Kirby Smart, Billy Napier react to report Florida-Georgia game moving to Atlanta, Tampa in 2026, 2027

The Florida–Georgia rivalry — best known as The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party — will be taking the show on the road after years of playing in a neutral site in Jacksonville, starting in 2026, according to a report from The Action Network. And it’s a move that both head coaches were excited for.

The first non-Jacksonville site will be Atlanta in 2026, giving the Bulldogs a game closer to campus. In 2027, the roles will reverse, as Georgia travels near Florida’s campus to play in Tampa.

“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 and I think the parties involved did a great job managing it and I think Jacksonville did a great job stepping up and making it worthwhile for both universities and I’m excited about the opportunity to play at two different locations,” Smart said on the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday. “That’ll be unique and maybe we learn from those two experiences.”

The game was expected to be moved out of Jacksonville for some time in the coming years, as EverBank Stadium — the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars — undergoes renovations.

And along with Smart, Gators coach Billy Napier was enthused by the chance to head to new locations.

He also acknowledged how giving this game big billing is a crucial annual revenue generator for both schools.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to play both in Atlanta and Tampa,” Napier said on the teleconference. “Both great venues, both will be well-ran operations. I think we all understand the revenue that this game generates for both athletic departments. So, you know, I think it’s going to be unique and certainly we’re excited about that opportunity.” 

The game is reportedly slated to return to Jacksonville in 2028.