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Billy Napier, Kirby Smart address if home-and-home was considered for future of Florida-Georgia game

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•10/30/24•

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Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier and Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart prior to the game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Jacksonville has been the traditional home of the Florida–Georgia rivalry but due to stadium renovations, Atlanta and Tampa Bay will reportedly be the venues in 2026 and 2027. Fans have long called for the matchup to be a true home-and-home, hoping Athens and Gainesville play host. That will not happen, at least in the foreseeable future, as a neutral site remains.

The game has not been played on campus since 1994 (Gainesville) and 1995 (Athens) when there was a home-and-home. Before then, you have to go back to 1932. Just seven of the 102 matchups have taken place in Florida or Georgia’s home stadium.

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So was setting up a home-and-home for ’26 and ’27 ever considered? Billy Napier addressed the situation on Wednesday, saying revenue is ultimately why the Bulldogs and Gators will play in Atlanta and Tampa Bay. Even when considering the game’s future in Jacksonville, Napier cites the money brought in as a huge factor.

“Kirby and I both agree that it would be awesome to play a home-and-home but we also know that there’s a tremendous amount of revenue created by having this game at a neutral site,” the Florida head coach said. “Money makes the world go round and certainly, the amount of revenue, there’s a significant difference in the revenue that’s generated.

“We play in Jacksonville, there’s a historical context to that but there’s also a revenue component as well. I think the neutral site will present the same revenue opportunities and ultimately why the decision was made.”

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Kirby Smart did not have as much information on the topic, not remembering if there were conversations to play in Athens/Gainesville.

“Really don’t remember,” Smart said. “… I really hadn’t been involved in those discussions. I think that was a consideration maybe. But I don’t remember when. I can’t even tell you why.”

Both head coaches are laser-focused on this year’s edition of the game, set to be played in Jacksonville. Georgia is on a three-game win streak in the rivalry and Smart has won six out of eight contests played since taking over. Napier is still looking for his first victory, hoping it comes on Saturday.