After marching with the banner in her first year in the band, Mitchell was invited back to play the bell lyre for the remainder of her college career.

Phase I of construction was completed in August 2018 and encompasses an NCAA-regulated artificial turf field that mirrors the game-day performance space and is built with proper drainage and adequate lighting as well as a 5,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion that provides shelter from Florida's inclement weather.

Phase II of the project, which will begin construction once funding is secured, includes a research and teaching building with workrooms, instrument storage space, an ice machine, and restrooms.

[11] In August 2019, Gator Band Director Jay Watkins was assaulted after a neutral-site 24–20 victory over the University of Miami football team.

The Gator Marching Band was leaving Camping World Stadium in parade formation when a Hurricanes fan attempted to cut through the block.

Professor Langford has done a lot for his students, even bailing out two sousaphone players from jail the night before the 1987 game against Louisiana State University.

At the conclusion of all home game-day rehearsals, the Pride of the Sunshine forms their concert arcs, links hands, and sings the University of Florida's alma mater in four-part harmony.

During the last home game of the season (usually the Sunshine Showdown game against the Florida State University Seminoles) graduating members are invited to the front sideline of the practice field where they will link hands and face the rest of the band for one final time singing their alma mater as a member of the marching band.

After the Gator Walk groups return to the Music Building and all sections have warmed up on their own, the full band encircles the alligator statue outside of the University Auditorium.

From there, Professor Watkins will lead the band through various songs (usually the Star-Spangled Banner and Alma Mater) as a way to refocus the group before they depart for the stadium.

After being dismissed, the band forms the pregame parade block facing west on Union Road in order to begin their march to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

From there, the band along with Big Boom and a police motorcycle escort will march to the tune of various drum cadences that form the Florida Parade Sequence or FLA.P.S.

The group will march up Union Road, make a left on Buckman Drive, and descend the ramp into the loading dock of the stadium.

From the ceremonial set, the crowd is invited to recite the "Pledge of Allegiance" which is followed by the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the University of Florida's alma mater.

Pride of the Sunshine entrance for Pregame In the stands, the band plays a large number of school songs, many of them variations of the Jaws theme.

Alma Mater and Orange and Blue The Gator Alumni Band performs during halftime of the homecoming game each year.

In 1953, band director Colonel Harold Bachman contacted the William F. Ludwig Company of Chicago and asked them to design the largest practical drum ever made.

With drumheads made from kip and measuring 6 feet in diameter and 22 inches in width, the cost for its construction, carriage and waterproof cover, was $900.

During UF's homecoming parade, attendees can strike the drum in return for a pin featuring the cartoon Gator Band logo.

The Alpha Eta chapter engages in a variety of service-based responsibilities including issuing and organizing band uniforms as well as distributing Gatorade on game days.

The sisters of Beta Xi have also extended an honorary invitation to dozens of outstanding individuals of the Gator Band, including previous directors and graduate students.