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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, June 25, 2008

UH-FLORIDA
Gator aid may help beat heat

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Urban Meyer

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Jim Donovan

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You can hardly call it a rivalry since the Aug. 30 season opener in Gainesville, Fla. will be the first football meeting between the universities of Hawai'i and Florida, but both sides are definitely expecting it to be heated.

Florida has announced a set of what it terms "heat initiatives" for fans attending the game at The Swamp, including "misting tents" and free cups of ice to help take the edge of what is expected to be sweltering conditions.

The 12:30 p.m. Eastern time (6:30 a.m. Hawai'i) kickoff will be only the second game at that hour for the Gators in 16 years.

"(Florida head coach) Urban Meyer probably figured it would be a nice environment for the University of Hawai'i," said Jim Donovan, UH athletic director. "(That) it is not on national television means it was set locally, which goes to show you the kind of great fans Florida has because there were no complaints. My guess is it will be about 92 to 97 degrees — and about 106 percent humidity. We may need to issue snorkels."

The average high temperatures for Gainesville, Fla. for the months of August and September range from 89 to 91 degrees.

Florida's last 12:30 game came in last year's Sept. 1 opener against Western Kentucky where, "it was only 83 (degrees)," a UF spokeswoman said. "Humidity was 80 percent."

With Florida leading, 49-3, the game was terminated with 8 minutes, 23 seconds remaining because of what UF described as "severe weather in the area." Attendance at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was announced as 90,086.

Under terms of its contract with Florida, UH was to receive 2,000 tickets for sale to Warrior fans.

The UF athletic department received a $282,000 increase this year for what was described as increased heat initiative and security expenses.

Florida said "cool misting tents" will be set up on concourses on the north, south and west sides of the stadium. In addition, fans will be installed on the east concourse, 12-ounce containers of water will sell for $1 and "cooling buses" will be employed on the east and west sides of the stadium to supplement aid stations.

Florida officials are recommending spectators use sunscreen of "at least 30 SPF," wear hats and loose fitting clothing and "avoid excess alcohol."

The UF release noted, "officers at gates (will be) looking out for fans in heat distress and directing (them) to aid stations."

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.