Florida vs Georgia looking to remain neutral site game amid renovations to EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, per report

There’s nothing quite like “the World’s Largest Cocktail Party,” also known as the annual Florida–Georgia game. One special detail about the historic rivalry is the location. The game is held in Jacksonville, Fla. each year, most recently played at EverBank Stadium.

However, with major renovations on the way to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ home base, Florida and Georgia are in search for a new home for their rivalry. According to the Associated Press, the programs shouldn’t have much trouble.

“Although they haven’t completely ruled out playing a home-and-home series in 2026 and ’27, administrators are focused on letting cities with NFL-ready stadiums bid on the game, according to two people familiar with the planning,” Mark Long wrote. “The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the process hasn’t been formalized or finalized.

“The next move is contingent on Jacksonville’s city council approving plans for a stadium overhaul that also would force the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars to play home games in front of a reduced capacity (roughly 40,000) in 2026 and elsewhere in 2027. Georgia and Florida, meanwhile, would play outside Jacksonville for the first time in more than three decades.”

Wherever the next game is hosted it will become a part of a storied history. The first game in the rivalry acknowledged by both schools took place in Jacksonville in 1915. The two teams have met ever since 1926 except in 1943, when Florida did not field a team due to World War II.

Florida and Georgia look for the jackpot

Further, the two teams have played in Jacksonville every season since 1933 except for 1994-95. Financially, the annual matchup is a win-win, with the two schools splitting ticket sales. Additionally, the rivalry game is a cash cow for Jacksonville, bringing in thousands of fans from across the nation.

Like most things, the next destination for the World’s Largest Cocktail Party will depend on money.

“The payout from Jacksonville is roughly $3 million for each school in 2023, a figure that includes $1.25 million guaranteed plus a split of ticket revenue and concession sales,” Long wrote. “The guaranteed payout for each school increases to $1.5 million in 2024 and 2025, the final two years of the current contract.

“Georgia also receives $350,000 annually to cover its charter flights, buses and lodging while Florida receives $60,000 because no flights are required. A Florida home game, by comparison, generates between $2 million and $5 million depending on the opponent. So a home-and-home series would bring in less revenue over a two-year span than a neutral-site game.”

Georgia has the won the last three meetings between the two programs, most recently defeating Florida 43-20 on Saturday.