Welcome to the largest cocktail party in the world. Every year one of the biggest rivals in college football, Georgia and Florida, meets in Jacksonville to showdown.
This year’s game took place on Saturday, Oct. 30 as the Georgia Bulldogs (8-0, 6-0) defeated the Florida Gators (4-4, 2-4) 34-7.
The tradition of the game dates back more than 100 years. Depending on who you ask, Georgia fans will say it began Oct. 15, 1905. Florida fans claim Nov. 6, 1915, as the true first meeting. Whether the Georgia or Florida fans are correct, the game has developed into more than just football.
Georgia fan, Hoke Wilder said, “I have been coming here for over 40 years to watch the game and I plan on coming as long as I am able.”
Festivities begin early in the week as college students and fans all travel to Florida to get their last beach trip of the year and enjoy some football. Not only is the meeting about football, but it is scheduled around Halloween every year. Come and visit Jacksonville and you will see Georgia fans, Florida fans, and some very creative costumes.
“What makes this place so great is that people of all different backgrounds and fan bases can come together and celebrate their love of football.”- Hoke Wilder
While most fans come to just enjoy the atmosphere, some go all out. If you take a walk around the thousands of tailgaters you can find some interesting pieces and setups.
Georgia fan, Dwayne Grant, said, “I found this at a garage sale and had to have it. It has traveled with me to every game and has become part of the tradition.”
Others deck out their vehicles and show their pride as they drive around and become the life of the party at all the different tailgates.
Georgia fan, Luke Viscardi said, “This is my first year coming to the game and I plan on making it every year after this experience.”
The crowds and tailgaters were all very excited to get back to the game as last year’s game was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the 2020 matchup, only 19,000 fans were allowed into TIAA Bank Field. This year seating was required for at least 82,917 fans.
Dave Short, a Florida fan, said, “I’m so happy to finally see us all back together.”
While Florida falls to 4-4, the Bulldogs remain at No. 1 and undefeated at 8-0. This win helped Georgia clinch the SEC East and play for the SEC Championship and possible National Title.
With Florida being ranked fourth in the SEC East and dropping out of the top 25 on the AP polls, the rivals will not be facing each other again this year. Next years game is set to be held on Oct. 29, 2022, in Jacksonville.
