For decades, the annual Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville has been one of college football’s most celebrated traditions — a neutral-site showdown where half the stadium bleeds orange and blue and the other half dawns red and black. But a two-year pause is coming as major upgrades transform EverBank Stadium into the “Stadium of the Future.”
Due to ongoing construction, the 2026 matchup will be held in Atlanta, and Tampa will host in 2027, ending — for now — the uninterrupted tradition that has drawn generations of fans to Jacksonville.
Supporters who camp out in RV City, the vibrant pre-game hub adjacent to the stadium, say they are excited about improvements but know something will feel different until the rivalry comes home.
“It is a little sad to be honest (to move the game temporarily), but we are very thankful for the stadium and very thankful for the construction that is going to go on because it is bringing so much more to it,” said Gators fan Brandon Ayers, who has secured an RV City spot every year since 2016. “When we are packing up on Sunday, I think that it will hit more than anything because some of these folks, we don’t get to see often. This is kind of like a family reunion a lot of times.”
Bulldogs supporters agree that while the setting will change, the rivalry spirit won’t fade.
“You won’t be looking out to the St. Johns River,” fan Jerry Searcy said, “but I think it’s going to be so great and a great stadium.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ $1.4 billion stadium overhaul — dubbed the “Stadium of the Future” — aims to deliver:
A futuristic covered design with a shade canopy to reduce heat
Expanded concourse and fan amenity space
Upgraded technology, premium seating, and sustainability features
A venue capable of hosting major sporting events and concerts year-round
City leaders and Jaguars ownership have stressed that while the temporary disruption impacts a beloved college tradition, the results will pay long-term dividends.
When the stadium reopens in 2028, Florida and Georgia will once again bring the rivalry back to a transformed stage — one expected to elevate the fan experience and support Jacksonville’s tourism economy for decades.
RV City isn’t just a parking lot — it’s a centerpiece of the rivalry weekend. Fans gather days in advance, grilling, decorating, and creating memories in what many describe as a second home.
Losing that — even temporarily — brings mixed emotions:
The passion of both fan bases
Long-running friendships renewed once a year
A weekend celebration woven into Jacksonville culture
Many say the final tailgate before the pause will feel like the end of an era — and the start of an exciting new one.
The rivalry will continue — just in new venues for the time being. And if construction stays on schedule, Jacksonville’s iconic football divide will return stronger than ever.
Fans say they’re ready to hit the road — but they’ll also be counting down the days.
Originally reported by news 4 JAX.
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