What is GatorNights?

GatorNights is the leading late night program in the Southeast. Taking place every Friday night in the J. Wayne Reitz Union from 8pm - 1am during the Fall, Spring, and Summer B semesters. Summer A times are 8pm - 12am. The program offers FREE blockbuster movies, bands, comedians, improv shows, arts and crafts, novelties, interactive games, cultural events, DJ's, video games and more. Most importantly, we serve FREE midnight munchies (Pizza, Breakfast, Tacos/ Nachos Bar & more)!

Who Can Attend?

GatorNights welcomes all STUDENTS. Students must have a student Gator 1 card to get in and are allowed only ONE guest. 

The check-in location is in the Reitz Union at the Information Desk located on Level 1 by North Lawn Entrance.

Brief History of GatorNights

GatorNights began on August 25, 2000, after the student activities staff attended WVUp All Night, the late night program at West Virginia University. Almost 1800 students attended the first GatorNights and it has been a Gator tradition ever since! The average weekly attendance at GatorNights is about 1100 to 1800 depending upon the week and the movie playing. As a result of the popularity, several other universities have visited GatorNights in an effort to implement a similar program on their campuses. These universities include University of Arkansas, University of Central Florida, Clemson University, University of Colorado, University of Hawaii, Florida State University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, University of South Carolina, Texas Tech University, Virginia Commonwealth University and more.

How has GatorNights evolved over time?

The popularity of the program has led to several changes in the amount of services and programs we provide since inception in the year 2000. Because movie showings in the past filled up for each showing at GatorNights, we also show the GatorNights film on Saturdays at 7pm and 9:30pm. Each week we strive to balance the night with entertainment (movie, music performer, comedian), activities (capture the flag, stuff-a-gator), and novelties (make your own street signs, oxygen bar, temporary spray tattoos). GatorNights is always willing to co-sponsor with other student organizations and because of this the diversity of programming has increased as well. We look forward to many more changes in the near future so keep your eyes open!