The Florida Club Rowing team, comprised of more than 70 University of Florida students, has turned stadium concession stands at Gators football games into a vital fundraising engine that helps cover the roughly $75,000 annual budget required for racing.
Fundraising Through the Stands
To qualify for the reduced $165 monthly membership fee, each rower must work at least one football game or two other sporting events each semester, and additional shifts can bring the cost down to around $100, a strategy recently employed by Katie Purcell, who logged three games in the fall.
The squad’s competitive calendar features events such as the Head of Hooch Regatta in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the team recorded six top‑five finishes last year, including two first‑place finishes, showcasing the impact of the fundraiser on their performance.
Under the direction of Vernell Brown III, rowers like Liam Ramsey and Brianna Babani discover a unique perspective on the game while working the stands, and the shared experience of serving fans and eating together after games fosters strong camaraderie and lasting friendships.
Beyond the financial relief, the concession work builds a sense of community among the athletes, turning each shift into a bonding ritual that reinforces team spirit throughout the fall and spring seasons.