The Gators-Bulldogs “Cocktail Party” went to Atlanta in 2026 and Tampa in 2027

The annual rivalry between Florida and Georgia will take a break from its traditional home and be played at NFL venues while EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville undergoes a $1.4 billion renovation.

The game will move to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in 2026 and to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the following year. The game is expected to return to Jacksonville on a multi-year deal starting in 2028.

Action Network first reported the deal, which Florida coach Billy Napier later confirmed.

“We are excited about the opportunity to play in both Atlanta and Tampa, both great venues, both will have well-run operations,” Napier said. “I think we all understand the revenue this game generates for both athletic departments, so it will be unique and we are definitely excited about this opportunity.”

The Southeastern Conference rivals decided to host “the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party” instead of playing on campus for financial reasons; They can make more money playing at neutral venues.

Atlanta was the obvious choice for Georgia’s home opener in 2006, while Orlando, Miami and Tampa were bidding for Florida’s home opener in 2027.

The schools have played in Jacksonville annually since 1933, with a two-year hiatus while the Gator Bowl was renovated prior to the Jaguars’ inaugural season. The “Cocktail Party” moved to Gainesville in 1994 and to Athens, Georgia the following year.

Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart has been vocal about his desire to bring the game back to campus for recruiting purposes; NCAA rules prohibit coaches from contact with recruits at neutral sites, although the home team can leave tickets for them.

But Smart gave in last year.

“It’s been talked about and debated for a long time, ever since we knew the renovation was going to happen in Jacksonville,” Smart said Wednesday. “The parties involved have done a great job. Jacksonville did a great job making it worthwhile for both universities and was excited about the opportunity to play in two different locations.”

“So this will be unique and maybe we will learn from both of these experiences.”

Jacksonville’s payout is expected to increase significantly compared to the current deal, which is about $3 million for each school with $1.5 million guaranteed and includes a split of ticket revenue and concession sales.

Georgia also receives $350,000 annually for its charter flights, buses and lodging, while Florida receives $60,000 for not requiring flights.

In comparison, a home game in Florida brings in between $2 million and $5 million, depending on the opponent. So a home-and-home series would bring in less revenue over a two-year period than a game at neutral sites.

“Kirby and I probably agree that it would be great to play at home, but we also know that having this game at a neutral site brings in huge revenue,” Napier said. “So money makes the world go round, and certainly there is a significant difference in the amount of revenue that is generated.”

“We play in Jacksonville, so there’s a historical context to it, but there’s also a revenue component. I think the neutral location will provide the same revenue opportunities and that is ultimately why the decision was made.”