Florida has paid tribute to Tom Petty in every home football game since his passing in October 2017. Now, the Gators will celebrate the late Rock and Roll Hall of Famer from Gainesville with a “Tom Petty Day” in The Swamp.

The official Twitter account for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers news revealed Sunday that Oct. 15 will be “Tom Petty Day” when Florida hosts LSU.

In anticipation of ‘Tom Petty Day,’ the university, in partnership with the Tom Petty Estate, will launch a capsule collection that celebrates the late singer and his connection to the university and his hometown.

Petty passed on Oct. 2, 2017. The following Saturday, against LSU, Florida played Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” in between the 3rd and 4th quarters. The stadium sing-along was a hit with fans and has become a new tradition.

Video of the first “I Won’t Back Down” of the 2022 season has surpassed 1 million views: Video Here

“Tom Petty and his music has become ingrained in the game day experience at The Swamp and serves as a community building rally cry for Gator fans,” said Scott Stricklin, athletic director for the Florida Gators. 

The Tom Petty Estate is donating its full proceeds from the sales of Tom Petty Day X Florida Collection merchandise to give back to underserved communities in Gainesville.

Kids Count and Family Promise are the beneficiaries this year. Kids Count supports education and early childhood interventions with an emphasis on literacy, while Family Promise works to bring families out of homelessness by providing housing and employment resources.

“It is so incredible for everyone in the family that UF is honoring our dad in his hometown this way. He loved the Gators and he loved Gainesville. It is an added gift that we can give something back and provide much-needed resources to underserved communities in Gainesville.” Said Adria Petty, daughter of Tom Petty. 

Petty, a native of Gainesville, worked as a groundskeeper at the university in his younger years. He often played at Gainesville area venues before moving to Los Angeles to launch his musical career with The Heartbreakers, many of whom were also local to Gainesville.

The Tom Petty Day X Florida Collection is available now through the University of Florida Bookstore, both in-store and online, as well as the Gator Sport Shop. A limited quantity is also available on www.TomPetty.com.

Details of the game day happenings will be provided at a later date.