Florida names football field after Steve Spurrier

Gators to honor former coach at season opener

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Steve Spurrier will now have a permanent place at the University of Florida.

The school announced Thursday that the football stadium's playing field will be named after the legendary Gators coach.

Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is now known as Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Spurrier coached the Gators to six Southeastern Conference championships and the 1996 national title in 12 seasons at his alma mater. He compiled a 122-27-1 record at Florida from 1990-2001, including a 63-5 record at home.

"We feel this was an appropriate way to commemorate one the most legendary figures in Gator athletics history," Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley said. "Coach Spurrier did more than win a Heisman Trophy, a national championship and a bunch of games. Coach Spurrier changed the culture of Florida athletics. We were an institution that always had a mantra of 'wait until next year' and 'wouldn't it be great to just win one championship.' Coach changed all of that. The Gators won, won big and won with swagger."

Spurrier, who will be honored when the Gators play Massachusetts in the season opener Sept. 3, said he was surprised by the announcement.

"I had no idea that was even being considered," Spurrier told FloridaGators.com.

Spurrier took home the school's first Heisman Memorial Trophy as a senior quarterback in 1966. He spent two seasons as head coach of the NFL's Washington Redskins before returning to the SEC to coach the South Carolina Gamecocks for 10-plus years before retiring in the middle of last season.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.