Few rivalries in college football hold the same historical weight and intensity as the annual clash between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators. For nearly a century—since 1933—the storied rivalry has been played in Jacksonville, Florida, serving as a neutral-site spectacle that has become one of the SEC’s signature events. Aside from a brief detour in 1994 and 1995, when the game was played in Athens and Gainesville due to stadium renovations, this game has largely called Jacksonville home.
However, that tradition has stirred ongoing debate, particularly among fans and coaches who feel the neutral location has robbed each program of the chance to host the rivalry in their home stadium. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has made no secret of his thoughts on the matter, and now, with changes on the horizon, he’s once again voicing concerns—this time placing blame on a missed opportunity to bring the game back to campus, even if only temporarily.
The upcoming renovations to Jacksonville’s TIAA Bank Field are set to displace the rivalry from its long-time location in 2026 and 2027. Naturally, this development has ignited fresh discussions about moving the Georgia-Florida game to a home-and-home series during those two years. Many fans have hoped this situation would open the door to experiencing the game in Sanford Stadium or Ben Hill Griffin Stadium—iconic college football venues that have never truly been part of this rivalry’s regular story.
Coach Smart, in his recent comments, pointed out that this would have been the perfect window to bring the game to campus and give players and fans alike the chance to feel the rivalry in its rawest, most intimate form. A home crowd roaring against their most hated opponent—there’s nothing quite like it. Yet, it seems that opportunity is slipping by, as logistical and political complexities surrounding the neutral site agreement continue to influence decisions.
While many traditions in college football are sacred, Smart argues that evolving with the times should also be considered. Home-and-home series are the lifeblood of many great rivalries, and Georgia-Florida is one of the few elite matchups that has largely bypassed that element. Now, with the renovations in Jacksonville forcing a relocation, fans hoped to see their dreams of hosting the rivalry realized—at least temporarily.
Whether those dreams come true remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Kirby Smart’s comments have reignited a passionate conversation about the future of one of college football’s most heated rivalries.