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Report: Florida-Georgia Exploring Alternate Neutral Sites for 2026-27 Bouts

If Everbank Stadium undergoes proposed renovations during the 2026-27 seasons, the Florida-Georgia matchup looks to move to alternate neutral sites, reports say.
Brandon Carroll|
Report: Florida-Georgia Exploring Alternate Neutral Sites for 2026-27 Bouts
Report: Florida-Georgia Exploring Alternate Neutral Sites for 2026-27 Bouts

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The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party matchup between Florida and Georgia is expected to move to an alternate neutral site in 2026 and 2027 if the City of Jacksonville approves proposed renovation to EverBank Stadium, the Associated Press reports.

Just one day removed from Georgia's 43-20 dismantling of Florida in the annual contest between state-line foes, the two programs have once again begun looking to the future of the series.

When news initially surfaced regarding the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stadium renovation proposal — which would force the NFL franchise to operate in front of a reduced capacity crowd in season one before playing elsewhere in season two of the two-year process — the idea of a home-and-home deal was floated to send the bout to Athens in 2026 before heading to Gainesville in 2027. It would follow the mold of the 1994 and 1995 seasons when the former Gator Bowl was reworked to accommodate the Jaguars ahead of their inaugural campaign.

However, the near-$3 million in revenue brought in by each party at a neutral site is too much to overlook, resulting in the desire to move in another direction.

According to the AP, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta would likely be the host site for the contest in 2026 due to Georgia's designation as the home squad. In 2027, Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami have been explored as options.

The ticket distribution would remain even amid the relocation, preserving the 50-50 fanbase split, which has grown synonymous with the game.

No deal is set in stone at this time, as it is contingent on Jacksonville's city council approval for EverBank Stadium’s immense facelift.

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Brandon Carroll
BRANDON CARROLL

Brandon Carroll is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. He serves as the lead reporter for the Florida Gators FanNation-Sports Illustrated website, covering football, basketball and recruiting. When he isn't hard at work, he enjoys listening to music, playing flag football and basketball, spending time with his friends and family, and watching an array of television shows. Follow him on Twitter @itsbcarroll.

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