by Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Heading down to the Oct. 31 Georgia-Florida game and looking for places to party in Jacksonville and beyond? Here’s the inside scoop on tailgating, pep rallies and other festivities:
Kickoff party at River City Brewing Co. (835 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, Fla.): Before the big game, University of Georgia fans are invited to the Georgia Bulldog Club of Jacksonville's kickoff party Oct. 30 at River City Brewing Co. The party starts at 3 p.m. and ends at closing time. Free to attend. www.rivercitybrew.com.
TAILGATE at Metropolitan Park (4110 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville, Fla.): The Band Perry will headline TAILGATE, an evening of music and revelry beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 30. Other musical acts set to perform include Georgia country singers Corey Smith and Jon Langston, and Gainesville, Fla.-based Sister Hazel. General admission, $25 per person; VIP admission, $125 per person. www.jaxtailgate.com.
Pepsi Plaza (1 Everbank Field Drive, Jacksonville, Fla.): The 400,000-square-foot facility is adjacent to EverBank Field, where the game will take place. The space will be open for fans to enjoy face painting, games and live entertainment on game day. Free to attend.
Game Day Pep Rally and BBQ at Metropolitan Park: After TAILGATE festivities wrap up, Bulldog fans can head back to the park the next morning for the annual Game Day Pep Rally and BBQ. Beginning around 11 a.m. Oct. 31, the event will feature the UGA Pep Band, UGA Georgettes, UGA Cheerleaders, Hairy Dawg, Spike Squad and River Band. There will also be food and merchandise for sale. Free to attend. www.jaxbulldogs.com.
Tailgaters Parking (225 Talleyrand Ave., Jacksonville, Fla.): Parking at the premium lot is already sold out, so find someone who has a parking pass for the ultimate Georgia-Florida tailgating experience. Unlike other lots, Tailgaters Parking offers a turf surface, bathrooms with attendants and a full-service bar and grill.
RV City in E Lot (E Lot, EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.): If you're more of a DIY tailgater, be sure to bring your RV or camper to set up for a full day of tailgating. Spaces are available for $125 per day starting Wednesday of game week.
Touchdown Showdown outside EverBank Field's south endzone (near Adams Street, EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.): If you can't score a ticket to the game, this is the closest you'll get to the action. Traditionally, large screens will broadcast the game, and you'll find concessions and games in this area. On game day, the space opens at 10 a.m. and is free to visit.
Tailgate Bar & Grill (441 Haines St., Jacksonville, Fla.): Expect the line to begin early at this establishment, which offers first-come, first-served access to parking on game day. There will be a live DJ, on-site entertainment before and after the game and nine outdoor bars. Parking a car or small truck at Tailgate Bar costs $100 on game day, and all vehicles must be in place by 11 a.m. 904-356-0222, www.tailgatebarandgrill.com.
Alumni gathering at Culhane's Irish Pub (967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, Fla.): University of Georgia alumni are invited to Culhane's, the official Jacksonville area UGA alumni bar. Free to attend. All weekend. 904-249-9595, www.culhanesirishpub.com.
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