The annual rivalry game between the University of Florida and the University of Georgia will shift to Raymond James Stadium in 2027, due to the ongoing stadium renovations at Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium. This iconic matchup marks Tampa as the host city for the first time since 1919, when Plant Field hosted the thrilling clash. Tampa’s hotels, restaurants, and attractions are preparing for a major boost in business, mirroring the 70,000-strong crowd Jacksonville traditionally draws.
“What better place to hold the ‘world’s largest outdoor cocktail party’ than the world’s greatest city?” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor remarked in a statement. The Florida-Georgia game has earned its nickname, the “world’s largest outdoor cocktail party,” from the massive number of spirited tailgaters representing both schools.
A year prior to the Tampa game, the teams will meet at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2026, skipping campus sites in Gainesville and Athens during EverBank Stadium’s renovations. This move is strategically aimed at maximizing revenue during a time when athletic departments face rising costs and budget pressures.
Starting next year, a revenue-sharing model requiring nearly $20 million in yearly payouts to college athletes will commence, stemming from a recent lawsuit settlement. The initial report of this game relocation in 2026 and 2027 was shared by Brett McMurphy of The Action Network, with Florida’s coach Billy Napier confirming the news during a Wednesday teleconference.
“Kirby [Smart, UGA coach] and I probably both agree that it’d be awesome to play home-and-home, but we also know there’s a tremendous amount of revenue created at a neutral site,” Napier shared. “While Jacksonville holds historical significance, the neutral sites in Atlanta and Tampa will also offer revenue benefits, driving the decision.”
Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium is undergoing a $1.4 billion renovation, which includes a new canopy to shade all seats, potentially lowering temperatures by up to 15 degrees. During this renovation, Jaguars games will be paused, and the stadium is expected to reopen in 2028, capable of expanding seating beyond its 70,000-seat capacity to accommodate future Florida-Georgia games.
Georgia currently dominates the rivalry, winning six out of the last seven games, and leads the series with a 56-44-2 record.
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