Florida-Georgia weekend kicks off with HOF induction ceremony, RV City decorating contest & more

Fans camped out in RV City among thousands who’ve traveled to Jacksonville for rivalry game

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida-Georgia football game doesn’t kick off until Saturday afternoon, but plenty of events were scheduled for Friday.

That included the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon was held in the afternoon at TIAA Bank Field.

The Class of 2021 includes former Gators running back Ciatrick Fason and defensive back Keiwan Ratliff, along with former Bulldogs linebacker Thomas Davis and offensive lineman Jon Stinchcomb.

READ MORE: What you need to know if you’re going to the Florida-Georgia game | MORE ONLINE: Florida-Georgia events details

Nearby at RV City, where hundreds of fans have set up camp, there was a decorating contest in the afternoon. The recreational vehicles with the best Halloween decorations and team spirit were judged.

“It’s tradition. Bring our family out here, and we do this together,” said Georgia fan Henry Hinojosa.

Even though the Bulldogs are ranked No. 1 and the Gators are unranked, Florida fan and tailgate veteran Joe Clark said he has a good luck charm: his Gator-loving bulldog, Chance.

Look who we met! This is Chance. He's a Bulldog... who's a Gators fan!

A lot of the people who come to RV City year after year get to be really good friends. Some people aren’t back because construction has limited capacity. One tailgater who’s been coming to RV City for years was sad to report some of the friends he’s made there died from COVID-19.

It’s a bittersweet year, but the tradition continues after RV City was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

Across the way at 121 Financial Ballpark, the Gators and Bulldogs baseball teams faced off in an exhibition game at night.

There was some music down the street at the VyStar Memorial Arena, where Luke Combs was performing. The show began at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s game kicks off at 3:30 p.m.


About the Authors:

I-TEAM and general assignment reporter