1930s-1940s
On April 16, 1930, construction began on what was then called Florida Field. Built in a shallow ravine (some even believe it was built on an old sinkhole), the original capacity was 21,769, a relatively large stadium for that time period. It was comprised of what is now the North endzone and both the east and west stands.
The stadium was finished on October 27, 1930 and, in a 20-0 losing effort, the Gators played Alabama on Homecoming in its first appearance (Nov. 8, 1930). The team finished out the year with a 6-3-1 record while playing in the Southern Conference under Head Coach, Charlie Bachman.
In 1932 the Gators played their last season as a member of the Southern Conference. The next year, they would move to the Southeastern Conference, the heralded SEC.
On October 13, 1934, the stadium was rededicated to the service men and women who were killed in World War I and a plaque was placed on the wall of the North endzone.
Despite only three winning seasons in 19 years (the Gators did not field a team in 1943 because of World War II) and an 0-9 record in 1946, the team became more and more popular. Needing to add more seating to the stadium, in 1949 initial plans were developed to add over 11,000 seats and some temporary bleachers, mostly on the west side of the stadium.
Finished just in time for the 1950 season to begin, the total capacity now reached 40,116; still a monster stadium for its time.