# Why is the Georgia vs\. Florida Football Game Played in Jacksonville? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/why-is-georgia-florida-game-in-jacksonville/ - Published: 2023-10-30 - Author: Lillie Gabler - Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/) --- Hey there! As a longtime college football fan, I‘m thrilled to share with you the inside story on the legendary neutral site tradition for the Georgia vs. Florida rivalry game in Jacksonville. Grab your gameday snacks and let‘s dive in! ## History of the Most Fierce SEC Rivalry The University of Georgia Bulldogs and the University of Florida Gators first met on the football field in Jacksonville way back in 1904. Georgia crushed the Gators 52-0 in that initial matchup! Over the next three decades, the teams took turns hosting the game at their home stadiums. But by the late 1920s, the rivalry had exploded into one of the biggest in all of college sports. ### Unsportsmanlike Recruiting Tactics As the competition between Georgia and Florida escalated, both schools‘ boosters began resorting to questionable recruitment strategies. Supporters openly bribed players with perks like: - Free meals - Box seats to games - Even cold, hard cash! These tactics led to bitterness between the rival programs. The bidding war over hosting duties turned the rivalry toxic. Something had to give. That‘s where one governor stepped up to the plate. ## How Florida‘s Governor Established a Neutral Site In 1932, Florida Governor Doyle E. Carlton proposed new legislation for determining the Georgia-Florida game‘s location. Carlton‘s bill recommended selecting one neutral site for the yearly matchup. This aimed to avoid the unsavory recruitment temptations offered by Georgia and Florida supporters. ### Jacksonville Steps Up to the Plate At the time, Jacksonville was already a haven for football. The city boasted: - Stories minor league teams - College football events - A ready-to-go stadium Eager to land the coveted rivalry game, Jacksonville officials launched an all-out campaign. They highlighted the city‘s mild autumn weather and excellent facilities. Their tactics paid off. In 1933, Jacksonville hosted the first Georgia vs. Florida game as an official predetermined neutral site. Over 18,000 cheering fans packed Fairfield Stadium for that initial neutral site face-off! And just like that, a beloved new tradition was born. ## Signature Gameday Traditions Electrify Fans Let me tell you, gameday in Jacksonville is an experience like none other! Ask any Bulldogs or Gators fan who‘s made the trip – they‘ll share stories of the electric atmosphere for days. The neutral location allows supporters of both teams to mingle and tailgate together. And you‘ll find just as many RVs adorned with Florida flags as you will Georgia banners. ### Friday Night Lights On the eve of the big game, the good times kick off with the annual "Sea of Red." Thousands of Georgia fans don red attire and congregate on Jacksonville‘s Main Street Bridge. The Bulldog faithful break out in famous chants and songs during this massive pep rally. It really gets the adrenaline pumping for Saturday‘s action! ### Game Day Dawns Early Saturday morning, Gators fans stage their own version of the "Sea of Red." This time, a sea of orange and blue take over downtown. By the time the 3:30 PM kickoff rolls around, the parking lots are buzzing with tailgaters from both sides. And the energy within the stadium as the Dawgs and Gators take the field is electric! Over 84,000 screaming fans fill the stands, ready for an unforgettable battle. ## Huge Financial Windfall for Jacksonville Hosting the Georgia-Florida game pays massive dividends for Jacksonville financially. Just how big is the impact? Visit Jacksonville estimates the yearly revenue generated by the game tops **$30 million.** That‘s huge! Hotels usually sell out completely months before the matchup. Stores stock up on merchandise knowing fans will flock in to buy new gear. Popular restaurants like Bold City Brewery bring in staff from other locations to handle the onslaught of customers. Bartender Greg Thomas shared: > "It‘s absolutely crazy here all weekend long. Our sales double compared to a typical weekend." Numbers like that add up, giving Jacksonville‘s economy a major boost. ## Marquee Matchup of the SEC Season The Georgia-Florida rivalry remains one of the most important games every season in the Southeastern Conference. It‘s almost always a critical matchup with major postseason implications. In 2020, both Georgia and Florida were ranked in the Top 10 nationally when they faced off in Jacksonville. The Gators came away with a decisive 44-28 victory in that game. Just last season, Georgia got revenge, defeating the #1 ranked Gators 34-7 on their way to a national championship. As long as both programs remain powerhouses, the neutral site game in Jacksonville will be a marquee SEC event. ### By the Numbers: Georgia vs. Florida Let‘s take a quick look at some key statistics for this storied rivalry: - Head to Head Record: Georgia leads 53-44-2 - First matchup: 1904 in Jacksonville (UGA won 52-0) - Longest win streak: UGA won 7 straight from 1978-1984 - Last 5 meetings: UGA leads 4-1 - Last matchup: #1 UGA won 34-7 in 2021 ## Preserving the Jacksonville Tradition While there‘s occasionally talk of moving the rivalry game elsewhere, Jacksonville remains the cherished neutral site. Officials credit Gator Bowl Sports, who manage TIAA Bank Field, for retaining the game. Jacksonville and both universities signed an agreement in 2016 securing the city as host through 2023. Civic leaders are already advocating to lengthen the contract. For the schools and their fanbases, traveling to Jacksonville each year to decide bragging rights has become sacred tradition. Here‘s hoping the World‘s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party calls North Florida home for 100 more years! Let me know if you have any other questions about this one-of-a-kind neutral site rivalry game! I‘m already counting down the days until we can "Head Down the Field" once more. Go Dawgs! --- Source: [Why is the Georgia vs\. Florida Football Game Played in Jacksonville?](https://33rdsquare.com/why-is-georgia-florida-game-in-jacksonville/)