The Gator Bowl is not yet pursuing a long-term contract extension with Jacksonville beyond the 2028 bowl season, as leaders weigh EverBank Stadium renovations and potential changes to college football’s postseason.
City legislation planned for Jacksonville City Council would extend the city’s agreement with the game through the 2028 season, according to a memo presented to the Mayor’s Budget Review Committee. That would ensure the game returns to Jacksonville for one season after the Jacksonville Jaguars’ renovated “Stadium of the Future” opens.
EverBank Stadium renovations are expected to take the Gator Bowl out of Jacksonville for the 2027 bowl season. The city’s current agreement runs through the end of the 2026 season and expires March 31, 2027.
Alex Alston, director of the city’s Office of Sports and Entertainment, told the Jacksonville Daily Record that the Gator Bowl made the decision not to extend further while considering potential College Football Playoff expansion and its effect on the postseason. He said the pause does not reflect a lack of interest from the city in a long-term partnership.
Gator Bowl President Greg McGarity told the Daily Record that uncertainty around the stadium project was the primary reason for waiting. He said the organization wants to hold the 2028 game in the renovated venue before settling operational costs and pursuing a longer agreement. McGarity said playoff expansion was among the considerations but that he remained optimistic about the bowl’s place even under a 24-team playoff model.
The Gator Bowl has been played since 1946. TaxSlayer’s sponsorship agreement runs through 2027.
