Florida–Georgia Game in Jacksonville: Dates, Parking, Tailgating, RV City & Insider Tips

Florida–Georgia Game in Jacksonville: Dates, Parking, Tailgating, RV City & Insider Tips

 

Quick facts (2025)

  • Date & time: Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 – Kickoff 3:30 PM. Gates typically open at 1:30 PM; Fan Fare opens at 10:00 AM.
  • Venue: EverBank Stadium, 1 EverBank Stadium Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
  • Home/visitor sides: In odd-numbered years Florida is the home team (west side); Georgia is visiting (east side).
  • Clear-bag policy: NFL-style. Clear bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" or clutch up to 4.5" x 6.5"; medical exceptions allowed.
  • Parking: Stadium lots and nearby fairgrounds lots open at 8:00 AM; most require pre-purchased passes and fill hours before kickoff.
  • RV City: The fan-favorite RV City sits in Lot E across from the stadium and typically opens Tuesday of game week. For 2025, private RV lots list Oct 29–Nov 2 windows. 

What is the Florida–Georgia game and why Jacksonville?

The Florida–Georgia rivalry has been staged in Jacksonville since 1933 (with only rare exceptions). It’s one of college football’s signature neutral-site showdowns, drawing massive crowds and a weekend of tailgates that popularized the unofficial nickname “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” (The schools and networks don’t use the nickname officially anymore, but you’ll still hear it.)

Renovation note

Jacksonville hosts the game in 2025. Due to the $1.4B “Stadium of the Future” renovation, the matchup shifts to Atlanta (2026) and Tampa (2027), then returns to Jacksonville 2028–2031 under a renewed deal.

Game-day timeline

  • 8:00 AM – Stadium & fairgrounds parking opens. Arrive early; traffic stacks up and most lots are pre-sold.
  • 10:00 AM – Fan Fare opens (family-friendly fun zone).
  • 1:30 PM – Stadium gates open; new walk-through magnetometers & self-scan ticket kiosks speed entry. Keep your clear bag handy.
  • 3:30 PM – Kickoff. (Florida sideline: west; Georgia: east.)

Pro tip: Aim to be parked ~5 hours before kickoff (by ~10:30 AM) to beat traffic and stroll into tailgates without rushing.

RV City, tailgating & parking.

RV City (Lot E)

  • A tradition steps from the stadium. Lot E across from EverBank Stadium. Expect a festive, all-week camp of Gators & Dawgs. Historically opens Tuesday of game week; 2025 private RV windows show Oct 29–Nov 2. Book early. 

Parking basics

  • Pre-purchase official stadium or fairgrounds parking where possible; lots open at 8 AM and can fill hours before kickoff.
  • Private operators near the Sports Complex (e.g., Tailgaters Parking) also offer car/RV spaces during game week.
  • Check your pass for lot opening times, tailgating rules, and egress routes to avoid gridlock. (Most lots require you to clear out within ~2 hours after the game.)

Bag & entry

  • Follow the NFL clear-bag standard to breeze through security: clear tote ≤12"×6"×12" or small clutch ≤4.5"×6.5". Medically necessary items allowed after inspection.

Tickets & seating

  • The official event page routes to Ticketmaster; use verified sources to avoid scams.
  • Home/visitor split matters if you’re sitting with your crowd: Florida (home) west side; Georgia east side in 2025.

Things to do near EverBank Stadium (before/after)

Make a weekend of it! Jacksonville sprawls with neighborhoods worth exploring:

  • Downtown & Sports Complex: Riverwalk views, Friendship Fountain light shows on select nights, and walkable bars pre/postgame. (Check the city’s event calendars for pop-ups and riverfront happenings.)
  • Springfield: Historic homes, breweries, coffee shops; great for a relaxed brunch the morning after.
  • Riverside/Avondale: Oak-lined streets, Five Points eateries, local shops; perfect for late afternoon bites.
  • Jacksonville Beaches: If you’re staying through Sunday, head east for ocean time and seafood.

Where to stay

  • Downtown puts you closest to stadium shuttles and riverfront festivities.
  • Springfield/Riverside offer charming historic stays a short rideshare away.
  • Beaches for a coastal vibe (plan ~25–35 mins, traffic permitting).

(Hotel availability spikes; book early, especially if you’re bringing an RV or a large group.)

FAQs

When is the 2025 Florida–Georgia game?
Saturday, Nov 1, 2025, 3:30 PM kickoff at EverBank Stadium.

Who’s the home team in 2025?
Florida is home (odd-numbered years), Georgia is visiting.

What time do parking lots open?
8:00 AM on game day; lots are pre-sold and fill fast. Arrive early.

What’s the stadium bag policy?
NFL clear-bag standard: clear 12"×6"×12" or clutch 4.5"×6.5"; medical exceptions permitted.

When does RV City open and where is it?
Traditionally Tuesday of game week, in Lot E across from EverBank Stadium. Private RV lots show Oct 29–Nov 2, 2025 booking windows. 

Is the game always in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville hosts in 2025, then the game moves to Atlanta (2026) and Tampa (2027) during stadium renovations before returning 2028–2031 under a renewed deal.

Why do some people call it the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”?
It’s a long-running unofficial nickname tied to the game’s legendary tailgates; media and schools don’t use it officially anymore.

Local’s game-day tips

  • Beat the rush: Be parked by 10:30 AM (about 5 hours pre-kick).
  • Hydrate + shade: Daytime sun can be sneaky: hat, sunscreen, water.
  • Know your lot: Snap a photo of your lot sign and nearest intersection for postgame meetup.
  • Rideshare savvy: Set your pickup point away from the stadium core to avoid surge and road closures.
  • Respect the rivalry: Keep it fun, keep it friendly. Duval hosts both fanbases every year.

 

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