When Gatornationals start next Thursday, there might be fewer people in the stands, because there might be fewer places to sleep near the stands.

Alachua County leaders haven't given the Alachua County Fair Association permission to use the fairgrounds for camping because of a debt the association owes.

GRU officials say the fair association owes them more than $44,000 in unpaid utility bills. County officials say the association owes previous fair exhibitors money too.

Gainesville Raceway's executive general manager says he hopes a deal can be worked out, and not just because of his bottom line.

County officials say in December they told the fair association that they had to work out a payment plan with GRU if they wanted to have camping for Gatornationals.

They say the association is trying to make that happen now, but they might have waited too long to get through the necessary steps for approval by Thursday.