Fans urged to arrive early for UGA-UF game

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With more than 83,000 people expected to show up to EverBank Field for the Georgia-Florida game Saturday, officials are making one thing clear: Get there early.

Officials said fans should arrive at least five hours before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff. Gates will open at 1:30 p.m.

Fans who don't have designated parking are urged to use the Jacksonville Transportation Authority shuttles or Skyway, or a water taxi to get to and from the game.

MORE: Information on shuttles, parking and more

Security will be heightened, with undercover and uniform officers patrolling the area to make sure no one gets out of hand. They will also be issuing citations to those drinking underage.

Saturday won't be the only busy day downtown. Bay Street from Liberty Street to A. Phillip Randolph Boulevard will be closed from 6 p.m. Thursday until early morning Saturday for the Tailgate concert at the Shipyards. The concert, which goes from 2-11:30 p.m. Friday, features Florida-Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three, Claire Dunn, John King, Michael Ray and more.

Mayor Alvin Brown said this game is not only fun for friends and family, but a great achievement for the city of Jacksonville.

"It has a huge economic impact to the tune of $32 million," Brown said. "So it's important to support all the small businesses and entrepreneurs, but also allowing people to come from all over the country. We have RV City, where they come and camp out. A lot of people make it a vacation, come in Wednesday, stay through Sunday. It's a really big event."

Officials urge fans to download the Audible Traffic Jacksonville app to help navigate their way to and from the game.

Road closures begin downtown Thursday. Near The Jacksonville Landing, Hogan Street from Water Street to the river will be closed from 8 a.m. Thursday-11 p.m. Sunday. Pearl Street from Water Street to the river will also be closed during that time frame, along with Coastline Drive from The Landing to Newnan Street. 

For more information on safety zones, road closures, maps and more, go to the city's website.