Stephen C. O'Connell Center Tickets

Stephen O'Connell Center

The Stephen C. O’Connell Center is a sports and entertainment venue on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. It serves as the primary home of the Florida Gators men’s college basketball team but also hosts Florida’s women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and swimming and diving teams. Known affectionally as “The O’Dome,” the O’Connell Center originally opened in 1980 but underwent massive renovations in 1998 and 2016. In addition to being a sports venue, it can also host concerts, speaking engagements, trade shows, and other events. For basketball games, the O’Dome has a capacity of 10,500 fans.

Where are the Best Places to Sit at O’Connell Center

Outside of courtside seats, club seats in sections 23-29 are the best places to sit during a basketball game at the O’Connell Center. Ticket holders in these sections have access to a special club and have seats that are close to the court. In particular, sections 25 and 27 are the most centrally located, while section 23 is behind the home bench. In the upper level of the venue, sections 111, 113, and 127 are close to center court but come with a little elevation to provide an excellent view of the entire court. 

Tips for Visiting the O’Connell Center

Visiting the O’Connell Center provides a great opportunity to walk around the University of Florida campus. The campus is filled with palm trees and a couple of lakes, and during basketball season, the weather is usually temperate and suitable for a nice stroll. There is also a bronze gator statue outside of the venue near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, which is Florida’s famous football stadium. Meanwhile, the inside of the arena is filled with photos and murals detailing some of the proudest moments in the history of Florida athletics. In other words, there is a lot to do in and around the O’Connell Center before and after events.

Food to Try at the O’Connell Center

Despite plenty of outstanding eateries near the O’Connell Center, fans have plenty of dining options inside as well. The best items on the menu are the pulled pork sandwiches and the pulled pork nachos. The grilled chicken sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches, and garlic Parmesan fries are also superior to most other arenas. Finally, the Tijuana Flats stand offers chicken and beef tacos, nachos, and queso, all of which warrant consideration for hungry visitors to the O’Connell Center.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Stephen O'Connell Center located?

Stephen O'Connell Center is located on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.

What kind of events does the Stephen O'Connell Center host? 

As a sports and entertainment center, Stephen O'Connell Center events vary greatly! Fans can catch basketball games, volleyball games, gymnastics, and swimming events at this venue. But that’s not all, as the center also hosts concerts, speaking engagements, trade shows, and other events.

Which team plays at the Stephen O’Connell Center?

The stadium serves as the primary home of the Florida Gators men’s college basketball team but also hosts Florida’s women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and swimming and diving teams.

Where can I park for free at Stephen O'Connell Center?

On a per-event basis, parking restrictions may vary. But generally speaking, parking for Stephen O'Connell Center events is in abundance. However, fans are encouraged to arrive early as parking is on a first-come-first-serve basis. There is also limited parking available in the vicinity of the venue. 

What is the seating capacity of the Stephen O'Connell Center?

Stephen O'Connell Center events can accommodate up to 10,500 cheering fans. 

Who owns the Stephen O'Connell Center?

Stephen O'Connell Center is owned by the University of Florida. 

How do I get to Stephen O'Connell Center using public transport?

Fans wishing to reach Stephen O'Connell Center events on public transport are in luck. Due to its central location, fans can rely on many bus routes and taxi services to reach the venue.