JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The annual Florida-Georgia rivalry will take a break from its traditional home and be played at NFL venues while EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is undergoing a $1.4 billion renovation.
The game will relocate to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in 2026 and to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the following year. The game is expected to return to Jacksonville beginning in 2028 on a multiyear contract. Action Network first reported the deal, which Florida coach Billy Napier later confirmed.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to play in both Atlanta and Tampa, both great venues, both will be well run operations," Napier said. "I think we all understand the revenue that this game generates for both athletic departments, so it’s going to be unique, and certainly we’re excited about that opportunity.” The Southeastern Conference rivals chose to bid out “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” instead of playing at campus sites for financial reasons; they can make more money playing in neutral-site venues.
Atlanta was the obvious choice for Georgia's home game in 2006, while Orlando, Miami and Tampa bid on Florida's home game in 2027. The schools have played annually in Jacksonville since 1933, with a two-year hiatus while the Gator Bowl was being renovated before the Jaguars’ inaugural season. The “Cocktail Party” moved to Gainesville in 1994 and Athens, Georgia, the following year.
Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart has been .