It's usually wide open at gate 18. Students usually run up and down the seats for exercise. Heck, I sat there and did an assignment one time. When they paint or do maintenance it's closed, just unlucky timing.
Ive been there a couple times most recently I was there a few years ago and the stadium was wide open. Students would be running the steps and everything we like sat around and hung out. Nobody cared
I loved making the trip from Ocala up to the swamp or o'connell center for games as a kid. Definitely ran around on that field a few times while people were running the stairs. I have a love hate relationship with the Gators given that they beat the team I truly love in the natty, but very good memories in Gainesville over the years nonetheless.
I remember back in 2004 going to a relative's graduation nearby at the bball arena and trying my own walk on challenge at the swamp as the several hours long ceremony was going on. You were much more successful than I was. I was only able to access what appeared to be some classrooms..... couldn't figure out how to get access to the field/seating....as you can imagine it was one my life's great disappointments.
I was there about 20 years ago during the summer and just went to look at the stadium and surprisingly we were able to walk right onto the field and spent about 15 minutes actually on the field just goofing around with our kids. Surprisingly, nobody was around and nobody said a word.
It was closed because you went during football season. They sent out a schedule saying they’re going to close on the Thursday leading up to game day. Gate 18 is open every other day.
