The clubs will return to EverBank Stadium after playing in Atlanta and Tampa during the construction process.
The city of Jacksonville announced on November 1 that the annual Florida-Georgia football game will return to the city for a period of four years, commencing in 2028, following the conclusion of renovations to EverBank Stadium.
The city announced in a news release that it has reached an agreement with the universities of Florida and Georgia to maintain the game in Jacksonville. The game is currently being played in the city this year and in 2025 as the stadium project is ongoing. Atlanta and Tampa will host the event in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
The city would provide the teams with $1.5 million annually during the 2026 and 2027 seasons, totaling $3 million per team, in accordance with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding. Other terms that pertain to those years include the city’s presentation of the Hall of Fame Luncheon and induction ceremony at each alternate site, as well as the advertising of the game.
The city will ensure that each institution receives a minimum of $10 million in 2028 and 2029. This amount will increase to $10.5 million for the 2030 and 2031 games.
Georgia will receive a $350,000 travel honorarium from the city, while Florida will receive a $60,000 stipend.
Each institution will acquire 25,000 to 30,000 tickets for each game. Ticket prices must at least average $250, or the average ticket price of the 2026 and 2027 games, whichever is higher. Ticket inventory, pricing, and distribution will be overseen by the city.
The city will be responsible for the cost of stadium personnel and security. However, in contrast to previous years, the city will receive all revenue from sponsorships, concessions, and parking. The institutions will cover the costs of team and conference expenses, including compensation for game officials and sideline personnel.
The agreement would “provide an opportunity” for the game to be profitable for the city, bring tens of thousands of spectators and millions in economic development to Jacksonville, and “meet the financial and operational needs of the schools,” according to the release.
“We are delighted to continue the cherished tradition of the Georgia-Florida rivalry game in Jacksonville for an additional four years.” “It is the outcome of numerous months of intensive collaboration with our partners at the University of Florida and the University of Georgia,” stated Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan in the release.
Since 1933, the game has been played in Jacksonville every year except for three. The exceptions were in 1943 and for a period of two years commencing in 1994, during the construction of EverBank Stadium.
The schools’ current agreement with the city was scheduled to expire following the 2025 game, which prompted speculation that they may opt to switch venues.
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