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    • Florida-Georgia games to be played in Atlanta in 2026, Tampa in 2027
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    Florida-Georgia games to be played in Atlanta in 2026, Tampa in 2027

    Umito Posted on

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    Georgia football’s annual rivalry game with Florida has a new home for two years while the series is moved from Jacksonville due to major renovations to EverBank Stadium.

    In fact, these are two new houses.

    THE Bulldogs And Alligators will play in 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and the game will move to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., for the 2027 game, a source confirmed. The news was first reported by Brett McMurphy of the Action Network.

    “We’re excited to have the opportunity to play Atlanta and Tampa, both great venues,” Florida coach Billy Napier said during the SEC teleconference Wednesday. “Both will be well-run operations. I think we all understand the revenue this game generates for both athletic departments. I think it’s going to be unique and we’re certainly excited about the opportunity.

    An announcement could also be made before Saturday’s game in Jacksonville regarding the game’s return to Jacksonville starting in 2028. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said to the Florida Times-Union on Tuesday.

    “It’s been talked about and debated for a long time, ever since we knew the Jacksonville renovation was going to happen,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said when asked Wednesday about Atlanta and Tampa. “You know, I think the parties involved did a great job handling it. I think Jacksonville did a great job stepping up and making this interesting for both universities and excited about the opportunity to play it, you know, in two different places, so that it will be unique and maybe we will learn from these two experiences.

    For 2026 and 2027, schools have opted to play at neutral sites in both states rather than going home because it pays them significantly more financially.

    “Kirby and I probably both agree that it would be great to play at home, but we also know that there is a huge amount of revenue created by hosting this game at a neutral site. Money makes the world go round and certainly the amount of income, there is a significant difference in the income generated.

    Raymond James Stadium is the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and hosted the Super Bowl in February 2021. Its record capacity was 69,305 against the Bengals on December 18, 2022.

    Georgia last played Tampa in the same stadium in the Outback Bowl on January 2, 2012, and has played five bowl games in all in Tampa.

    The stadium opened in 1998 and has undergone several renovations since 2014, including a redesign of the main concourse, HD video boards in the end zone and HD towers in the lower bowl corner, a new audio system and concessions and renovated luxury suites.

    Other improvements include a redesigned West Stadium Club, an expanded Hall of Fame Club, a new home team locker room and a renovated East Stadium Club as well as the addition of the Bar 76 sports bar and restaurant.

    The Bulldogs have played 11 games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium since it opened in 2017, including each of the last seven seasons. Georgia is scheduled to play there in 2025 against Georgia Tech after the Yellow Jackets moved their home game against the Bulldogs.

    Georgia and Florida have played in Jacksonville every year since 1993, except 1994 and 1995, when the stadium was also renovated and games were played on campus.

    Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks indicated in May that the schools were considering returning to Jacksonville once stadium renovations were completed in time for the 2028 game.

    Deegan said Tuesday she was “extraordinarily optimistic” about signing a new contract with the schools for the game.

    Brooks said: “We’re excited to go back and see the potential and opportunities to make a really special game with what they’re talking about. It looks like it’s going to be an incredible project.”

    Camping World Stadium in Orlando was another neutral site option for the Florida game.

    Georgia currently makes about $6 million more over a two-year period playing in Jacksonville rather than at home.

    “I think the neutral site will present the same revenue opportunities,” Napier said, “and that’s ultimately why the decision was made.”

    Umito
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