Georgia, Florida exploring neutral sites for 2026-27 games with renovations scheduled for Jacksonville stadium

The Georgia and Florida soccer groups have met in Jacksonville, Florida, 91 occasions right through the competition’s storied historical past, however that would possibly alternate within the close to long term — no less than, quickly. EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is predicted to go through a large $2 billion renovation in 2026-27, which might power the sport to be performed in other places. According to the Associated Press, more than one events representing each faculties are pushing for the sport to be performed at neutral sites right through the two-year length fairly than shifting the competition to on-campus sites. 

EverBank Stadium’s everlasting tenant, the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, be expecting to make use of the ability at a discounted capability in 2026 and play at any other location in 2027 if the renovation efforts pass in line with plan. 

There might be a number of choices for neutral-site places if the sport does transfer quickly. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and Camping World Stadium in Orlando have turn into annual locations for neutral-site college football games, and the site of every would make commute simple for each fan bases. 

Only two times since 1933 have the 2 groups met someplace instead of Jacksonville. The sport was once performed on campus at Florida in 1994 and Georgia in 1995 because the then-Gator Bowl was once renovated for the NFL’s enlargement into the marketplace with the Jaguars. Florida crowned Georgia in either one of the ones matchups. 

Florida trainer Billy Napier addressed the site of the sport at SEC Media Days in July. 

“I think that the Florida/Georgia game is an incredible rivalry,” he mentioned. “I think there’s history there. There’s tradition there. There’s a ton of economic implications relative to these decisions. We are going to have to cross that bridge at some point due to the renovations in Jacksonville but there’s benefit to home-at-home from a recruiting perspective, and I think there’s benefit from an economic standpoint for both athletic departments and institution. Right now we have three more years of the same model. I’ve got enough grass to mow right now, so I’m going go focus on the things that are in front of me.”

Georgia crowned Florida 43-20 on Saturday to increase its successful streak within the competition to twenty-five games.