Florida’s men’s basketball team is set to open its season with a much‑anticipated exhibition clash against the Baylor Bears on Sunday, October 18, 2024, inside Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
A Milestone for the Program
The matchup marks the Gators’ first exhibition game since 2021 and their first meeting with a Division I opponent since a 2017 victory over Jacksonville University, underscoring a renewed focus on competitive play.
Ticket sales will commence on September 16, with a 24‑hour presale opening the day before, giving fans an early chance to secure seats for what promises to be a high‑energy contest.
The game is part of Jacksonville’s Hoops Showdown series, which will also feature a December showdown against Grand Canyon, adding another layer of excitement to the Gators’ non‑conference schedule.
Coach Mike White and his staff have emphasized preparation and chemistry, hoping the exhibition will serve as a valuable benchmark as the team fine‑tunes its identity before the regular season begins.