Kirby Smart's simple explanation on why Florida-Georgia rivalry isn't coming to Athens
The Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators will play each other at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2025 as usual. The SEC recently announced, along with several other games of Georgia's schedule that the Georgia-Florida game will be played on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET and will televised on ABC.
However, after the 2025 season, Georgia and Florida will play each other at neutral sites in 2026 (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia) and 2027 (Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida) while EverBank Stadium undergoes some renovations. The rivalry will return to EverBank Stadium in 2028.
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Georgia coach Kirby Smart explained why the Georgia-Florida series is playing at neutral sites in 2026 and 2027 instead of doing a home-and-home series for two years. Based on a recent interview, Smart clearly would have preferred to play a home-and-home series.
Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs and head coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators
"Why can't we play that Florida-Georgia game..." Smart said as he shook his head. "Didn't get it (a home-and-home series)."
"That was an AD decision," added Smart. "It ultimately came based on money. And, you know, the Mercedes and Tampa both ponied up and made really good financial offers."
Smart also reminisced on his playing career when he played at home (1995) and away (1994) against Florida. Georgia suffered embarrassing blowouts in both 1994 and 1995, but it would've been really fun to see the games return to Athens and Gainesville in 2026 and 2027.
Kirby Smart's interview
How much money will Georgia and Florida make?
Both Georgia and Florida are set to make $7.5 million for playing the 2026 game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Money is king in this era of college football. Traditions and what is best for fans and players are often getting tossed to the side.
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Kirby Smart explains what decided future of Florida-Georgia rivalry
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