JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The party was already in full swing near EverBank Field in downtown Jacksonville on the eve of the Florida-Georgia rivalry game.
Gator and Bulldog cheerleaders were getting fans pumped up at pep rallies Friday night as tailgaters packed RV City, where many people have been camped since Monday.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office was busy monitoring security and watching for any underage drinkers. Tons of officers on foot and on golf carts could be seen around RV City, making sure fans were safe.
Some RV owners have also taken their own security measures. The owners of one RV told News4Jax that they put up caution tape to keep people from stealing their stuff after their cellphones and other belongings were taken last year during Florida-Georgia weekend.
But other people in RV City said they’ve never had a problem and they just want to have fun.
"I've been coming here for so long and I've never seen any problems here," said Georgia fan Wayne Humphrey.
For Gator fan Scott Nyman, Florida-Georgia is a tradition that he never misses.
"It's a lot more than a football game," Nyman said. "It's about getting together in huge party environment. It's just fun."
A big factor for fans of both teams is knowing that the stadium and the surrounding areas are secure.
"There's lots of security out, lots of police officers," Georgia fan Nicole Shepherd said.
Shepherd was one of many people who told News4Jax that they feel safe with the large police presence in RV City.
“They come by on carts all the time. They watch our stuff," Gator fan Sheryl Davis said. "We give them Gatorade and water.”
The Sheriff's Office said understanding the safety measures that are in place is important for enjoying game day.
Sideline Safety Zones have been set up for people who need medical help or need to charge their cellphones.
Police encouraged people to watch out for bicyclists, drivers and people walking in the streets. Fans are also advised to stay with a friend or in a large group.
"Everybody, kind of, watches out for each other. All the RVs and JSO, the way they're out here in full force, and we're all protecting each other and keeping an eye out. It's like a big family, to be honest with you," Gator fan Jeff Potter said, adding that he always feels safe in RV City.
For as many years as he’s been coming to Florida-Georgia, Nyman said, RV City feels like home.
"We watch each other. Neighbors have been real great about just watching over the stuff that we have so we don’t feel worried about having to lock everything up,” Nyman said.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious is urged to tell a police officer or call the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500.
Above all else, police said, use common sense throughout the weekend.
Police watching for underage drinkers
The Sheriff's Office warns that police will be watching closely for underage drinking before, during and after the annual rivalry game Saturday.
Police aren't giving any warnings for underage drinking this weekend, saying if someone under the age of 21 is caught drinking, there will be consequences.
Anyone caught drinking underage will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Police said anyone under 18 who is caught drinking will also have to wait to be picked up at the sports complex by a parent or guardian.
The Sheriff's Office said there will be undercover officers patrolling tailgate areas.
In the last three years, police said, they've issued 300 citations for underage drinking during Florida-Georgia weekend.