Florida and Geogia are moving their rivalry game out of Jacksonville for two years
While they build a new stadium in Jacksonville "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party id headed to Atlanta and Tampa
The annual rivalry game between the University of Florida Gators and the University of Georgia Bulldogs, known to college football fans worldwide as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” usually played in Jacksonville, is set to hit the road for two years. Gators coach Billy Napier confirmed during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference that Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the matchup in 2026, and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa will welcome the teams in 2027.
Why is the game leaving Jacksonville?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to undertake renovations at EverBank Stadium, which will decrease the stadium’s capacity in 2026 and necessitate its closure in 2027. Following the completion of the renovations, the annual game is anticipated to resume in Jacksonville, as reported by Brett McMurphy of Action Network.
At his weekly press conference, Georgia coach Kirby Smart confirmed the scheduling details during his Wednesday appearance on the SEC coaches’ conference call.
“It’s been talked about and debated for a long time, for a while, since we’ve known the Jacksonville renovation was going to occur and I think the parties involved did a great job managing it and I think Jacksonville did a great job stepping up and making it worthwhile for both universities and I’m excited about the opportunity to play at two different locations,” Smart said. “That’ll be unique and maybe we learn from those two experiences.”
Both Georgia and Florida have considered rotating the game between their home stadiums, but Jacksonville has proven beneficial for both schools over the years. The city has served as an ideal host for the game, being approximately 20 miles from the Florida-Georgia border.
This year they will play in Jacksonville on Saturday
The Florida-Georgia game, scheduled for Saturday in Jacksonville, has been a tradition in the city since 1933, with few exceptions. There was a wartime interruption in 1943. Subsequently, the 1994 game took place in Gainesville, Florida, and the 1995 game was in Athens, Georgia, due to the reconstruction of the Jacksonville stadium in preparation for the inaugural NFL season there.
Where to watch the game and hear the game
This year, the game is scheduled to broadcast at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, featuring the network’s top broadcast team—Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and their crew. For the first time in over a decade, the game will not be aired on CBS, which has become the new home for Big Ten games.
Radio coverage – Florida Gators on WRUF– or they can be found on the TuneIn App.
Georgia Bulldogs Fans can hear the game – On Atlanta based WSB Radio
