Coach Steve Spurrier teams up to tackle prostate cancer at 2nd Annual Tailgate & Testing event
Press release from UF Health Cancer Institute, Man Cave Health, and Prostate Cancer Foundation
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Gators legend Coach Steve Spurrier is calling on Gator Nation to join him for a powerful cause off the field — the Second Annual Tailgate & Testing Event. Gator Fanfest will be held 4:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m., ahead of the Florida vs. Tennessee game on Saturday, November 22, outside of Gate 2 at the Exactech Arena adjacent to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. This life-saving event offers PSA blood tests for prostate cancer screening, exclusive Gator swag, and a chance to fight prostate cancer together.
Presented by Man Cave Health, in partnership with the UF Health Cancer Institute and Prostate Cancer Foundation, this initiative brings vital health resources to the heart of Gator football culture, Gator Fanfest.
“Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men,” said Coach Spurrier. “But early detection changes everything — the 10-year survival rate is nearly 100% when caught early. That’s why I’m proud to support this event again, and I hope every Gator fan will take a few minutes to get screened before kickoff.”
Watch Coach Spurrier’s message here:
“As we enter year two of Tailgate & Testing, it’s clear this initiative is changing lives,” said Chris Masters, Executive Director of Man Cave Health. “Men who might never have been screened are stepping up for themselves and their families. That’s what makes our partnership with the UF Health Cancer Institute and the Prostate Cancer Foundation so meaningful — together, we’re breaking barriers and building a healthier community.”
Why It Matters
- 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
- 1 in 4 Black men will face the disease and are more than twice as likely to die from it
- Early detection = survival: When detected early, the 10-year survival rate is nearly 100%
Despite these numbers, millions of men delay or avoid screenings due to stigma, fear, or lack of awareness. The Tailgate & Testing Event removes barriers by offering quick, confidential PSA screenings in a comfortable, community-driven setting.
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with UF Health Cancer Institute and Man Cave Health for this year’s Tailgate & Testing event,” says Gina Carithers, President & CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. “Football brings families, friends, and communities together, and that same energy can help save lives. By turning game day into a moment for men to take charge of their health, we’re showing that a simple blood test can be the most important play of the day.”
Event Details
Blending Gator game day excitement with a life-saving cause, fans can enjoy the tailgate lounge and get cool swag and visits from Gator greats while also getting critical men’s health information and screening. The Man Cave Health, UF Health Cancer Institute, and Prostate Cancer Foundation teams will be on-site, offering PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood tests to all eligible participants, educational materials, and answering questions about prostate health.
What: Second Annual Tailgate & Testing Event
When: Saturday, November 22, 4:30-7:30 p.m., prior to the Florida vs. Tennessee game
Where: Gator Fanfest, outside of Gate 2 at Exactech Arena
Who: Open to all male fans, especially those over 40 or with a family history of prostate cancer
Presented by: Man Cave Health, Prostate Cancer Foundation, UF Health Cancer Institute
Screenings Provided: PSA blood tests via the UF Health Mobile Cancer Screening Connector
“Appropriate screening remains a critical component in the diagnosis of treatment of prostate cancer,” said Paul Crispen, M.D., the David A. Cofrin Endowed Chair of Urologic Oncology at the UF College of Medicine and associate director for clinical research at the National Cancer Institute-designated UF Health Cancer Institute. “This is especially important in our region, which continues to see too many men diagnosed with advanced disease.”
Gainesville resident Joe Johnson, who has participated in some of the UF Health Cancer Institute’s Power Over Cancer events, encouraged all eligible men to get tested for prostate cancer.
“Listen to your docto,r and when they tell you it’s time to be screened for prostate cancer, please do so,” Johnson said. “As a survivor of prostate cancer, which I had no idea I had, I listened to my primary care physician and found out I had early-stage prostate cancer six years ago. I am now free of prostate cancer because I listened.”
Join the Mission
Participants will receive:
- PSA Blood Test
- Official Gator Swag
- A chance to protect their health and support a winning cause.
Let’s go Gators — and let’s beat prostate cancer together!