Liza Mitchell
It’s that time of year again when the Gators take on the Dawgs for the bragging rights to SEC championship at Everbank Field. The game begins 3:30pm on Halloween Day, but there are plenty of festivities to keep you busy before kick off.
Practice your fancy footwork at the Touchdown Showdown on Gameday starting at 10am until the end of the game outside Everbank Field’s south end zone. The largest interactive attraction also includes games, activities, jumbo screens, souvenirs, food and drinks. Admission is free whether you enter through the Swamp House or the Dawg House.
Florida vs. Georgia weekend is not only the largest outdoor cocktail party but among the most coveted rivalry games in college football. RV City is as vital to the Gameday experience as team colors and trash talk. Bring your camper or RV and set up the ultimate tailgate. RV City opens at 8am Wednesday, Oct 28 in Lot E of the Sports Complex. Entrance is on a first come, first serve basis. Cost is $125 per space each day.
Live entertainment is presented from 7-11 pm Thursday, Oct 29 on the RV City stage. The 16th Annual “Show Your True Colors” Campground Decorating Contest is held Oct 30. Campers are encouraged to use their imagination to show off their team spirit with colorfully elaborate decorations from lights, signs, banners and more. Judging is from 4-5pm. Must be present to win. Categories include Best Bulldogs Spirit, Best Gator Spirit and Best Halloween Spirit.
The 20th annual Merrill Lynch/Bank of America Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is presented by Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at 11:30am Friday, Oct. 30, in the US Assure Club at Everbank Field. The luncheon will celebrate the history of the game and recognize the 2015 Hall of Fame inductees including legendary Gators Chris Leak and Jabar Gaffney and best of the Bulldogs Richard Seymour and Rex Robinson.
A native of Jacksonville, Gaffney was a star at Raines High School where he caught the attention of former Gators Coach Steve Spurrier. He played at UF for two seasons, making his mark with a memorable touchdown catch in 2000 to beat Tennessee with 14 seconds left in the game. The Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame will be on display game day from 9am-3pm at the Veterans Memorial Arena. The induction ceremony is open to the public with reserved seating tickets. Admission to the Hall of Fame display is free.
The Band Perry headlines the official Tailgate event at Friday, Oct 30, at Metropolitan Park. Special guests also include Georgia-native and country singers Corey Smith and Jon Langston and Gainesville-based band Sister Hazel. Gates open at 5pm. Tickets are $25 plus fees. A VIP package includes five complimentary drink tickets. Tailgate will also feature a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, complimentary dinner buffet and exclusive access to a VIP viewing area located 30 yards in front of the stage.
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