GAINESVILLE, Fla. — This year, anyone involved in gardening or agriculture and gardening-related industries and education can “come home” to Gainesville as the University of Florida introduces Agriculture and Gardening Day for Homecoming weekend.
UF Athletics and UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are hosting the event that revolves around the game between the Gators and the Vanderbilt Commodores, which kicks off at noon, Nov. 7.
“Florida’s agricultural, gardening and related food industries add $140 billion to our economy and employ nearly 300,000 people,” said Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “The industry is second only to tourism in Florida, and this is a great way to honor and recognize those who work so hard to put food on our tables and plants and flowers in our yards. We welcome back to Gainesville those who make agriculture and gardening part of their daily lives, and we look forward to their camaraderie.”
Tickets to the football game are available on a first come, first served basis, with limited seating available in the upper south end zone for $35 and the upper north end zone for $20. To take advantage of this special offer, go to: Ag Day Tickets and type GatorsAg in the promo code box. Each customer will need to create an account to make their purchase.
Premium seating and full tailgate packages are also available. Contact Michelle Wagner via e-mail at MichelleWa@gators.ufl.edu or phone 352-692-6409.
Families who come for the festivities can enjoy tours of the student-community garden and bat house, plus games, giveaways and special exhibits.
UF/IFAS, comprising 16 departments and schools with about 5,400 students and 4,000 employees. It is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible.
While extending into every community of the state, UF/IFAS has developed an international reputation for its accomplishments in teaching, research and Extension. Because of this mission and the diversity of Florida’s climate and agricultural commodities, IFAS has facilities located throughout Florida. There are Extension offices in each of Florida’s 67 counties, in addition to 12 Research and Education Centers, six demonstration sites or field stations, and three 4-H camps.
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Caption: Everyone involved in agriculture or gardening is invited to “come home” to the University of Florida’s Homecoming on Nov. 7 for discounted tickets to the football game between the Gators and Vanderbilt and other activities. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field, site of the football game, is seen here.
Credit: UF/IFAS photo: Marisol Amador
By: Brad Buck, 352-294-3303, bradbuck@ufl.edu
Source: Jack Payne, 352-392-1971, jackpayne@ufl.edu
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