Georgia-Florida Rivalry to Be Played in Atlanta and Tampa

With the Jacksonville Jaguars getting approval to renovate EverBank Stadium into the "Stadium of the Future", the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators were forced to find somewhere new to continue their rivalry until the stadium update is complete. The only other time that the rivalry game was moved from Jacksonville since 1944 was during the 1994 and 1995 seasons, also due to stadium renovations. The games were played in Athens and Gainesville those two years.

Of course playing a home and home series during the 2026 and 2027 seasons was discussed, but it has been decided that the Dawgs and Gators will meet in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2026 and in Tampa's Raymond James Stadium in 2027. On Wednesday's SEC Teleconference, both Kirby Smart and Billy Napier were asked about the decision to keep the game at neutral sites and if there were any discussions about playing the games on campus again.

"I'm so engulfed in the game," Smart said. "I recognize why it's a story for you guys, but I'm so consumed by our team. We're trying to get our team better for Florida, that's my focus. I mean, I really hadn't been involved in those discussions. I think that was a consideration maybe, but I don't even remember when and I can't even tell you why it did go one way or the other, to be honest with you."

Smart is excited about the opportunity to play at two different locations.

"It's been talked about and debated for a long time — for a while, since we've known the Jacksonville renovation was going to occur. I think the parties involved did a great job of managing it. I think Jacksonville did a great job stepping up and making it worthwhile for both universities," Smart said. "I'm excited about the opportunity to play at two different locations, so that'll be unique. Maybe we learn from those two experiences."

Napier pointed to revenue as the determining factor to continuing to play neutral site games until the construction is done in Jacksonville.

"I think we've been asked this question, this is about the 50th time I've been asked this question. Look, Kirby and I probably both agree that it'd be awesome to play home-and-home," Napier continued, "but we also know that there's a tremendous amount of revenue, there's a significant difference in the revenue generated."

Georgia currently leads the series against Florida 56-44-2, with Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs winning six out of the last seven games against the Gators. Georgia improved to 6-1 overall and a 4-1 record in the SEC play after upsetting then No. 1 Texas on the road two weeks ago. Florida is 4-3 overall, with a 2-2 record in the SEC after defeating Kentucky 48-20 two Saturdays ago. Georgia is a 16.5 point favorite against Florida.

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