For those who grew up in Jacksonville, you know that there are only a few events to look forward to each year. While there is of course the always ratchet Monster Jam, which thankfully starts to die down after sophomore year of high school, the most anticipated of these events is undoubtedly the Florida vs. Georgia game that is held at the Jaguar Stadium each year. While it is easy as a Seminole to overlook a Gator game, the majority of those in attendance are not there for the game itself, but instead, the colossal tailgate that takes place.
Also known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” this event is a true testament to what college tailgating is about. Forget fraternity houses or game day brunches, this tailgate is something entirely different then what the average college student is used to. Imagine the old IM fields, and then multiply that by about 200, and there you have the total amount of tailgate space that will be open on Nov. 1 at this year’s game.
While it is a boring drive along I-10 to Jacksonville to get to the long awaited game, the day itself will not disappoint. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the game is those who come are from all over, not just from Georgia or Florida, so do not feel as though you will be the only rando not from either school who is just their for the tailgate. And do not worry about what to wear, as you will see that several people continue to wear their Seminole attire, which then makes bonding with the Bulldogs much easier.
So what about going into the actual game itself? Many people are often confused on whether or not they are supposed to be trying and find a ticket for the game before they make the decision to go. While, yes, it would be great to go into the game, the main focus of many of those in attendance is the untraditional college tailgating experience.
Located in downtown Jacksonville, the newly renovated Everbank Stadium has plenty of hidden fields for trucks and tailgating. By the time the game starts, the tailgate will have been going on for hours and of course you will slowly see people start to wander, or stumble, their way to the stadium. However, while the actual fans have left, the tailgate never ceases to stop and will continue much later into the day.
If you are still hesitant on going this year or not, this is an experience you want to be able to say you’ve done. Yes, the game this year falls on the day after Halloween, but would you rather stay in Tallahassee and do the same thing you did last year, or change it up and be a part of one of the most hyped up tailgates of the year?
As Jacksonville local Kimberlyn Stark said, “It’s known as the worlds largest cocktail party, so why wouldn’t you want to go?”
