CBS College Sports Network’s SEC Tailgate show debuts on Saturday and will air live from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., from just outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium between Gates 1 and 2.

Who: Veteran SEC announcer Dave Baker hosts and is joined by CBSSports.com’s Lauren Shehadi and CBSSports.com senior college football writer Dennis Dodd. Sam Ryan anchors coverage from New York, with former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer and Brian Jones serving as analysts. Former UF quarterback Shane Matthews joins as guest analyst.

Following the conclusion of the show, the tailgate continues for fans until kickoff with a variety of other elements, including Matthews’ autograph signing, live music and entertainment from local bands.

CBS is also bringing its very own tailgate grilling guru, Big Roy Roberts.

Chili’s Tailgate Tour

Chili’s will have a tent in the O’Dome FanFest area to give fans the opportunity to register for a chance to win a trip and tickets to the postseason college football game of their choice.

In addition, tailgaters who incorporate Chili’s food into their pregame menu or feature Chili’s signs at their tailgate may receive team merchandise or $100 Chili’s gift cards.

Fans unable to attend the Chili’s Tailgate Tour can participate in the contest and win prizes by registering online at www.pepperinsomefun.com/tailgate.

One grand prize winner will get the trip and tickets, while five first prize winners will just win tickets.

Neither request should be a problem, as fans will begin tailgating in the morning and the visiting Vols faithful will be easy to spot in Tennessee orange.

Aside from the masses of tailgating tents everywhere, you can find the usual “official” gatherings.

The UF Alumni Association meets three hours before game time for its “Gator Nation Tailgates” at Emerson Alumni Hall across the street from The Swamp. You must be a member of the Alumni Association (or pay $20).

On the free side of things is Gator FanFest, located outside Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Starting at approximately 12:30 p.m., fans can play interactive games, meet and receive autographs from Gator men’s basketball and women’s tennis team players, win free prizes and listen to the Gator Network pregame radio show live.

Due to an expected high heat index, fans are encouraged to properly hydrate and to wear loose clothing and a hat to avoid heat exhaustion. Sunscreen of at least 30 SPF is recommended, repeating the application several times over the course of the afternoon. Sunscreen should be applied while the skin is dry and four ounces is needed for adequate protection.

People should get out of the sun if dizzy and should drink plenty of fluids, such as water and Gatorade. Another key (that is quite often ignored) is to avoid excess alcohol, since it will compound heat problems.

Guidelines for dealing with the heat
* Cool Misting Tents in the concourses of the north, south and west
sides of the stadium
*Additional fans on east side concourse
*15,000 Gator hand fan giveaway at gates courtesy of the Florida
Lottery
*Cooling Hand Towel giveaway at Verizon Wireless Gator FanFest
outside Gate 2 of the O’Connell Center
*Free samples of Pepsi also provided at FanFest
*Plastic cups with ice for free at concessions stands
*12-ounce waters on sale at concessions stands for $1
*100 Water fountains operational in stadium
*Cooling vehicles on the west side to supplement aid stations
*Officers at gates looking out for fans in heat distress and
directing to aid stations

General Guidelines for High-Temperature Days
*Wear loose fitting clothing and a hat
*Sunscreen of at least 30 SPF — repeat application
*Get out of the sun if dizzy
*Drink plenty of fluids — water and Gatorade
*Avoid excess alcohol — it will compound heat problems
*If you have G-1 respiratory or cardiac disease be especially
careful
*Go immediately to an aid station if you need help

E-mail us details about your special tailgate spot, how long you’ve been tailgating there and what makes your spot so special to campus@gvillesun.com.

Please also give us a contact number.

To my surprise there just aren’t a whole lot of events planned for the big game, but if you can make your way to south Florida, these would make for a fun BCS-related itinerary …

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gator Day at Jungle Island
Start your day with birds, tigers and monkeys at this theme park that features shows and animal encounters. The UF Alumni Association and Gator Boosters will be handing out Gator giveaways while supplies last, and the UFAA promises special appearances by “recognized” Gators. There is a $15 plus tax park entry fee for UFAA or Gator Booster members with proof of membership and for UF students who show their student ID. Click on JungleIsland.com for regular admission prices and park details.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Southwest Airlines National Championship Fan Fest
Fan Fest (presented by the City of Miami) will be at Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami. Fan Fest, traditionally held the day before the National Championship Game, gives fans a chance to mingle in downtown Miami with music, food and fun under the sun. There will be live performances by local artists and the All-American Rejects will headline the show. The event will also showcase the former players, coaches, bands, cheerleaders, and mascots of the participating teams in the 2009 FedEx BCS National Championship. The UF Alumni Association and Gator Boosters will be there with giveaways. There is a $20 admission fee or $15 entry fee for those who purchase the official FedEx Orange Bowl patch. Patches can be purchased at www.fedexorangebowlmerch.com or by calling 800-250-3368.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 11p.m.
BCS Championship Eve Party
After Fan Fest, the Gator Club of Miami (MiamiGators.com) will head over to South Beach for its BCS Championship Eve Party. Festivities are at Mansion, where there is a dress code (136 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139). There will be complimentary drinks until midnight. The guest list is expected to include Gator greats like Willie Jackson, Jr., Fred Taylor, Chris Doering, Shane Matthews, Eric Rhett, Fred Weary, Terry Jackson, James Bates, Reidel Anthony, Jacquez Green, Corey Bailey, Noah Brindise, Judd Davis, Cooper Carlisle, Vernell Brown, Mike Harris, Elijah Williams, Jarvis Williams and more. Admission is $5 for wrist bands (must be 21 or older). Contact Miami Gator Club’s Christina Martinez via e-mail at Christina@miamigators.com to purchase wrist bands in advance.

Thursday, Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m.
Budweiser National Championship Tailgate Party presented by Allstate
This event is expected to bring some 14,000 fans prior to the kickoff of the game. In the NW bus parking lot of Dolphin Stadium starting at 11:30 a.m., fans can enjoy a ferris wheel, rock wall, mechanic bull, interactive games and contests and more. Rock band Smash Mouth and the Miami Heat Street Band will play along with an adrenaline-charged performance by the Extreme Syndicate, a group of X-Games, Gravity Games and Dew Action Sports Tour all-star athletes. Look for the Gator Jamboree, which will include appearances by well-known Gators, Gator cheerleaders, band and mascots. Once again, the UF Alumni Association and Gator Boosters will hand out Gator giveaways while they last. There is a $20 admission fee or $15 entry fee for those who purchase the official FedEx Orange Bowl patch.

Thursday, Jan. 8, 8 p.m.
BCS Championship Viewing Party
You can watch the big game with the Gator Club of Miami at Shula’s Steak 2 in Miami Lakes (6842 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014). Kickoff is at 8pm.

Here is a link if you are going to the game and need help with directions, parking or stadium rules: http://www.orangebowl.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11800&KEY=&ATCLID=1363438

Also, if you’re feeling lucky, try entering Miami.com’s contest to win two tickets to the game here: http://contest.herald.com/bcs09/standard/ Good luck trying to figure out what they want you to do to solve their little puzzle (T_ _ _ _ _ _ _ … Hint: The Gators can’t win without him), but I’m pretty sure you can make a solid guess and submit your entry by Monday.

I’ll keep trolling for events and things to do in Miami, so look for more blogs as well as a ton of stories, videos and photos from south Florida next week. Have fun and be safe!

Here in Tallahassee, I can’t help but be reminded of the Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville a few weeks ago.

That was a neutral site, a stadium in which the fans are split right down the middle. I know not to expect the same in Doak Campbell Stadium today, but the tailgating scene suggests otherwise.

It’s amazing how many Florida fans I saw on my way to the stadium. Perhaps it’s the pomp and circumstance of the annual arch-rivalry. Perhaps it’s just convenient and familiar. Whatever the case, there were plenty of Gator fans tailgating nearby the stadium.

What really surprised me is how comfortable fans are behind “enemy lines.” There were Gator tents set up as though these fans have been coming here for years. And maybe they have.

What also stands out is how many “mixed” gatherings there are. Florida and Florida State fans interacting … peacefully! What a novel concept.

Of course, a light rain is coming down pretty steadily, so that will obviously put a damper on the fun, games, eating and drinking. But that’s what tents are for, right?

I have to make a stunning admission.

I’ve never actually been to the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.”

Oh, I’ve been to a few Florida-Georgia games, but my experience was limited to watching football from the stadium press box. I’ve never been to The Landing, never tailgated in Jax, never sat in the orange/blue/red/black stands. Basically, I’ve never had any of the traditional fun.

Shocking, isn’t it?

I know some of you think I must be a tailgating expert since my face adorns this blog on http://Gatorsports.com/tailgating. But the truth is that I am merely an observer, and something of a newbie at that. This year I will trek to Jacksonville and turn it all around.

I know both schools have asked that we not refer to this big game as a cocktail party (and for good reason), but really the game and the party are two distinct things. I’ll be fortunate enough to sample both, and you can follow me on http://www.twitter.com/gator_sports.

Other than a visit to The Landing, one event I’m planning to stop by is called the Championship Dreams Festival (think Fan Land), located outside of Jacksonville Municipal Stadium’s South End Zone.

There will be a Sports Illustrated/Nissan tent where signing autographs will be former UF Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel (from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), SI senior writer Dan Patrick (noon to 2 p.m.) and former Georgia All-America running back Garrison Hearst (from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.).

Here is some other stuff to do, courtesy of Visit Jacksonville:

Live Entertainment

• The Jacksonville Landing is the gathering place to show off your school colors. Live entertainment is scheduled in the courtyard, overlooking the St. Johns River, as well as on the Hogan Street stage. Restaurants and bars welcome fans with outdoor vendor booths and great deals. The game is broadcast live on the outdoor Jumbotron on Saturday. For more information, call (904) 353-1188 or visit http://www.jacksonvillelanding.com.

• The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena has two shows lined up for the last week in October. First up is some hard-hitting rock, as Nine Inch Nails take the stage on Oct. 29. Don’t miss crooner Neil Diamond in concert Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Arena. Sing along to classics such as Sweet Caroline, Coming to America and more. Tickets for both shows are available at the Arena box office and through Ticketmaster. Call (904) 353-3309 or visit http://www.jaxevents.com.

• Corey Smith takes the stage at the historic Florida Theatre on Oct. 31. Smith has an innovative, southern style that draws the audience in. (Editor’s Note: He’s a big-time Georgia fan). The current tour features songs from his latest project, “Hard-Headed Fool.” Tickets are available at the Florida Theatre box office or through Ticketmaster. Call (904) 355-2787 or visit http://www.floridatheatre.com.

Halloween Celebrations

• The Jacksonville Zoo’s annual Spooktacular takes place Oct. 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31, Nov. 1. Come to Pumpkinville, the land of pumpkins, for a “spook”tacular good time at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ annual Halloween celebration. Kid-friendly event features live entertainment, music, bounce houses, face painting and more! Visit the Enchanted Forest with a prince and princess or laugh along as you walk through the funny bone tunnel. Children are encouraged to wear costumes and stop by treat-stations located throughout the zoo. Call (904) 757-4463 or log on to http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

• Have a frightening good time at Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach at the Hall of Terror, a haunted house attraction loaded with spooky fun and horrifying haunts Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. Enter at your own risk and encounter zombies, ghouls and other frightening creatures. For those looking for something “not-so-scary,” try Adventure Landing’s HalloWEE Zone. Children will enjoy participating in arts, crafts, games, face painting and more from Oct. 28-31. Call (904) 246-4386 or visit http://www.adventurelanding.com.

• The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) also celebrates Halloween. The museum is transformed into a haunted one with scientific experiments, ghoulish games and ghost tours of temporarily haunted exhibits. Costume and scream contests will also be part of the action at this annual frighteningly fun fall festival Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Call (904) 396-MOSH or visit http://www.themosh.org.

• WAPE 95.1 and MetroPCS present the first annual Big Ape Gravedigger’s Ball on Oct. 31. There will be a costume contest, entertainment with DJ Miguel Alvarez and tons of fun for guests ages 21 and up. The event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Log on to http://www.wape.com for more information.

Other Fun Activities

• As fall arrives in town, so does the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair beginning Oct. 31. Check out the latest rides, nightly entertainment and agricultural displays and don’t forget to get a taste of your favorite fair food! Fans with a 2008 Georgia vs. Florida ticket can enjoy free gate entry to the fair on Saturday, Nov. 1. Call (904) 353-0535 or visit http://www.jacksonvillefair.com.

• Celebrate your team’s victory and a great weekend at River City Brewing Company for Sunday Brunch along the St. Johns River. Enjoy a buffet filled with a carving station of ham and roast beef, a seafood station filled with crab legs and boiled shrimp, a breakfast station with made to order omelets along with other morning favorites. An assortment of vegetables, chicken and pasta entrees are also available and don’t miss the dessert section – filled with a variety of cakes and pies. Call (904) 398-2299 or visit http://www.rivercitybrew.com.

• Shoppers will delight with the opening of 40 new stores exclusive to Northeast Florida market at the St. Johns Town Center. Home furnishings, jewelry, footwear, specialty stores and of course, fashion, are among the highlights opening just in time for holiday bargains. New stores include: Abercrombie, Aldo, Arden B., Baker’s, Bebe Sport, Betsey Johnson, BCBG, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Guess, MAC Cosmetics, Marciano, Pottery Barn, Sole Mio, The Walking Company, Tommy Bahama, Urban Outfitters and West Elm. Call (904) 998-7156 or visit http://www.simon.com.

• For more information about Jacksonville call (800) 733-2668 or log on to http://www.visitjacksonville.com. For additional information on the 86th Annual Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic and surrounding events, call (904) 360-3690 or visit http://www.flga.org.

There are a myriad of events associated with UF’s homecoming. Perhaps the biggest is the game (duh!). Florida, ranked No.5 in the latest Associated Press poll and back in the national championship picture, will play host to Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 12:30 p.m.in The Swamp. The game will be broadcast by Raycom (on Fox in Gainesville).

The next biggest event on everyone’s minds is Gator Growl on Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. Known as “the world’s largest student-run pep rally,” this year’s headliners are the Steve Miller Band and comedian Jon Reep. Students can purchase tickets at Gate 13 of Ben
Hill Griffin Stadium and the University Box Office in the Reitz Union
Colonnade until Oct. 23. Day of Growl tickets can be purchased at Gate 1 of the O’Connell Center beginning at 1 p.m.

Also on Friday, Oct. 24 is the Homecoming Parade from noon to 3 p.m. on University Avenue between Gale Lemerand Drive and Main Street. A tradition like Growl, both events are in their 85th year.

Some other events are happening early. Like SoulFest, a showcase of international music, food, and dance on the north lawn of the J.Wayne Reitz Union this Sunday, Oct. 19 from 5-10 p.m. Gator Gallop is a two-mile fun run/walk along Percy Beard Track on campus on Friday, Oct. 24 at 11:15 a.m. (for more information, visit http://www.ufhomecoming.org/events/gallop).

And then there’s the tailgating. That’s what we’re all about, right?

As with every home game, there is a Gator Nation Tailgate three hours before kickoff (9:30 a.m. ET for this game) for University Alumni Association members inside Emerson Hall on University Avenue.

There is also a Homecoming Barbeque at the O’Connell Center starting at 10 a.m. and featuring food, games, prize giveaways, Gator Trivia, raffle and fun with UF mascots Albert and Alberta. All of that for $10.

Have fun!

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Welcome to Gatorsports.com/tailgating. It’s our tribute to
one of America’s
finest institutions – the game day experience.

We say experience because tailgating encompasses so many
things. First and foremost, it’s a gathering of friends, family and fans. Once
assembled, though, tailgaters are all about the business of eating, drinking
and having some serious fun.

And we’ll be right there with you, posting stories, video,
photos and much more to this site. But that’s only the beginning.

Tailgating is all about you, so we want this to be a place
where you interact with us and with each other.

Use our message boards to meet up, share recipes for food
and drinks, find out where to go at home and on the road.

Post entire galleries of your tailgating photos on Zoom, our
photo community. The directions are quick and easy.

And I’ll do my best to be your guide (it’s a tough job, I
know). Every Saturday, you can follow Gatorsports online and on your mobile
device with our new Twitter micro-blog.

It’s http://twitter.com/Gator_sports

I’ll be posting reports and photos live from the tailgating trenches,
so make sure you sign up to follow our tweets.

The next home game for the Florida Gators is a big one – LSU
comes to Gainesville
on Oct. 11 for a nationally televised game at 8 p.m. So for all of those
die-hard tailgaters who get started at dawn –

Whew! That’s some serious tailgaiting.