wine sales at Florida will be limited only to premium seating lounge areas and sales will end at the start of the third quarter in football, and at the start of the second half in men's basketball. Fans purchasing alcohol in the premium areas must consume their drinks in the lounge and cannot take any alcohol to the general-seating area.

As the UAA transitions to a new era of fan amenities, Centerplate, its concessions contractor, will provide a training program for its associates in the sale of alcohol. All state and federal laws as well as university regulations will be complied with, and Centerplate workers will require a valid ID for purchasers 30 or younger.

LIST OF AMENITIES
 
SIDELINE CLUB

1. Catered food service
2. Full bar and beverage service
3. Private restrooms
4. Direct views to the court
5. Soft seating
6. Drink rail, stand-ups, and tables & chairs
7. Easy access to premium seating with excellent court views
8. Upgraded upholstered leather seat with cup holder
9. Flat-panel TV's for viewing arena feed and off-site events
10. Dedicated sound system within club
11. Easy, direct exiting to Gates 1 and 4

Facts & Figures:

• 3,500 SF
• 574 ticketed seats (including ADA & companion)
• 10 flat-panel TV's
• 5 U / 2 WC restrooms for Men / 8 WC restrooms for Women

 
COURTSIDE CLUB

1. Catered food service
2. Full bar and beverage service
3. Private restrooms
4. Intimate atmosphere with exclusive access for up to 100
5. Soft seating
6. Enhanced finishes including stained wood, carpet, and tile
7. Easy access to courtside premium seating
8. Flat-panel TV's for viewing arena feed and off-site events
9. Dedicated sound system within club