The Florida Gators-Georgia Bulldogs will return to Jacksonville from 2028 to 2031.

GAINESVILLE, FL. Just days after it was reported that the Florida Gators’ annual matchup with Georgia would move to Atlanta and Tampa for the 2026 and 2027 games, the two universities officially announced Friday that the rivalry will return to Jacksonville starting in 2028. 2031.

The decision to move the game to Atlanta and Tampa follows a planned $1.4 billion renovation at EverBank Stadium, home to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars will play at a reduced capacity in 2026 and then play elsewhere in 2027, with UF’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium being one option.

“The Florida-Georgia game has a long and special relationship with the city of Jacksonville, and we are excited to continue one of college football’s great traditions there in 2028 when the impressive renovation of EverBank Stadium is completed,” said UF Athletic Director Scott. Stricklin in a press release. “In 2026 and 2027, the opportunity to continue the history of the series at neutral sites, while also maximizing the revenue opportunities that are so important during this time of change in college athletics, makes playing in Atlanta and Tampa incredibly attractive. Both cities are special to Gator fans and offer venues that will provide great experiences for fans and players alike.”

Jacksonville has hosted the annual Florida-Georgia game every season since 1933, with the exception of the 1994 and 1995 games, during which each school played one game due to stadium renovations. The 2028 matchup will be the 96th meeting between the two Jacksonville schools.

“We are honored to extend the time-honored tradition of Florida-Georgia competitive play in Jacksonville for another four years. This is the result of many months of close collaboration with our partners at the University of Georgia and the University of Florida,” Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said in a press release. “All parties share the excitement about the return of the game to Jacksonville at the Stadium of the Future, which will be a world-class, NFL-standard stadium starting in 2028.” We are grateful that this match will continue to bring joy. our communities come together to celebrate college football and create economic impact.”

With the upcoming renovation, debate has begun about whether the match should be moved to another neutral venue or switched to a home series, temporarily or even permanently. UF head coach Billy Napier said Wednesday that the financial implications of playing the game at a neutral site could have played a big role.

“Kirby (Smart) and I probably both agree that it would be great to play at home, but we also know that putting this game on a neutral site would bring in a ton of revenue,” Napier said. “Money makes the world go round, and of course the amount of income you receive.”

The Gators will host the 2027 game in Tampa, which will be the second time the teams meet in the city. The first occurred in 1919, only the third meeting between Florida and Georgia.

“The Gators are excited about the opportunity to play Georgia in Tampa in 2027,” Stricklin said. “Tampa Bay is a special Gator community, and Raymond James Stadium, which has hosted both CFP National Championships and Super Bowls, will be a fantastic destination for fans of both schools. We appreciate the work and efforts of Rob Higgins and the Tampa Bay team. Sports Commission to make this game happen and we look forward to building on the many memories the Gators have from playing in Tampa.”

Florida last played in Tampa during the 2021 season in the Gasparilla Bowl. The Gators previously played USF in Tampa that season.

Meanwhile, Florida will be the road team in 2026 in Atlanta, marking the first matchup between the rivals in the city. Florida last played in Atlanta at the 2020 SEC Championship.

Ticket information, kickoff times and other game-related information for future Florida-Georgia games will be released at another time. The Class of 2024 begins Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with a telecast on ABC.