Gator Bowl Stadium

Lore & Background

The stadium was originally built as Fairfield Stadium in 1927 and 1928 with a seating capacity of 7,600. It was renamed the Gator Bowl after expansions. The Beatles played a concert there on September 11, 1964, and refused to play unless the audience was desegregated; city officials relented, and the band played to an integrated audience. The concert was held the day after Hurricane Dora struck, and 23,000 fans attended.

In Their Own Story

The humid Florida air hung heavy over the turf as the floodlights flickered on for the night game. It was 1996, and the stakes were higher than ever. The crowd, clad in teal and gold, chanted in unison, their voices bouncing off the concrete walls of Gator Bowl Stadium. On the field, the players tightened their shoulder pads, knowing this was the moment that would define their franchise forever.

Reader's Guide

The stadium hosted the Gator Bowl from 1949 to 1993, the Florida–Georgia game from 1933 to 1993, and the 1950 Senior Bowl. It was home to the Jacksonville Sharks (1974) and Jacksonville Express (1975) of the WFL, the Jacksonville Tea Men (1981–1984) of the NASL, and the Jacksonville Bulls (1984–1985) of the USFL. It also hosted the 1968 and 1969 AFL All-Star Games.

Did You Know?

• The stadium was originally called Fairfield Stadium and built for three high schools.
• The Beatles forced desegregation of the audience for their 1964 concert at the stadium.
• The 1994 Gator Bowl was held in Gainesville while the new stadium was being built.
• Almost none of the original infrastructure remains except the west upper deck and ramping system.