Gator Gymnastics: Home Schedule & Exciting Events

If you’re visiting Gainesville this winter or planning a stay around University of Florida athletics, Gator Gymnastics is one of the most exciting and accessible sports experiences you can add to your trip. Florida Gators women’s gymnastics combines elite athletic performance, fast-paced competition, and an electric home atmosphere that appeals to longtime fans and first-time spectators alike.

From the opening routines in January through the final home meet of the season, gymnastics nights at the O’Connell Center are a Gainesville tradition. And tonight, December 15, the community gets a special opportunity to kick off the season early with a free fan event that’s perfect for families, visitors, and anyone curious about the sport.

Below is everything you need to know about Gator Gymnastics in Gainesville: tonight’s event, the full list of upcoming home meets, and tips for making the most of a gymnastics weekend in town.

Monday, December 15

Tonight’s Gymnastics Hype Night is a free, fan-friendly event held at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on the University of Florida campus. This event is designed to build excitement for the upcoming season and introduce fans to the team in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Hype Night typically includes athlete introductions, exhibition routines, music, and opportunities for fans to get a closer look at the gymnasts and coaching staff. Because it is not a scored competition, the atmosphere is casual and fun, making it especially appealing for families with younger children or visitors who may be new to gymnastics.

For guests staying in Gainesville during the holidays, this is an easy and memorable way to experience UF athletics without the cost or commitment of a full meet. Doors open early, seating is general admission, and the event usually wraps up in plenty of time for dinner afterward.

If you’ve never attended a gymnastics event before, Hype Night is an excellent introduction to the sport and the energy that surrounds the Gators.

2025–2026 Season

All home meets take place at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, located on the University of Florida campus. Meets are fast-moving and typically last about two hours, making them ideal evening events for visitors.

Friday, January 9, 2026

Season Opening Quad Meet

Florida hosts a four-team meet featuring North Carolina, Temple, and West Virginia. Quad meets allow fans to see a wide range of routines and scoring styles in one session and are a fun way to kick off the season.

Friday, January 16, 2026

Florida vs. Alabama

One of the most anticipated SEC matchups of the season. Alabama is a perennial powerhouse in women’s gymnastics, and this meet consistently draws a large, energetic crowd.

Friday, January 30, 2026

Florida vs. Arkansas

Another important SEC home meet. Arkansas brings strong event depth and competitive lineups, making this a great night for fans who enjoy close scoring and high-level execution.

Friday, February 13, 2026

Florida vs. Oklahoma

This is one of the marquee meets of the season. Oklahoma is regularly ranked among the top programs in the country, and this matchup offers fans the chance to watch some of the nation’s best gymnasts compete head-to-head in Gainesville.

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Florida vs. LSU

The final home meet of the regular season. LSU is known for its dynamic routines and enthusiastic fan base, and this late-season meet often carries added significance as teams prepare for postseason competition.

Florida Gators women’s gymnastics is consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation. Under the leadership of head coach Jenny Rowland, the team blends technical precision with expressive performance, creating an experience that is both athletic and entertaining.

Here’s why gymnastics has become a favorite among Gainesville visitors:

High-Level Competition

Florida regularly hosts nationally ranked opponents, including SEC rivals and top non-conference programs. These meets showcase Olympic-level skills, powerful tumbling passes, and routines that often earn some of the highest scores in collegiate gymnastics.

Fast-Paced and Easy to Follow

Unlike longer sporting events, gymnastics meets move quickly. Events rotate, scores are posted immediately, and there is constant action. Even spectators who are new to the sport find it engaging and easy to enjoy.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Gymnastics meets are welcoming to fans of all ages. The environment is loud and exciting without being overwhelming, and seating at the O’Connell Center offers great views from nearly every section.

A True Gainesville Tradition

For many locals and returning visitors, attending at least one gymnastics meet each season is a tradition. The combination of athletic excellence and community pride makes these events feel special and uniquely Gainesville.

Tickets and Planning Your Visit

Tickets for regular-season home meets are available through the University of Florida athletics ticket office and the O’Connell Center box office. Options typically include single-meet tickets, season passes, and special promotions for groups or youth gymnastics clubs.

Popular meets, especially those against Alabama, Oklahoma, and LSU, often sell out or come close to capacity. If you’re planning a visit around one of these dates, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets and book accommodations early.

Gator Gymnastics pairs perfectly with a weekend getaway. Meets are usually held on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons, leaving plenty of time to explore Gainesville before and after the competition.

Ideas for building a full weekend around a meet include:

Arriving Friday afternoon, enjoying dinner downtown, and heading to the O’Connell Center for the meet

Spending Saturday morning exploring local parks, museums, or shops near campus

Relaxing Sunday with brunch and a walk through Depot Park or the Butterfly Rainforest

Staying in a vacation rental rather than a hotel makes these weekends even easier. Having a full kitchen, private parking, and space to relax allows you to enjoy the event without feeling rushed or cramped.

Exactech Arena is centrally located on the University of Florida campus, and traffic around meet times can be busy. Staying nearby reduces travel time and makes the evening more enjoyable.

Many visitors prefer accommodations that offer:

Easy access to campus and downtown

Parking included

Space for families or groups traveling together

Comfortable living areas for pre- or post-meet downtime

Choosing the right home base allows you to focus on the event and the experience rather than logistics.

From tonight’s free Gymnastics Hype Night on December 15 to a full slate of exciting home meets in early 2026, Gator Gymnastics is one of the best live sports experiences Gainesville has to offer.

Whether you’re a dedicated gymnastics fan, a UF supporter, or a visitor looking for a fun and memorable evening, these events deliver energy, excellence, and a true sense of community.

Mark your calendar, plan ahead, and consider making gymnastics part of your Gainesville stay. It’s fast-paced, family-friendly, and uniquely Florida.

Go Gators!!