The Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators have played most of their games in Jacksonville, Florida, since the rivalry began in 1933. It has been the location for some of the most memorable games between the two SEC rivals.
However, there is the potential that could change next season as a different location could be a possibility.
Why The Location Could Change for Georgia-Florida Game in 2024
Earlier in the year, both Georgia and Florida came to an agreement with TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville on a two-year extension to keep the rivalry game there through 2025. The two teams have been using this location for their rivalry game, as it is also home to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
MORE: Why Does the Florida-Georgia Rivalry Play in Jacksonville?
One issue that could arise is that the Jaguars are doing renovations to TIAA Bank Field.
Back in May, the mayor of Jacksonville, Lenny Curry, said that the renovations would force the Jaguars out of the stadium, which would have an impact on the Florida-Georgia game as well. Two years would be the ideal length of the construction, which would put all three teams in a dilemma.
The Jaguars would have to find a temporary home for two years to play with the hopes of playing somewhere in Jacksonville. This would leave Florida and Georgia wondering where they would play their games.
For all three teams, the only real option in Jacksonville would be Hodges Stadium, where the National Premier Soccer League’s Jacksonville Armada FC play their games. The only issue is that the stadium can only host up to 12,000 fans in the stands.
Georgia and Florida’s easiest option would be just to play in their home stadiums for two seasons before they return to Jacksonville.
They could find another location between Athens, Georgia, and Gainesville, Florida, but that could present a challenge. One option they could look at is Atlanta, as they could play in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium where the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons play.
Orlando has also shown an interest as the mecca of tourism in Central Florida and has a large fanbase from both schools.
Both schools will have to go through some options as it seems that they will most likely not be playing in Jacksonville, depending on the renovation of the stadium. The good news is that they have a few backup plans to work through it.