“The Thorn,” a powerful and popular theatrical event, seen live by over one million people, will bring the passion of Jesus to life this Spring with 40 performances spanning the country. Over the past year, The Thorn has continued to captivate audiences nationwide, drawing more than 160,000 fans to its sold-out performances.

The Thorn offers audiences a unique theatrical experience in a show that has been hailed as “Cirque meets ‘The Passion’” thanks to its compelling mix of drama, music, dance, martial arts, aerial acrobatics, emotionally evocative performances, and timeless spiritual perspectives. The story spans from creation to the formation of the early church. Watch the trailer here. For more information, please visit TheThorn.com.

The Thorn tells the epic story of God’s love for the world and the spiritual battle for all humanity. The story of Christ is presented in an immersive show with music, drama, aerial acts, movement arts, modern dance, and special effects. Witnessed live by more than 1 million people over 25 years, The Thorn will engage audiences in the definitive story of love, sacrifice and redemption like never before.

Warning: The show includes flashing lights, strobe lights, fog/haze, and loud music. 

The content of the show is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

A note for our guests seated in the first three rows of the orchestra: you may experience a bit of theatrical magic—including dramatic stage fog—and a unique perspective that may limit your view of the performers’ lower half. You might also find yourself looking up to take in the full spectacle unfolding on stage!

Purchase tickets HERE.

Event Information

• Gates: Gate 1 will be open for the General Public.
• Camera Policy: No cameras are permitted for this event. Cell phone cameras are allowed.
• Video/Audio Recording Policy: Video and audio recording is not allowed
• Concession Information: Open at Gate 1
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Security: See the Security Policies listed here »
• Prohibited Items: Please see above security link
• Parking: Please be advised that the only General Public parking near the O’Connell Center will be in the O’Connell Center parking garage as well as the lot. Parking is first come, first serve and is lifted at 3:30 pm on the weekdays.
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »
• Tickets: Tickets available on Ticketmaster.com and at the O’Connell Center Box Office starting Friday, October 3rd at 10:00am.

The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour is coming to Gainesville on JANUARY 12, 2026!

This is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of Jaw-Dropping “No Way!” moves, 100 Years of “Wow!” and 100 Years Heart-Pounding Thrills! The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the O’Connell Center with their most LEGENDARY TOUR EVER. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball!  This is history you can feel!

Event Information:

• Doors: 6:00pm
• Gates: Gate 1 will be open.
• Camera Policy: The Harlem Globetrotters encourage fans to take photos, home videos, etc. so all patrons may bring cameras of any kind.
• Video/Audio Recording Policy: Professional video camera equipment is not permitted.
• Concession Information: Open at Gate 1
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Security: See the Security Policies listed here »
• Prohibited Items: Please see above security link
• Parking: Parking will be available in the garage and lot adjacent to the O’Connell Center
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »
• Tickets: Tickets will go on-sale on Ticketmaster.com starting Monday, September 22nd at 10:00am.

PLEASE NOTE: The on-sale for this event will take place on Friday, August 29th at 12:00pm. UF Students can purchase their tickets on ticketmaster.com. Click “Unlock Offer” to enter your 8-digit UFID to unlock the student pricing.

Additional Information

• Doors: 6:00pm
• Gates: Gate 1 will be open.
• Camera Policy: No cameras are permitted for this event. Cell phone cameras are allowed.
• Video/Audio Recording Policy: Video and audio recording is not allowed
• Concession Information: Open at Gate 1
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Security: See the Security Policies listed here »
• Prohibited Items: Please see above security link
• Parking: Please be advised that the only General Public parking near the O’Connell Center will be in the O’Connell Center parking garage as well as the lot. Parking is first come, first serve and is lifted at 3:30 pm on the weekdays.
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »
• Tickets: Tickets will be available starting at 12:00pm on Friday, August 29th on Ticketmaster.com.

Doors will open at 6 PM and the show will begin at 7 PM. You will not need to pre-register for this event, but seating is limited. Bags will NOT be allowed inside the arena. Only students with a valid Gator-1 ID will have access for this free show. It is recommended to arrive promptly in order to secure a spot. We can’t wait to see you all there!

Additional Information

• Gates: Enter through Gate 1
• Camera Policy: Small personal cameras are allowed. No professional cameras and NO DETACHABLE LENSES. The use of a flash is also prohibited.
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Security & Prohibited Items: See the Security Policies listed here »
• Parking: Parking will be available in the O’Connell Center parking garage, as well as the lot surrounding the garage.
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »

For more information on the event, please visit the ACCENT Speakers Bureau Page on Instagram.

Ticket Info

Ticket sales will begin on Monday, August 4th. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or at the O’Connell Center Gate 1 Box Office.

Event Information

• Date: Wednesday, November 19th at 7:00pm
• Doors: 1 hour prior to show start
• Gates: Gate 1 will be open.
• Camera Policy: No cameras are permitted for this event. Cell phone cameras are allowed.
• Video/Audio Recording Policy: Professional video camera equipment is not permitted.
• Concession Information: Open at Gate 1
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Security: See the Security Policies listed here »
• Prohibited Items: Please see above security link
• Parking: Please be advised that the only General Public parking near the O’Connell Center will be in the O’Connell Center parking garage as well as the lot. Parking is first come, first serve and is lifted at 3:30 pm on the weekdays.
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 40 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. 

This year’s show will feature classic Christmas hits from the Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting including 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 25th!

Follow @OConnellCenter on social media for the presale password to purchase tickets starting July 22 at 10:00am!

Purchase tickets HERE

Event Information

• Gates: Gate 1 will be open for the General Public.
• Camera Policy: No cameras are permitted for this event. Cell phone cameras are allowed.
• Video/Audio Recording Policy: Video and audio recording is not allowed
• Concession Information: Open at Gate 1
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Security: See the Security Policies listed here »
• Prohibited Items: Please see above security link
• Parking: Please be advised that the only General Public parking near the O’Connell Center will be in the O’Connell Center parking garage as well as the lot. Parking is first come, first serve and is lifted at 3:30 pm on the weekdays.
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »
• Tickets: Tickets available on Ticketmaster.com and at the O’Connell Center Box Office starting Friday, July 25th

Totally Rad Vintage Fest is a curated vintage event with vintage vendors, activities and more! Feel the nostalgia as you shop from vintage vendors, challenge a friend at the free-play vintage arcade, strike a pose at the throwback photo ops or revel at relics of the past at the Rad Rewind Museum. Our team is constantly dreaming up and building new activations for the event. You never know what new will be at Totally Rad. 

For more event details, go to: https://totallyradvf.com/

Additional Information

• Gates: Enter through Gate 1
• Regular Entry: 10:00am
• Camera Policy: Small personal cameras are allowed. No professional cameras and NO DETACHABLE LENSES. The use of a flash is also prohibited.
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Security & Prohibited Items: See the Security Policies listed here »
• Parking: Parking will be available in the O’Connell Center parking garage, as well as the lot surrounding the garage.
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »

Match Information

• Match Time: 7:00pm
• Doors Open: 1-hour prior to match start
• Admission: Free. No tickets needed for this event.
• Gates: General patrons enter through Gate 1. This will be the only open gate.
• Camera Policy: Small personal cameras are allowed. No professional cameras and NO DETACHABLE LENSES. The use of a flash is also prohibited.
• Video/Audio Recording Policy: Video and audio recording is not allowed
• Concession Information: Available throughout locations on concourse level.
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Security: See the Security Policies listed here »
• Prohibited Items: Please see above security link
• Parking: Parking is lifted on weekends in the parking lot adjacent to the O’Connell Center. Spots will be available inside the parking garage and flat lot. Parking will be on a first come, first served basis. For more information on locations, please refer to our Parking Information page.
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »

Event Information

• Doors: TBD
• Gates: Gate 1 will be open for UF Students.
• Camera Policy: Cameras will be permitted for this event, however tripods will not be permitted.
• Video/Audio Recording Policy: Video and audio recording is not allowed
• Concession Information: Open at Gate 1
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Security: See the Security Policies listed here »
• Prohibited Items: Please see above security link
• Parking: Parking is lifted on campus on the weekends. Spots will be available in both the parking lot and garage adjacent to the O’Connell Center.
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »
• Tickets: This is a free event. Tickets are not required to attend.

Excited to celebrate these University of Florida graduates as they take their next step in the Gator Nation!

Entrance: Gate 1- Doors open @ 5:30pm for guests
Processional: Begins at 6:30pm

Participating Degrees: Arts; Design, Construction and Planning; Health and Human Performance; Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering; Journalism and Communications; Medicine; Nursing; Pharmacy; Public Health and Health Professions; Veterinary Medicine

Additional Information

• Camera Policy: Professional cameras allowed, however, are subject to be searched at the doors
• Concession Information: Concessions available for this event.
• Disabled Patron Services: Accessibility Information
• Accessible Gates: Guests enter through Gate 1. Graduates enter through Gate 4.
• More Information: Visit the Registrar website for more information on this event.
• Security: See the Security Policies listed here.
• Metal Detectors: https://www.oconnellcenter.ufl.edu/metal-detector-screening/
• Prohibited Items: Noisemakers, blow horns, helium balloons and wrapped packages are prohibited. Security and Policies
• Parking: Information found here: Commencement Parking
• Directions: Map and Driving Directions »
• Regalia: Order UF regalia at the UF Commencement website.

For more information on UF Commencements, please visit the Commencement website.