BREAKING: 🐊🚨 “‘It’s Not Changing’: Kirby Smart CONFIRMS Why the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party Stays in Jacksonville!

It’s no surprise that Kirby Smart prefers the Florida–Georgia rivalry to be played on each team’s home field. It’s also well-known that money is a major reason the game continues to be held at a neutral site rather than rotating between campuses.

In a recent interview with SiriusXM, Smart addressed the financial side of the decision, confirming what many had assumed for years.

Florida–Georgia: A Rivalry Influenced by Revenue

Last week, it was reported that Florida and Georgia will earn a sizable payout by relocating their annual rivalry to Atlanta and Tampa in 2026 and 2027, while Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium undergoes renovations.

Smart, who has consistently advocated for a home-and-home setup, explained the recent decisions plainly:

“That was an AD decision. Ultimately, it came down to money. Mercedes-Benz (Atlanta) and Tampa both stepped up with strong financial offers.”

According to reports, each school will receive $7.5 million when the game is held in Atlanta in 2026. On top of that, Jacksonville is expected to pay $1.5 million to both programs in 2026 and 2027, despite the game not being played there.

One of Smart’s key arguments for moving the game to campus sites has been the recruiting advantage it would offer.

Meanwhile, Florida head coach Billy Napier has remained relatively neutral, saying he’s open to either location setup depending on what’s best overall.

Since 1933, the rivalry has traditionally been played in Jacksonville, with the only exceptions being in 1994 and 1995, when it was briefly moved to the teams’ home stadiums during stadium renovations. Georgia currently leads the all-time series 56–44–2, though the Bulldogs count a disputed win from 1904.