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What Has COVID-19 Changed About The Florida Georgia Game? Things To Know If You're Attending

Florida Georgia will kick off at 3:30 p.m., and will be broadcasted on CBS. (Jessica James/WUFT News)
Florida Georgia will kick off at 3:30 p.m., and will be broadcasted on CBS. (Jessica James/WUFT News)

The annual Florida Georgia game will not be the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party this year, with COVID-19 to blame.

For the 88th time, No. 8 Florida will meet No. 5 Georgia helmet-to-helmet at the home of the Jaguars on Saturday, but it will not be the usual scenario Gator and Bulldog fans are used to.

The rivals first met back in 1904, and since then, the event has become one of the largest outdoor parties in the world. Usually, around 80,000 plus fans pack like sardines into TIAA stadium to watch the two teams go at it. But this year, the stadium will only allow around 25% capacity.

And tailgating outside the stadium? Off limits.

For the game, tailgating is prohibited in the stadium parking lots in efforts to secure safety and protection. Ticket holders are the only ones allowed to access the stadium parking lots. The new policy will be regulated, so watch out tailgaters.

Parking lots will open at 12:30 p.m. and gates at 1:30 p.m.

Upon entry and after security check, fans will scan mobile tickets at a self-scan kiosk. Face coverings are required in the stadium except when eating or drinking. Everything will be contactless, and no cash payments will be accepted.

Over 750 hand-sanitizing stations will be distributed throughout the stadium. Signs and safety reminders encouraging social distancing will be plastered as well.

The annual Duval Bold City Bash and the Hall of Fame Luncheon, as well as RV City, is also canceled as a result of COVID-19.

Non-ticket holders are encouraged to stay clear of the downtown sports complex area.

Kickoff will be at 3:30 p.m.

Jessica is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.