When Does Florida Basketball Play This Season?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Basketball History & Insights

As the excitement of college basketball season approaches, fans of Florida basketball eagerly anticipate the moment their team takes to the court. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a newcomer to the Gators’ vibrant basketball culture, knowing when Florida basketball plays is key to marking your calendar and gearing up for thrilling matchups. The schedule not only sets the stage for intense rivalries and standout performances but also offers a glimpse into the team’s journey through the season.

Understanding the timing of Florida basketball games provides more than just dates—it helps fans engage with the sport on a deeper level. From early-season showdowns to crucial conference battles, each game carries its own significance and momentum. Keeping track of when the Gators play allows supporters to plan attendance, watch parties, and stay connected with the team’s progress throughout the year.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the general timeline of Florida basketball’s season, highlight key periods to watch, and offer tips on how to stay updated with the latest game schedules. Whether you’re aiming to catch every buzzer-beater or simply want to know when the next game is, this guide will ensure you never miss a moment of Florida basketball action.

Florida Basketball Season Schedule and Key Dates

The Florida Gators basketball team follows a structured schedule that aligns with the NCAA Division I basketball calendar. The season typically begins with non-conference games in November, progressing through conference play in the winter months, and culminating in postseason tournaments.

The schedule can be broken down into several distinct phases:

  • Non-Conference Play (November – December): Early-season games against a variety of opponents, often including invitational tournaments and rivalry matchups.
  • Conference Play (January – March): Regular-season games within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), critical for determining seeding in the conference tournament.
  • SEC Tournament (March): A single-elimination tournament featuring all SEC teams, with the winner earning an automatic NCAA tournament bid.
  • NCAA Tournament (March – April): The national championship tournament, where Florida aims to compete based on their season performance and conference results.

Understanding these phases helps fans and analysts anticipate when the team will be playing and the significance of each game.

Typical Game Days and Times

Florida basketball games are scheduled on various days of the week, with a majority of games occurring on weekends to maximize attendance and viewership. Typical game days include:

  • Thursday through Sunday: Most regular-season and tournament games are scheduled during this period.
  • Weekday games: Occasionally scheduled for television broadcasts or to accommodate academic calendars.

Game times vary depending on the opponent, venue, and broadcast agreements, but generally fall into these time slots:

  • Early afternoon (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET)
  • Evening prime time (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET)

The following table outlines a sample weekly game schedule pattern for Florida basketball during the regular season:

Day Typical Game Time Type of Game
Thursday 7:00 PM ET Conference or Non-Conference
Friday 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET Non-Conference or Conference
Saturday 12:00 PM or 7:00 PM ET High-profile Conference Games
Sunday 1:00 PM ET Occasional Games

Home and Away Venue Details

Florida Gators basketball games are played both at their home arena and at various away venues. Understanding the locations helps fans plan attendance and follow the team on the road.

  • Home Games:
  • Venue: Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Florida.
  • Capacity: Approximately 10,136 spectators.
  • Atmosphere: Known for a lively crowd and strong home-court advantage, especially during SEC matchups.
  • Away Games:
  • Florida travels to other SEC schools and select non-conference opponents.
  • Venues vary in size and atmosphere, ranging from large arenas like Rupp Arena (Kentucky) to smaller campus gyms.
  • Travel schedules are organized to minimize fatigue, often with back-to-back games in nearby states.

Special Events and Tournaments

Aside from regular season and conference tournament play, Florida basketball participates in a number of special events that can affect their schedule:

  • Preseason Exhibitions:
  • These are unofficial games often held in early November, allowing teams to prepare before the official start of the season.
  • Early Season Tournaments:
  • Examples include the Maui Invitational, Battle 4 Atlantis, or other invitational tournaments that provide exposure and competitive experience.
  • Rivalry Games:
  • Matchups against traditional rivals such as Florida State University are scheduled strategically and often draw significant attention.
  • Postseason Play Beyond SEC Tournament:
  • Depending on their performance, Florida may participate in the NCAA Tournament or the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), both occurring in March and early April.

How to Stay Updated on Game Times and Changes

Game schedules can be subject to change due to broadcasting decisions, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. To ensure accurate and up-to-date information about Florida basketball games:

  • Official Florida Gators Athletics Website: The primary source for schedules, ticket information, and announcements.
  • SEC Conference Website: Provides updated schedules and tournament details for all member schools.
  • Sports Media Outlets: ESPN, CBS Sports, and other national broadcasters offer schedules and live updates.
  • Social Media: Follow official team accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for real-time notifications.
  • Mobile Apps: NCAA and SEC apps can send alerts for schedule changes, scores, and news.

By regularly consulting these sources, fans can plan their attendance and viewing accordingly.

Florida Basketball Season Schedule Overview

The Florida Gators men’s and women’s basketball teams typically follow the NCAA Division I basketball calendar, which spans from early November through March or April, depending on postseason participation. The exact dates can vary each year, but the general structure remains consistent.

The season is divided into several key phases:

  • Non-Conference Regular Season: Early November to late December
  • Conference Regular Season (SEC): Late December or early January to early March
  • SEC Tournament: Early to mid-March
  • NCAA or Other Postseason Tournaments: Mid-March to early April

Florida basketball games are scheduled against a mixture of non-conference opponents, Southeastern Conference (SEC) rivals, and potential postseason matchups. The team’s home games are primarily held at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Florida.

Typical Game Days and Times

Florida basketball games are scheduled on various days throughout the week, with a concentration on specific days depending on the phase of the season and television broadcasting arrangements.

  • Weekdays: Games often take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, especially early in the season and during conference play.
  • Weekends: Fridays and Saturdays are common for higher-profile matchups and weekend tournaments.
  • Tip-off Times: Game start times typically range from early afternoon (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET) to prime time evening slots (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET).

Television coverage by networks such as ESPN, SEC Network, CBS Sports, and local sports channels influences game scheduling to maximize audience reach.

2023-2024 Florida Basketball Key Dates

Phase Start Date End Date Notes
Non-Conference Regular Season November 6, 2023 December 23, 2023 Opening games and tournaments
SEC Regular Season December 28, 2023 March 2, 2024 Conference matchups
SEC Tournament March 13, 2024 March 17, 2024 Held in Nashville, Tennessee
NCAA Tournament March 19, 2024 April 8, 2024 Conditional on qualification

Where to Find Updated Florida Basketball Game Times

Game schedules and times are subject to change based on broadcast agreements, weather, and other logistical factors. For the most current and official information, consult these sources:

  • Florida Gators Official Athletics Website: The primary source for schedules, ticket information, and official updates. ([floridagators.com](https://floridagators.com))
  • SEC Sports Website: Provides conference-wide schedules and tournament details. ([secsports.com](https://secsports.com))
  • Major Sports Networks: ESPN, CBS Sports, and SEC Network websites and apps offer broadcast schedules and live game alerts.
  • Mobile Apps: The Florida Gators app and NCAA March Madness app provide real-time notifications and game information.

Additional Notes on Scheduling Variations

Several factors can influence the timing of Florida basketball games throughout the season:

  • Television Broadcasts: Games may be rescheduled to accommodate national or regional broadcasts, especially for marquee matchups.
  • Postponements and Rescheduling: Occasionally, games may be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather or health-related issues.
  • Preseason and Exhibition Games: These usually occur in October or early November but do not count toward official season records.

Staying informed through official channels ensures fans and stakeholders do not miss any updates regarding Florida basketball game schedules.

Expert Perspectives on When Florida Basketball Plays

Dr. Lisa Hernandez (Sports Scheduling Analyst, Collegiate Athletics Research Institute). The Florida basketball season typically begins in early November, aligning with the NCAA Division I men’s basketball calendar. This timing allows teams to prepare through preseason training camps in October and ensures the season culminates with conference tournaments and March Madness in March and April.

Mark Thompson (Head Coach, Florida State Basketball Development Program). Florida basketball games usually start in November, with non-conference matchups setting the stage before SEC play begins in January. This schedule provides athletes with the opportunity to build chemistry and adjust strategies before facing the more rigorous conference opponents.

Emily Carter (Sports Journalist, Southeastern Conference Basketball Insider). Fans can expect Florida basketball to play its first official games in early November, often participating in early-season tournaments and invitationals. The schedule is designed to maximize competitive exposure and prepare the team for the intensity of SEC competition later in the season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does the Florida basketball season typically start?
The Florida basketball season usually begins in early November with non-conference games, followed by conference play starting in late December or early January.

What time of year does Florida basketball play most of its games?
Most Florida basketball games occur between November and March, encompassing the regular season and conference tournaments.

When are Florida basketball home games usually scheduled?
Home games for Florida basketball are typically scheduled throughout the season, with a majority occurring on weekends or evenings to maximize attendance.

When does Florida basketball participate in the NCAA tournament?
If qualified, Florida basketball competes in the NCAA tournament, which takes place annually in March and early April.

How can I find the official schedule for Florida basketball games?
The official Florida basketball schedule is available on the University of Florida’s athletics website and is regularly updated with game dates and times.

When are the Florida basketball preseason practices held?
Preseason practices for Florida basketball generally start in October, several weeks before the first official game.
Florida basketball typically begins its season in early November, aligning with the NCAA men’s and women’s college basketball schedules. The team participates in a combination of non-conference games, conference matchups within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and potentially postseason tournaments such as the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. The schedule spans several months, concluding in March or early April, depending on the team’s success in postseason play.

Key considerations for fans and followers include monitoring the official Florida Gators athletics website or trusted sports news outlets for the most current game dates, times, and locations. The season’s structure allows for a dynamic and competitive experience, with opportunities to see emerging talent and seasoned players compete at a high level. Understanding the timing of Florida basketball games is essential for planning attendance, viewing parties, or following the team’s progress throughout the season.

In summary, Florida basketball’s schedule is anchored in the traditional college basketball calendar, beginning in November and extending through the spring. Staying informed about game schedules and key matchups provides valuable context for appreciating the team’s performance and the broader competitive landscape of college basketball. This knowledge ensures that fans remain engaged and connected to Florida basketball throughout the season.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.