• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Florida-Georgia Game Hits the Road Amid $1.4B Stadium Renovation

  • The annual Florida-Georgia college football game will temporarily move away from Jacksonville.
  • NFL venues in Atlanta and Tampa will host the matchup in 2026 and 2027.
Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images

The “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” will hit the road due to the newly approved $1.4 billion renovations set for the Jaguars’ EverBank Stadium.

The annual Florida-Georgia college football game, which has been played in Jacksonville in all but two years since 1933, will be played in Atlanta and Tampa in 2026 and 2027, coaches for both programs confirmed Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s matchup. The No. 2 Bulldogs (6–1) are big favorites over the unranked Gators (4–3).

EverBank Stadium is set to have reduced capacity for Jaguars games in 2026 and will be closed in 2027, forcing one of college football’s oldest neutral-site rivalry games to look for a temporary home. (Coincidentally, the Jaguars could play some games at “The Swamp” in 2027.)

Earlier this week, Jacksonville mayor Donna Deegan said she was “optimistic” that a new contract to continue hosting the Florida-Georgia game in 2028 and beyond would be finalized soon.

Stadium Search

Georgia coach Kirby Smart indicated there were at least discussions about playing the 2026 and 2027 games in Athens and Gainesville, as was the case in 1994 and 1995—when the Jaguars’ current stadium was being built at the site of the old Gator Bowl. “I think that was a consideration,” Smart said during the weekly SEC football coaches’ media teleconference.

But the schools ultimately agreed to stay at neutral NFL sites, albeit ones that will give each school a more “home game” feel. The 2026 contest in Georgia will be played at the Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the 2027 matchup in Florida at the Buccaneers’ Raymond James Stadium, according to the Action Network.

“Kirby and I probably both agree that it’d be awesome to play a home-and-home, but we also know that there’s a tremendous amount of revenue created by having this game in a neutral site,” Florida coach Billy Napier said. 

For years, various coaches at both schools have lamented the missed recruiting opportunities of not being able to entertain top prospects on campus for such a big game. “I think the neutral site will present those same revenue opportunities, and that’s ultimately why the decision was made,” Napier said of playing in Atlanta and Tampa.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) fakes a hand off in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

Amazon Says It Wants to Broadcast a Super Bowl

Jay Marine says he is “optimistic” about airing the Big Game.
exclusive

The Eagles Play Christmas Day for NFL on Netflix

The father-son duo will call the Christmas Day doubleheader again.

Commanders’ $3.8B D.C. Stadium Nears Key Council Vote

The Commanders’ proposed $3.8 billion stadium deal is poised for final approval.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
January 5, 2025; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Hideki Matsuyama hits his fairway shot on the 13th hole during the final round of The Sentry golf tournament at Plantation Course at Kapalua.

PGA Tour’s January Season Opener Won’t Be Played At Kapalua

The Sentry’s longtime home is no longer able to host the tournament.
Aug 22, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Chicago Stars FC forward Jameese Joseph (8) passes the ball during the first half of a match against the North Carolina Courage at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 4, 2025

Chicago Stars FC Move to Evanston After 12 Years in Bridgeview

Stadium plans beyond the 2026 season aren’t solidified. 
Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Denver Broncos helmet against the New Orleans Saints during warmups at Caesars Superdome.
September 9, 2025

Broncos Eye 2031 Opening for New Multibillion-Dollar Stadium

The NFL team plans a new venue and mixed-use development.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
August 28, 2025

As CFB Programs Add Corporate Field Logos, Are Jersey Patches Next?

Texas is adding a sponsor’s logo to its football field this season.
Dec 10, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; A general view of the Delta Center before the game between the Utah Hockey Club and the Minnesota Wild.
August 19, 2025

Utah’s Sports Boom Expands Into Music, Emulating Atlanta

The Jazz and Mammoth owner strikes a major deal with Live Nation.
August 18, 2025

Browns $2.4B Stadium Plan Runs Into Airspace Turbulence

The team’s proposed stadium is deemed a threat to nearby airport operations.
Sofi Stadium
August 14, 2025

Los Angeles Olympics Will be First to Sell Venue Naming Rights

The decision breaks with a longstanding Olympic policy.