Gator Growl

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Gator Growl is a student run pep rally at the University of Florida. It marks the culminating moment of homecoming week at the university. Generally regarded as the largest student run pep rally in the world, the show is held annually in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (also known as "The Swamp") at the University of Florida. In the past, Gator Growl has attracted well-known entertainers such as Robin Williams, Dennis Miller, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Bill Cosby, Billy Crystal, Richard Jeni, Paula Poundstone, Bob Hope, and Dane Cook. A special portion of the show is reserved for celebrity cameo appearances. In the past, cameo appearances have included former Presidents George H. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as entertainment icons such as David Letterman, Katie Couric and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.

This year, Gator Growl will present impressionist Frank Caliendo from MadTV as its main performer on November 2, 2007. Lynyrd Skynyrd will also be performing.

Gator Growl 2007: Nation of Champions presented by Verizon Wireless
Gator Growl 2007: Nation of Champions presented by Verizon Wireless

Contents

[edit] History

Gator Growl has been a University of Florida tradition over 80 years. Gator Growl has its roots in the tradition of “Dad’s Day,” a turn-of-the-century tradition in which fathers of the then all-male student body were invited to visit the new campus. In 1916, a pep rally replaced Dad’s Day and “Gator Growl” was born. At the original pep rally, freshmen contributed their weight in wood to a giant bonfire, known as “firing up” enthusiasm for the next day’s football game. In 1925, the tradition grew as skits, musical performances and guest speakers expanded the rally into a variety show. Students & alumni continued to express their Gator spirit by participating in cheers and enjoying performances by UF’s Marching Band, Cheerleaders and Dazzlers.

Over time, the Gator Growl production grew with the advancement of technology to its current scale. Today, it is a showcase of athletic talent and spirited tradition; a spectacle of fireworks, light displays, live music, and comedy. More than 500 student volunteers work for thousands of hours to coordinate the night of festivities for the University of Florida community. Producers, assistant directors, and staff members are in charge of the production, execution, promotion and dismantling of the show. These student volunteers earn Gator Growl its beloved nickname, “the world’s largest student-run pep rally!” Gator Growl is also primarily produced and run by members of UF's large Greek community, who hold almost all of the leadership positions. In its long history, Gator Growl has been recognized by Good Morning America, Comedy Central, Entertainment Tonight and many other popular culture outlets—“What is Gator Growl?” was even the response to an answer on Jeopardy!

[edit] Past Comedians

Year Comedian(s) and Performers
1983 Bob Hope, Irene Cara
1984 Bill Cosby, Herbie Hancock
1985 The Smothers Brothers
1986 Billy Crystal
1987 Jay Leno
1988 Steven Wright, Jerry Seinfeld
1989 Richard Jeni
1990 Paul Provenza, Jeff Foxworthy
1991 Brian Regan, Tom Parks
1992 David Alan Grier, Larry Miller
1993 Gary Shandling, Dennis Miller
1994 Sinbad, Bobby Slayton
1995 Kevin Pollak, Anthony Clark
1996 Paul Rodriguez, Craig Shoemaker
1997 Howie Mandel, Jeremy Hotz, Michael Buffer
1998 Ray Romano, Dave Chappelle, Carlos Mencia, Larry the Cable Guy
1999 Pablo Francisco, Carrot Top, Craig Shoemaker
2000 Mitch Hedberg, John Pinette, D. L. Hughley
2001 Daniel Tosh, Dave Attell, Jim Breuer
2002 Bill Cosby, Harland Williams
2003 Sugar Ray,Christopher Titus, Arnez J
2004 Bill Engvall, Dane Cook
2005 Greg Giraldo, Wayne Brady
2006 Jim Gaffigan, Gabriel Iglesias
2007 Frank Caliendo, Lynyrd Skynyrd

[edit] External links

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