One of the SEC Concerence’s most vicious rivalries is that of the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs. The annual game known as the Florida-Georgia Football Classic, which began in 1914, goes down in history as one of the most popular rivaled games. Over the years it has adopted the nickname “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” for its massive amount of fan attendees and wild pre-game tailgate. That’s what the beauty of college football is all about, right?

Since 1933, the game has been played at the neutral location of Jacksonville, Florida, with the exception of years 1994 and 1995 when each university’s campuses switched off being host. Although the neutral location of Jacksonville Municipal Stadium makes it one of the few remaining neutral-site rivalries, Georgia fans argue that their 350-mile trek counts as a disadvantage to Florida’s sub-one hour commute. But thanks to diehard fans from both southern universities, the game turnout is almost always an impressive one.

Historically, the Florida-Georgia Rival has followed a pattern of long stretches of one team’s dominance, rather than the usual flip-flop victories between teams from year to year. During the 1970’s and 80’s, Georgia’s 15 of 20 game wins proved the Bulldogs to be in control, but with a Florida coaching change-up in 1989, Steve Spurrier led them to 15 of 18 wins since 1990. However, now is the time to track down Florida Georgia tickets because both teams have won two of the last four games. Looks like the competition is intensifying!

With a rival this intense, there are bound to be limits that get crossed. In 2007, Georgia Coach Mark Richt pulled one very controversial stunt that he claims was designed as a “motivational tactic” for his team. After Georgia’s first touchdown of the game, Richt ordered his entire team – sidelines and all – to rush the field in celebration, costing them a 15-yard “excessive celebration” penalty. Although the tactic led them to a 42-30 victory over the Gators, Gator Coach Urban Meyer was not pleased and expressed so in his book “Urban’s Way.”

College football rivals are what fans of the football world thrive on. The Florida Georgia Rival is one of the biggest of our time and is sure to keep growing in intensity. Fans should take advantage of the location and the game’s forever known nickname, “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”. If you’ve never witnessed this annual grudge matchup for yourself, you’re missing out! And if you have, it will only get better from here on out. Grab those Florida football tickets or Georgia football tickets and head on over to one of the most exciting games of the season!

Other Florida Georgia links:

• University of Florida
• University of Georgia
• Florida Football
• Georgia Football
• Urban Meyers – Gator Stomp Article

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