Rich Fields’ Weekend In The UF President’s Box

I spent the weekend at my alma mater, the University of Florida up in Gainesville. Wow! It was fantastic!

On Friday, the students from the College of Journalism & Communications taped an interview with me about my life and career (before and after UF) for a talk-show they produce called, Knight Talks.

The Dean of the College of Journalism & Communications (Diane McFarlin) was gracious enough to invite Christine and I to watch the Gator vs. Tennessee football game in the University President’s box at Florida Field. It was quite the honor.

I have been in stadium suites before… but nothing as massive and well-catered as the President of the University of Florida’s box. Below is a photo journal of my weekend.

Go Gators!

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  This is Matt and I on their interview set getting ready for taping.

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  This is the whole production crew for Knight Talks. Completely produced by students of the College of Journalism & Communications. I was very proud of these folks.

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  This is Alex, who oversees the student projects. She even got me a UF goodie bag!
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  After the interview I walked over to WUFT-TV... a completely student-run television station in Gainesville. This is where I did my very first weather segment back in 1979.

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  We happened to walk in when the 5:00 news was on the air. It brought back fond memories.

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  On Saturday Christine and I made our way to Florida Field and the President's box.
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  Loads of fans... and Gainesville PD had the whole place buttoned up nicely.

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  Even the Alachua County Sheriff's Department was on-hand for extra security.

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  As you exit the elevator on the sixth level of Florida Field, this HUGE Gator is there to greet you.
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  This is the first thing you see when entering the President's box. The great seal of the state of Florida... on an alligator-skin wall covering. Pretty cool!

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  We arrived early, so a lot of these photos were taken before the place filled up.

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  Beautiful seating areas to just lounge about.
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  And LOTS of food.

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  Christine and I enjoying a refreshing beverage.

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  A view of the field from the box.
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  Every home-game the caterers create a Gator/opponent cake. Since we were playing Tennessee... this cake was created.

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  Wow! More food.

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  Cups and napkins are all festooned with Gator emblems.
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  Gator ice sculpture... and more food.

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  Long before game-time... a shot of the huge big screen.

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  This is the cobbler, ice cream and candy section of the box.
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  Because the Gators were playing Tennessee... nobody was taking any of the orange M&M's.

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  A closer shot of that Gator/Tennessee cake. It was orange flavored cake inside. Very yummy.

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  Gators... about to score again.
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  This is a pic of the box seats before the game.

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  This is a photo of the box seats DURING the game.

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  You can go lounge anywhere and any time... and still watch the game on big screen TV's.
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  This is quite the hang-out during a UF football game.

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  Bye-bye to the huge Gator as we left after the game. What a pleasant weekend. Thank you President Fuchs and Dean McFarlin!