Florida releases student section t-shirts for 2017 - designed by James Bates

The University Athletic Association and Aquafina partnered to create the 2017 Florida Gators’ student section t-shirt, which was released today.

The shirt was designed by former Florida linebacker, current UF professor, Steve Spurrier impressionist, and Gainesville artist James Bates, and commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Head Ball Coach christening Florida’s stadium as The Swamp.

My initial reaction to the design was to nitpick that the shirts themselves were white, rather than orange or blue. But, there is a clear reason for that, and that reason would be Florida’s previously announced “white-out” for their home opener against Northern Colorado.

I think it is fantastic that Florida chose to use Batesy art on their t-shirts, particularly in light of the Spurrier’s Swamp anniversary theme.

These t-shirts are only available for 2017 student season ticket holders, and can be picked up with those tickets before the Gators’ home opener.

Florida begins their season in Arlington, Texas, against Michigan, on September 2, before returning home to Gainesville to face the Bears on September 9 under the lights.