**Georgia-Florida Rivalry Game to Relocate in 2026 and 2027 Amid Jacksonville Stadium Renovations**

The perennial Georgia-Florida football clash will see a change of venue in 2026 and 2027, with the iconic matchups scheduled to take place in Atlanta and Tampa, respectively. This shift comes as Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium undergoes significant renovations. The development was initially reported by the Action Network and later confirmed by Florida coach Billy Napier during an SEC teleconference.

Napier expressed confidence in the new arrangements, highlighting the financial benefits that these high-profile games bring to both athletic departments. "Both will be well-run operations," he remarked, emphasizing the substantial revenue generated by such events. This annual game, affectionately dubbed the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," has a long history in Jacksonville, dating back to 1929, excluding a brief period in 1994-1995 when the venue was rebuilt.

The arrangement to host the 2026 and 2027 games in neutral cities marks a departure from the traditional format. This decision comes in light of mounting financial pressures on athletic departments, particularly with the anticipated $20 million annual revenue sharing with athletes set to commence next year. Notably, the move to high-profile neutral sites also mirrors Georgia Tech securing a $10-million guarantee from Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a game against Georgia in 2025, showcasing the lucrative potential of such arrangements.

Historically, the Jacksonville agreement has been financially favorable, with each school receiving a $1.5 million guarantee per game alongside substantial ticket revenue shared equally between them, estimated at $3-4 million each. The local economy also benefits, with the city of Jacksonville estimating an annual infusion of over $30 million from the event.

Georgia's athletic director Josh Brooks hinted at a renewal with Jacksonville during a board meeting in May, reflecting on future possibilities once the stadium renovation is complete. Despite Georgia coach Kirby Smart's preference for hosting the game on campus to bolster recruiting efforts, he acknowledges the financial rationale for maintaining the Jacksonville tradition, especially with the new revenue-sharing landscape on the horizon.

Overall, the temporary relocation to Atlanta and Tampa represents a strategic move to continue the historic rivalry while maximizing revenue and accommodating necessary infrastructure improvements in Jacksonville.