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UF offbeat

When you walk into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the first time this season, take notice because some things have changed.

The Florida athletic department spent $1.5-million in renovations to the stadium during the offseason, and one of the most noticeable changes is the new Daktronics video board.

Whether you'll notice immediately is up for debate.

"It's almost the same size as the other board. That's the unique thing about it," said Greg McGarity, associate athletics director for internal affairs. "It's almost identical in the same amount of space, a little longer and not as high."

Ahh, but the differences are there. First, there's the jumbo TV screen to allow Gator fans to savor every replay in life-size form. And once the game begins, something else will grab your attention, McGarity hopes.

A new sound system on top of the facility.

"For a number of years, we've had complaints from fans that they were having trouble hearing in certain areas of the stadium," he said. "Once we tore down the old part of the stadium and added the new (completed last season), we decided it would be a good time to address that. It should be a tremendous improvement."

If you sit on the west side, there are changes as well. About $750,000 in structural renovations were done to rows 66-90.

If you're used to buying tickets from UF students or you're one of those people who likes to hang outside the stadium and purchase a ticket just before kickoff, take notice: If you buy from a UF student, you're going to be out of luck - and money.

Effective this season, students are required to present their valid Gator One ID card along with their student ticket to gain admission to home games. All student tickets will be specially marked to separate them.

Students must enter through gates 12, 13, 14 or 15.

Students have long argued that there aren't enough tickets to go around and Florida officials have said the change is an effort to ensure that students get to enjoy the limited number of tickets allotted to the student body.

Buying a drink and a hot dog at Florida's season opener Saturday against Middle Tennessee State will be a charitable gesture.

Florida will add 25 cents to the price of every item purchased at concession stands during the game, giving those proceeds to the Hurricane Charley Relief Fund. The University Athletic Association will match all funds raised.

"This is a natural opportunity to harness the tremendous giving power of Gator football fans at a time of obvious need in our state," UF president Bernie Machen said.

"I was in the locker room this morning and he said he needed a bigger jersey and I told him, "Lose some weight.' " - Florida coach Ron Zook on offensive lineman Mo Mitchell, who is listed as 370 pounds on the roster.

Fullback and special teams player who received a scholarship in February:

Why did you decide to walk on?

I got some offers from some smaller schools, but growing up here and watching the Gators all my life, I decided to walk on and try to do the best I can.

What were your expectations?

I came in as a linebacker and I expected to play in about two or three years. But I didn't expect to move over to the offensive side of the ball as a fullback.

How did the transition go?

It went pretty smooth. It's basically the same position, but on the offensive side of the ball. It was just a matter of getting used to reading the line blocks and hanging onto the ball.

How did you learn you had received a scholarship?

Coach Zook announced it on the radio and I found out right after that. Someone else heard it and called me on my cell phone. I wasn't too sure, but I was hoping they heard it right. Then when I heard it from coach I was real excited.