The University of Florida and University of Georgia have agreed to a new five-year contract extension to keep its annual matchup in Jacksonville through 2021.
“We could not be more excited about our continued partnership with two of the nation’s finest universities,” Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said in a release. “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.”
The Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs have played their annual rivalry in Jacksonville since 1933 (aside from 1994-95 when construction moved the game to each university). The history of holding the game in Jacksonville has proved to be important for both universities as well as the city of Jacksonville. Last year the game sold out and more than 5 million people watched live on CBS, with an estimated $35 economic million dollar impact on the city.
“We are excited to continue the tradition of playing the Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville,” Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley said in a statement. “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.”
The agreed upon contract still needs to approved by the Jacksonville City Council.