Earlier today we noted that the annual Florida-Georgia rivalry game in Jacksonville, with a contract set to expire after the upcoming season, has been extended for another five years and will now be played at EverBank Field through the 2021 season.
All of the parties involved confirmed the developments in a press release. Below are the statements from the individuals involved in the most recent negotiations, talks that also reached an agreement on a bargaining window that’s set to open in 2018 to further extend this contract.
Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry
“We could not be more excited about our continued partnership with two of the nation’s finest universities. Our new agreement further strengthens the Georgia-Florida tradition we have enjoyed here in Jacksonville for 83 years. The legendary rivalry continues and the best is yet to come.”
Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley
“We are excited to continue the tradition of playing the Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville. As I’ve said a number of times over the years, the game belongs in Jacksonville. Thanks to the hard work and cooperation from the City of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Jaguars and our counterparts at Georgia, it will continue to be in Jacksonville.”
Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity
“The home of the Georgia-Florida game since 1933 has been Jacksonville and we are delighted to extend that tradition for five more years. We are extremely appreciative of the efforts of the City of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the University of Florida for their cooperation in extending this agreement.”
“The enhancements in and around EverBank Field will be dynamic, and we are confident our fan experience will be enhanced over the coming years. From a financial standpoint, this game generates significant resources to each institution on an annual basis. This consistent revenue stream is a critical component to our financial model annually.”
Jacksonville Jaguars president and CEO Mark Lamping
“The Georgia-Florida game continues to be an incredible asset for EverBank Field and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The partnership that we have with the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, and the City of Jacksonville proves that our community is the right home for this very special rivalry.”