Here’s Everything You Need to Know for the 2018 Florida – Georgia Game

Masses of football fans are currently descending upon Jacksonville for this weekend’s gridiron match-up between the #7-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and #9-ranked Florida Gators at TIAA Bank Field.

The annual game has long been dubbed the “largest outdoor tailgate in the world,” and with both teams ranked in the top ten this year, the stakes are as high as they’ve been in years.

If you’re planning on joining the party, here’s just about everything you need to know about the game and the weekend of activities.

THE GAME

As mentioned, the game features the Bulldogs and Gators facing in an inter-conference showdown.

The game will take place at TIAA Bank Field on Saturday at 3:30 PM. The stadium’s parking lots will open at 8 AM Saturday morning, with gates opening to the stadium itself at 1:30 PM.

The city encourages fans to arrive five hours early due to the anticipated traffic, and they also suggest utilizing JTA’s Gameday Xpress or the River Taxi.

ESPN College GameDay will host their weekly pregame show from the stadium for the first time since 2005.

As always, parking and seating is separated by fan-base. The Bulldogs’ fans will be on the stadium’s west end, and Gator fans will be on the east.

THE CELEBRATIONS

This year, the city is hosting a series of fan experience events at the stadium. On Friday night, country musician Corey Smith will play a free show at Daily’s Place’s flex field. There will be food and drinks available for purchase, and the music will begin at 8:00 PM.

On Saturday morning, the flex field will host an interactive game-day experience with giveaways, vendors, food trucks, tailgating games, and beverages.

The annual Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on the flex field at noon. Quarterback Aaron Murray and linebacker Boss Bailey will be Georgia’s inductees, while Florida will add defensive end Alex Brown and wide receiver Percy Harvin.

RULE CHANGES AT THE LANDING

As usual, Jacksonville Landing will be hosting two days of celebratory events leading up to and during the game. The city finally granted the venue a permit this week after a now customary back-and-forth between the two sides.

But this year, there will be a few new rules. The Landing will be charging $10 for admission, and crowds will be much more controlled and limited than in recent years – a result of the mass shooting event that occurred at the venue months ago. Security presence will be heavy, and you can expect to have any bags or purses searched.

The Landing festivities kick off at noon Friday with live music on the riverfront stage. Performances from Uncommon Legends, Briteside Band, and DJ Seven will carry the party into the early Saturday morning hours – as will a pre-party at Mavericks Live that starts at 6:00 PM. On Saturday, Trey Tucker Band will play from 11 AM to 3 PM leading into the annual game watch party on the venue’s giant screen. After the game, Bay Kings Band will perform as well. Mavericks will also be hosting a watch party and after-party.

SAFETY FIRST

“Safety zones” will be set up around the stadium, the Landing, and downtown Jacksonville as a whole. They’ll provide free first aid, information, directions, phone service, charging stations, water, and other essential services.

To learn even more about the game and what to expect, visit https://flgajax.com