GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The University of Florida will celebrate its first national championship in men's basketball on Friday night at 7 p.m. in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. The event will air live on Sun Sports in South Florida and on FSN Florida in North and Central Florida. The celebration will be replayed statewide on Sun Sports at 9:30 p.m.

The first 1,300 University of Florida students will be admitted through Gate 3 of the O'Connell Center at 5 p.m. to fill the student section. Gates will be open to the public at 5:30 p.m. With a large crowd expected, overflow seating will be available on the West side of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium where fans can watch the event live on the video board.

Fans will be able to alleviate parking concerns by utilizing the Fast Break Shuttle at the Commuter Lot on Gale Lemerand Drive beginning at 4 p.m.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will include comments from head coach Billy Donovan, as well as members of the national champion Gators. A season highlight video will be unveiled while the Gators will also be presented with the Siemen's national championship trophy. 

The Dazzlers, cheerleaders and pep band will all perform to help the Gators celebrate the first basketball national title in school history.

The Gators finished the season with a 33-6 mark, setting a school record for wins, while becoming the first team in the state of Florida to win a national title in men's basketball.

Prohibited Items

• Food/drink containers, bottles, cans, thermoses ice bags, ice chests, any artificial noise making device,  flags, umbrellas, strollers, back packs, carry bags, video cameras/cases or any items deemed hazardous by game management personnel will not be allowed in the stadium. Law enforcement officials have the right to inspect any item at any time for the purpose of spectator safety.

• Prohibited items must be returned to cars or disposed of before entering the stadium. There are no provisions to check items at the gates.

• Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.

• Chairbacks larger than a single seat are prohibited.

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