September 29, 2007
UF allowing fans to spread ashes at The Swamp
In one of the potentially creepiest college football traditions in the nation, the University of Florida is quietly allowing boosters to have their ashes spread on Florida Field.
No ceremonies are performed, no markers are permitted and no written policy exists. But during the stadium's open hours, the loved ones of die-hard Gators can scatter some of the deceased on the sidelines.The university makes just one request.
"You can't go on the field," said Natalie Gonzalez, the school's coordinator of operations and facilities. "They have to sprinkle them from the first row."
It's unclear when the practice first started, but the university has allowed it for about five years. Though the school doesn't publicize it, word has leaked out among boosters, alumni and Gainesville-area funeral directors.
UF won't make any promises that the remains won't be disturbed by maintenance crews or -- obvisouly -- football players, but that doesn't seem to matter to those interested in being spread at The Swamp.
Barnett, 64, is a former alumni-association board member and has tickets on the 50-yard line. For him, death is just a way to get better seats -- and work some mojo against the opposition."If you see some guy from Auburn or FSU trip while running down the sideline," he said, "that'll be me."
We already have the NCAA licensed caskets, so I suppose spreading ashes on the Florida Gators sideline shouldn't be too surprising.
But don't go trying it at any of the other Florida schools.
Officials at Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, Florida A&M and the University of South Florida all said either that they would not allow someone's ashes to be spread on an athletic field or that the issue has never come up.
I suppose they'll be changing the traditional cheer any day now....
"Gator born and Gator bred, and when I die, I'll be Gator dead spread!"
Hat Tip: Fanblogs own gatorhippy aka The guy making arrangements with his funeral director as we speak
Comments:
FANofFLA said:
posted on September 29, 2007 11:11 AM — 72.69.2.100 — link — abuse?
1st and nole....yeah it sounds kinda strange that a university would allow something like this...but if you are a die hard fan, and have the money ......
can you imagine on a real windy day where those ashes might actuall end up......kinda creepy......
go gators
Tomcat said:
posted on September 29, 2007 11:59 AM — 69.148.173.234 — link — abuse?
Please dont bury me down in that cold cold ground
I'd rather havem cutt me up and pass me all around--- throw my brain in a hurricane and the blind can have my eyes and the deaf can take both of my ears if they dont mind the size.TampaGator said:
posted on October 1, 2007 10:36 AM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
I love it! Dust to dust...who cares what's done with one's earthly reamins--worm food, or ashes spread out...Why not Florida Field? The ocean? What ever floats your boat...they're just ashes.
I'd just make sure it wasn't done the week before FSU plays there--they like to steal a portion of the other teams' turf--wouldn't it suck to have your ashes spread on Florida Field...then wisked away to rot in the Doak? Ooops....
I'll tip my hat to Auburn (albeit with my middle finger)--congratulations on a huge win (you dirty rotten scoundrels!!)...and the only consolation prize we got, was getting to see your pencil neck dweeby little coach have a melt down over a marginal call...
What a crazy weekend for CFB!
USF--not just a directional school, but a MISdirectional* school at that--the highest ranked team in the CFB-crzaiest state in the Union!!!
GO GATORS!!
*= USF is located in Tampa (north Tampa, at that) which is NOT in South Florida-they took the name in 1956 because: 1. I guess they thought it sounded cool; 2. it was available; 3. they were the most southern school in the state system at the time; and 4. because apparently, notwithstanding the fact that Miami, Fort L'dale, Ft. Meyers, and the Keys had long since been settled, they lacked the foresight to foresee that state schools might, just might, one day be establsihed down there...in case you were wondering.
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
1st_and_NOLE
said:
posted on September 29, 2007 9:32 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?While that's interesting it's also kinda... weird.
I'm not sure why anyone would want their ashes to be spread on a football field.