Greetings | The Stephen C. O'Connell Center welcomes you! If you have any questions about visiting our venue, please contact the Box Office at 352-392-1653, that's 3. 5. 2. 3. 9. 2. 1. 6. 5. 3. or the O'Connell Center administrative offices at 352-392-5500.
Parking: Parking will be first come, first served in the parking garage and flat lot adjacent to the O’Connell Center on the corner of Gale Lemerand and University Ave. For more information on locations, please refer to our Parking Information page.
“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 Thorn is immersive and includes flashing/strobe lights, visual effects, loud music, low fog and haze.
Due to some intense scenes, the show is recommended for ages 12+. All seats are ticketed. For more details, please visit our FAQs at www.thethorn.com.
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!
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.
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!
A warning to any fans with light sensitivity that strobing effects will be used during light shows within the Harlem Globetrotters game.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
