If you want to gather with coach Urban Meyer this spring, you’re going to have to travel to do so.
 
For the first time in his four-year tenure, the Gators’ head football coach will not be making an appearance in the Tampa/St. Pete area for the annual “Gator Gathering’’, a fundraising event for local UF Gator Clubs.

Meyer’s appearances have garnered huge turnouts since his arrival at UF. In his first season with the Gators, Meyer spoke at the Pinellas County Gator Club gathering in front of an estimated 1,200 at the St. Petersburg Coliseum, one day after 535 turned out in Spring Hill to hear him speak. In 2006, he had standing-room only at St. Lawrence Higgins Hall in Tampa, and in 2007, Meyer spoke in front of approximately 800 at Bright House Field. Last year, the sold-out event was at the Grand Hyatt in Tampa.
 
With two national championships in the past three years, demand for Meyer has grown, but his booster tour appearances have declined. In his inaugural season, he made 20 appearances. Last year, he made seven. This year, he has eight scheduled.

Meyer’s trips are now broken down into regions of the state, and this year Lakeland is the regio closest to our area.

If you’re interested in attending:
WHEN: May 12
WHERE: Tiger Town Hanger, #2, 2220 N. Lake Ave., Lakeland
TIME: Doors open at 5 p.m., coach Meyer will speak at approximately 6:30 p.m.
OF NOTE: The event is limited to the first 900 people.

For more information, call (863) 834-2233.