Fans Show United Front at Gator Growl

Even with its football team mired in a rare four-game losing streak, tens of thousands of students, fans and Gator alumni savored the pokes and jabs that come each year at Gator Growl.

And they swayed in unison in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Friday night and sang "We Are the Boys" during the 88th rendition of Growl, which for decades has been billed as the largest student-produced pep rally in the country.

Ken Block and Andrew Copeland of Sister Hazel served as hosts, and the Goo Goo Dolls closed out the event.

Albert the Alligator dreamed he was in Oz during the opening sketch.

"Get me a Vandy burger with a side of Seminole," Albert said.

Among celebrities featured in various videos were Larry the Cable Guy, Jonah Hill and the Wayans brothers.

Back for this year's festivities were the Gator marching band and fireworks. Students also said the placement of the stage directly in front of the east stands made it easier to see.

Growl spokeswoman Cait Feroleto said organizers wouldn't have a final figure on attendance until today, but she said 20,000 tickets had been sold by Monday and thousands of tickets had been sold each day since.

Corey Portnoy, a 21-year-old political science student from Jacksonville, was crowned Homecoming King. Caitlin Mooney, of Orlando, was named Homecoming Queen.

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