• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 12, 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

NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Jeff Kaplan

Letting PE Invest in Family-Owned Teams Is a ‘Watershed’

Liquidity gives owners greater flexibility to manage salary cap.
Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

LIV Golf’s New Leadership Reapplies for World Ranking Points

The league’s first attempt was denied in 2023.

Featured Today

Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Oct 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of the Wells Fargo Center before game between Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.

New Philly Arena Will Redefine Home-Court Advantage, CEO Says

The forthcoming venue will arrive with plenty of ambition among its owners.
July 9, 2025

Browns $600M Stadium Deal Hit With Suit Over ‘Unclaimed’ Money

Ohio’s use of unclaimed funds for a new stadium is challenged legally.
April 19, 2022; Austin, TX, USA; Tim Leiweke of the Oak View Group speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Moody Center, a multi-purpose arena that will be home to concerts and the UT basketball teams on Tuesday April 19, 2022.
July 9, 2025

Oak View Founder Tim Leiweke Indicted for Alleged Rigged Arena Bid

The longtime sports executive leaves his day-to-day leadership role.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 8, 2025

Chiefs Delay Stadium Decision As Kansas Dangles Dome Dreams

Kansas legislators extend bonds for potential Chiefs and Royals facilities.
Jul 3, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner (ITA) returns a shot during his match against Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) on day seven at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 7, 2025

Wimbledon’s Expansion Battle Looms Over Star-Studded Quarterfinals

The expansion’s loudest opposition is Save Wimbledon Park.
July 2, 2025

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.
July 1, 2025

$600M for Browns Stadium Sparks Cleveland Backlash, Possible Lawsuit

The awarding of public funds draws criticism and could bring a lawsuit.