by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
As the insidious politically correct virus has taken control of our society, in 2006 the Southeastern Conference asked the three networks which broadcast SEC games not to refer to the Florida/Georgia game by its long time moniker, “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” This initiative was prompted by the growing problem of binge drinking on campuses across the nation, causing a handful of alcohol overdose deaths. However, the most fervent college football rivalry in history went on that year with its traditional booze-driven tailgating parties and massive RV city celebrating near the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, commonly known as the “Gator Bowl” to Gator fans.
“Go Gators” or “Go Dawgs” are part of the sports lexicon for Florida and Georgia fans as excitement builds for the sell-out Florida/Georgia game featuring the University of Florida Gators versus the University of Georgia Bulldogs. The game was first staged in 1912. Since 1933, except for the 1994 game while Alltel Stadium was being built, the game has been held every consecutive year on the last Saturday in October. In past years, fans from Florida and Georgia were assigned seats grouped in alternating sections of the stadium and the contrasting colors worn by the fans created a “beach ball” visual effect in the stands.
Fanatical alumni from both schools have driven this rivalry, and in some cases, the game has influenced lifestyles and choice of pets, mostly bulldogs, since alligators can not be domesticated. The chop-chop hand and arm movement imitating the alligator’s mouth is a familiar symbol of Gator loyalty. Ultimate Florida/Georgia fans decorate their houses with team memorabilia and their RVs accordingly. RV city is a nationally famous stop for Gator/Bulldog fans. The all-night parties among the RVers are legendary and promote friendly rivalry. Bulldogs tear up Gator toys and fake alligators attack Bulldog toys. Some people’s whole lives revolve around this October game. It’s an unrivaled sports cult. Critics say that the Florida and Georgia alumni got their degrees in tailgating at the Florida/Georgia game.
After the 2006 season, Georgia held a 45-37-2 advantage in the all-time series. However, Florida has gone 15-2 in the game since 1990 (Georgia winning in 1997 and 2004) to follow a similar 15-5 domination by Georgia through the 70s and 80s. U of F records indicate the series record with Georgia, which stands at 45-37-1 in the UGA’s favor. U of G records indicate a 46 -37-2 lead, which includes a 52-0 Georgia win in a game played in Macon, Ga in 1904. But Florida did not field an official team until 1906. Clearly, it’s a bone of contention for Gator fans.
In 2000, U of G changed their fall break to coincide with the date of the game. This was intended to reduce absences and alarming traffic fatalities related to students traveling to Jacksonville for the game–a 342 mile trip, which, without the break, needed to be made on one night. In 2003 and 2004 there have been two subsequent attempts to change fall break to a different weekend. Both attempts were withdrawn after overwhelming complaints from the student body.
The well-established rivalry has produced a number of close games over the years which lead to the inevitable controversy over how the game ended. Most of the early memorable games favored the Bulldogs, with more recent ones favoring the Gators.
These noteworthy games have titles such as The Heisman Curse in 1966. The Gators entered the game at 7-0 on the season and vying for their first ever SEC title. The Gator’s quarterback, Steve Spurrier (who went on to become the Gator’s coach) had just locked up the Heisman trophy the previous week. He now had a chance to beat the Bulldogs for the first time in his playing career. Ah yes, wunderkind Spurrier threw three interceptions in a 27-10 Gator loss.
Other notable games were the 1970 The Rip, Strip, and Grip, 1976 Fourth and Dumb, and 1980 Run, Lindsay Run. Throughout this glorious rivalry’s history, the fan support has never wavered for either school. Today it eclipses fan support for the Jaguars, despite the fact the Jags are on a roll. Traditionally, college alumni loyalty runs deep. Once a Gator or Bulldog, the alumni want to relive their college days every year, and this is a perfect opportunity to do that. It will always be called The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, regardless of who tries to squash it. Google the Florida/Georgia game and that title pops up. It’s carved in stone, bubba!
The Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic on Saturday, is sold out as usual but don’t despair, if you don’t have tickets, there are plenty of other activities in which you can show your spirit, or drink your spirit; you choose.
The Jacksonville Landing will have live entertainment Thursday 5 pm - 2 am then Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 am. Live music will be played at the Casadora Stage (located at the corner of Hogan and Water Street) and dance music in the courtyard.
Thursday & Friday, Oct. 25 & 26
Enjoy the music of the George Aspinall Band on Thursday and sing along to your favorite tunes on the Roving Karaoke Truck on Friday at Campground Lot E from 7 - 11 pm
Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Edgar Meyer
The Florida Theatre - 8 pm
Info: (904) 355-ARTS
The Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Championship Dream Tent next to Alltel Stadium. no charge for general admission
Info: (904) 630-3600.
Corey Smith at the Florida Theatre - 8 pm
Info: (904) 355-ARTS
Championship Dreams Festival
Outside Jacksonville Municipal Stadium’s South End Zone
For Information (904) 630-3600
The Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium at 3:30 pm
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