The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party: Tailgating
The Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators will head to Jacksonville for the legendary rivalry match-up on November 1, 2014. Fans of both teams flock to the “neutral zone” to tailgate, party, and cheer on their favorite teams. Make no mistake, this is not just a football game.
While it is dubbed the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” the fun doesn’t end there. Many other events and activities are available for fans staying the weekend in Jacksonville. For example, what could be better than the country-duo Florida Georgia Line playing before the game!?
TAILGATE featuring Florida Georgia Line, Friday, October 31, 2p.m. – 11:30 p.m:
Where: The Shipyards on Bay Street
What: Enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment by Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three and more to kick off the 2014 Georgia vs. Florida weekend!
Tickets Cost: $23 each
Touchdown Showdown, Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m. – end of game:
Where: Outside EverBank Field’s south end zone and Adams Street
What: The largest free, interactive experience on game day. Activities include jumbo screens to watch the game, live radio broadcasts, interactive games and challenges, team merchandise for purchase and much more!
Tickets Cost: Free
The Jacksonville Landing, Thursday, October 30-Saturday, November 1:
In the days leading up to the event, there are many pre-game events happening at Jacksonville Landing. There are also several viewing parties for the game. Expect drink specials, dance parties, live music, and a Georgia-Florida Pep Rally on Friday (Mavericks, 6pm). The Landing is the spot to be before and after the game!
Tailgating
Let’s not forget about tailgating! Most parking lots that allowed tailgating are located nearby the stadium. It is best if you pre-purchase a parking pass if you intend to park in these lots, as many of them sell out.
Beginning VERY early in the morning (the lots open at 8am), fans drive in with trucks, trailers, tents, coolers, booze and food. The camaraderie is amazing. While Bulldogs and Gators fans do mix in the parking lots, most everyone gets along quite well.
I won’t lie and say there aren’t some good-natured jibes and heckling, but it’s mostly in good fun. As someone who attended the festivities last year, I can testify to the fact that the fans CAN get along. We even had a kind Florida Gator fan pull our truck out of a mud pit with his own truck!
Fan Safety Tips
Security and police patrol the tailgating grounds to ensure fans safety. Beware: those underage should not be drinking! IDs are checked, tickets are given and arrests are made! Another thing to note: alcohol is not allowed in Everbank Stadium. While it is a professional venue, this is a college game and alcohol is not permitted. Keep in mind, fans will be searched on their way into the gates of the game.
Speaking of obeying the law: there are plenty of cabs in the area for those who enjoy the festivities a little too much! And, much to our enjoyment, Jacksonville has Uber! When you download the app and type in promo code: FIRSTRIDE30. You get $30 off if you are a new Uber user! Another popular mobile-taxi service, Lyft, is also available in Jacksonville.
So don your Red and Black or Orange and Blue, and head down to Jacksonville for “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” It’s something you won’t want to miss: not only for the football, but for the massive celebration that is sure to occur before AND after the big game!
