GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The nation’s top collegiate gymnastics matchup arrives in Gainesville this Friday, as No. 1 Oklahoma visits No. 5 Florida for the 20th Annual Gators Link to Pink presented by UF Health. The event, set for at 6:45 p.m. In the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, promises a high-level competition while raising awareness for breast cancer prevention, and treatment.
This year’s Link to Pink meet carries added significance as it’s been designated the nation’s top meet of the weekend. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., allowing fans ample time to settle in before the competition begins. The meet will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, with commentary provided by Olympians Sam Peszek, Aly Raisman, and John Roethlisberger, and sideline reporting by Taylor Davis.
The Gators Link to Pink initiative extends beyond the competition floor. Events focused on breast cancer awareness and support will be integrated throughout the evening. As part of a broader Southeastern Conference initiative, both teams will trade their traditional colors for pink attire, demonstrating solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. Attendees will receive a complimentary pink t-shirt, courtesy of UF Health.
The atmosphere inside the Exactech Arena is expected to be particularly moving, as breast cancer survivors will line the floor exercise area to welcome the Gators onto the competition floor. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:45 p.m. To fully participate in this celebratory moment.
Friday’s contest marks the 20th meeting between the two programs since 2013, with Oklahoma holding a 13-6-1 advantage in those matchups, including victories in all three encounters in 2025. However, Florida has historically performed well against the Sooners on their home turf, securing wins in both of Oklahoma’s previous visits to the O’Connell Center as the No. 1 team in the nation (in 2014 and 2018).
Oklahoma enters the meet as the nation’s top-ranked team, having posted the three highest team totals of the season: 198.425, 198.20, and 198.175. Florida’s season-best score of 198.05, achieved in their last home meet on , ranks fifth nationally.
The Gators are coming off a challenging road meet at Missouri on , where they suffered their first loss of the season, 197.20 – 196.50. A season-low score on uneven bars hampered Florida’s performance, but strong showings on vault and beam, led by individual victories from Selena Harris-Miranda and Kayla DiCello, provided bright spots.
Harris-Miranda, who secured meet-leading vaults of 9.95 and floor scores of 9.90 against Missouri, has been a consistent performer for the Gators this season, earning three individual wins. DiCello matched her season-best of 9.95 on beam in the same meet, sharing the event title.
Danie Ferris also contributed significantly to Florida’s score against Missouri, posting a 9.90 on vault and floor. EMjae Frazier also earned a 9.90 on uneven bars.
Fans planning to attend the meet are encouraged to utilize available parking and transportation options. Season parking holders can enter the O’Connell Center lot via Lemerand Drive or SW 2nd Avenue. A complimentary parking shuttle will operate from Garage 109, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Waze app is recommended for real-time traffic updates. Lemerand Drive will be closed briefly following the meet to ensure pedestrian safety.
Tickets for Friday’s meet are available for purchase online at FloridaGators.com or at the Gator Ticket Office. Gates 1 will be open for general admission, while students should enter through Gate 3. Fans are reminded that all Gator Athletics tickets are now mobile and should be added to their digital wallets for seamless entry. Metal detectors will be in use at all entrances.
The Stephen C. O’Connell Center is now a cashless venue, accepting credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Cash can be exchanged for gift cards at concession stand 222 inside Gate 1. In addition to the competition, fans can enjoy various promotional activities, including giveaways at Gate 1 and activities for children at the O2B Kid’s Corner.
