Somewhere in the middle of the seven game losing streak that ended Florida’s 2013 season something set in with fans that hasn’t been seen in Gainesville for decades; apathy.
With a new season just around the corner (Florida will begin spring practice on March 19) the university has decided to go with the easiest and most cost efficient PR that they could; opening spring practices to fans. In total, there are eight practices that will be open to the general public, nine if you include the Orange and Blue Debut, which based on some depth concerns looks like it will be more of a practice (similar to last year) than a normal spring game.
The release from the University also mentioned a potential ninth practice that would be open to season ticket holders exclusively. This practice may be held in the fall as opposed to the spring and is still an idea the university is kicking around.
Florida will be installing a brand new offense with fourth-year quarterback Jeff Driskel returning from a season-ending injury in 2013. This will also be the first opportunity for fans to see the nine mid-year enrollees that Florida added in the 2014 recruiting cycle.
Opening practices is a good way to drum up support for a team that disappointed the previous season. It gives fans a chance to come out and see what the players they cheer for on Saturdays go through on a day-to-day basis. Creating a closer relationship between the players and the fans can lead to more support during the season.
*Open Practice Dates*
Wednesday, March 19
Friday, March 21
Saturday, March 22
Monday, March 24
Wednesday, March 26
Monday, March 31
Wednesday, April 2
Friday, April 11
Saturday, April 12 (Orange and Blue Debut)
(All time are TBA)
I applaud the change. You would think they were were working on the Manhattan Project with the way UF has acted the past few years in granting access.
Let me add my cheers for this. It’s a simple thing, but an important thing.