There are a number of reasons that went into the decision, I’m sure. For me, it all comes down to competition.
The annual spring game is the first opportunity to see the 2016 version of the Florida Gators. It’s always difficult to gauge the talent level when it’s Gator on Gator, but fans and observers like me just want to see football played again in The Swamp after a few months of college football withdrawal.
This is true for every school that has a spring game. Usually, they’re played on Saturday afternoon. But moving the game to a Friday night under the lights (and, presumably, have it nationally televised) — is there any better way to see the Gators play?