Rich Fields’ Weekend In The UF President’s Box
During a weekend in Gainesville, Rich Fields had the honor of taking in…

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!

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

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.

This is Alex, who oversees the student projects. She even got me a UF goodie bag!

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.

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

On Saturday Christine and I made our way to Florida Field and the President's box.

Loads of fans... and Gainesville PD had the whole place buttoned up nicely.

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

As you exit the elevator on the sixth level of Florida Field, this HUGE Gator is there to greet you.

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!

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

Beautiful seating areas to just lounge about.

And LOTS of food.

Christine and I enjoying a refreshing beverage.

A view of the field from the box.

Every home-game the caterers create a Gator/opponent cake. Since we were playing Tennessee... this cake was created.

Wow! More food.

Cups and napkins are all festooned with Gator emblems.

Gator ice sculpture... and more food.

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

This is the cobbler, ice cream and candy section of the box.

Because the Gators were playing Tennessee... nobody was taking any of the orange M&M's.

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

Gators... about to score again.

This is a pic of the box seats before the game.

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

You can go lounge anywhere and any time... and still watch the game on big screen TV's.

This is quite the hang-out during a UF football game.

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