Cocktail Party 2026: Kickoff time, TV info revealed for Georgia-Florida rivalry clash
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The college football game affectionately known by its unofficial nickname of The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is changing venues in 2026, but keeping its time slot.
The SEC announced kickoff times for numerous games, including the Florida-Georgia game, on Wednesday. Due to stadium renovations in Jacksonville, the 2026 meeting will be played at the neutral site of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Oct. 31. It will maintain its kickoff time of 3:30 p.m. ET, a recent tradition, and air on ABC.
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Georgia has dominated the rivalry in recent years. The Bulldogs have won 8 of the last 9 meetings, including 5 in a row with last year’s 24-20 victory. Florida has not won against UGA since 2020.
Kirby Smart has been the Georgia head coach for all 8 of those victories. He has done so against 4 Florida coaches: Jim McElwain (1-1), Dan Mullen (3-1), Billy Napier (3-0) and 2025 interim head coach Billy Gonzales (1-0).
Smart will face his 5th Florida coach in 2026. After guiding Tulane to the College Football Playoff for 2025, Jon Sumrall will lead the Gators in 2026.
Who will win this year’s SEC Championship Game? Make a prediction today on Kalshi!
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
