Unraveling status of Georgia-Florida future game location, UGA issues statement

ATHENS — The Georgia-Florida football game could be going home and home in 2026 and 2027, but first things first, an option on the 2024 and 2025 games being played in Jacksonville will soon be decided.

Outgoing Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry said on Wednesday that projected renovations to TIAA Bank Field would “most likely” take place in 2026 and 2027, which would lead to the Bulldogs and Gators playing their rivalry game in Athens and Gainesville.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart, who has been vocal about the disadvantages of not hosting what would be a marquee home game with Florida in Sanford Stadium, has been mum on the topic of late.

The Bulldogs and Gators’ leadership are expected to make the decision collectively on the 2024 and 2025 option years after Jacksonville elects a new mayor on May 16.

Florida leadership has been confident throughout the process it will keep the game in the Sunshine State, even after Smart debated Gators’ legend Tim Tebow on live television last fall.

RELATED: Kirby Smart takes epic stand against Tim Tebow on future rivalry location

RECAP

The 2023 Georgia-Florida game will be played in Jacksonville as the Gators’ designated home game

The 2024-2025 game location has yet to be determined; Georgia and Florida have an option they can exercise by June 30 to keep the game in Jacksonville

The 2026-2027 Georgia-Florida games might be home-and-home if outgoing Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry is correct in predicting TIAA Bank Field will be undergoing renovations that will force the NFL’s Jaguars to an alternate location and the SEC rivals to play elsewhere.

*There are no contracts in place involving Georgia-Florida game locations from 2026 onward at this point.