GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A three-day journey that covered 4,720 miles and included a two-night stop in Atlanta reached the high point when the Hawai'i football team yesterday walked through a tunnel and emerged in the Land of Oohs and Ahs.

The Warriors, who open the season today against fifth-ranked Florida, were greeted by this orange-and-blue sign: "This is ... The Swamp."

"It's pretty amazing," UH athletic director Jim Donovan said of The Swamp (Ben Hill Griffin Stadium). "This thing holds 90,000 people. I have a feeling there will be a lot of chomping (motions by Gator fans), and not too many people cheering for the Warriors. It's very impressive, and there's nobody here right now. Imagine what it's going to be like when it's full."

The Swamp has a seating capacity of nearly 90,000. There is no volume limit.

During the one-hour walk-through, several Warriors shot videos of the stadium.

Many just gazed.

Cornerback Jameel Dowling played futbol with a football.

"This," UH head coach Greg McMackin said of the outing, "was just showing them the stadium."

Indeed, the real preparation started in January, when McMackin was named as June Jones' successor. It is why, when asked about possible first-day butterflies, McMackin smiled and said: "This isn't my first luau."

McMackin has been a successful defensive coach in the NCAA and NFL.

McMackin, who used to be the defensive coordinator at the University of Miami, is familiar with Florida's humidity. That is why he brought in an NFL conditioning coach, and also consulted with an expert in hydration. McMackin's training camp focused on sprints instead of long runs, and frequent water breaks.

He also took great care in crafting his first lineup. Two weeks ago, he named Brent Rausch as the No. 1 quarterback, announcing the third-year sophomore would start against Florida. But when Rausch's effectiveness was hindered because of a strained right forearm and biceps in his throwing arm, McMackin gave reps — and then the starting quarterback's job — to fourth-year junior Greg Alexander.

"We went with the guy who's going to give us the best chance to win," McMackin said. "And (Alexander) has been getting the most reps in the last two weeks. That was important."

Two weeks ago, "at that point," McMackin said, "Brent was better. But Greg was hurting then. His feet were bothering him. Now he's fine. And Brent has been playing good. He'll be the next guy in the game."

The Warriors finished their game plan this week. They implemented several new plays that they may or may not use against Florida.

After training for two days in Atlanta, they arrived in Ocala, Fla., Thursday afternoon.

McMackin wanted a walk-through practice in The Swamp, but knew there would be distractions. UH's road practices are open to the Hawai'i media, family members and close friends.

As a compromise, the Warriors worked out for an hour on the lawn next to the hotel pool.

After that, they boarded two buses. A sheriff and several police officers on motorcycles led the buses on the 40-mile drive to the Gators' campus.

In The Swamp, the Warriors went through their usual scoring drill. After that, they practiced their new ha'a. They will perform it at the end of pre-game warmups today.

Then it was back to the hotel for dinner and more meetings.

McMackin said the Warriors are representing the fans who will be watching the game that kicks off at 6:30 a.m. Hawai'i time.

"We play for Hawai'i and the people of Hawai'i," McMackin said. "That's who I feel responsible for. I have to have these guys ready to play. This is a big challenge. There are a lot of brick walls to get through. But I believe in my players and I believe in my coaches."