Going to Georgia-Florida game? JSO says follow officers’ lead — not your GPS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Bulldogs and Gators followers will likely be taking up TIAA Financial institution Discipline on Saturday for the annual Georgia-Florida rivalry sport.

Followers are urged to get to the sport early Saturday. In actual fact, the advice from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Workplace is to reach 5 hours earlier than kickoff, which is ready for 3:30 p.m. — meaning followers ought to arrive 10:30 a.m.

Parking heaps will open at 8 a.m., as individuals who have already claimed spots can set as much as tailgate. The gates to get into the stadium open two hours earlier than that — at 1:30 p.m.

“All of those heaps that you simply see round listed below are labeled. They know the place they’re going. When you have a parking cross, it must be displayed in order that the officers can see that. The officers will get them to the place they should go and get them within the stadium rapidly,” Officer Christian Hancock, public info officer for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned Friday on “The Morning Present.”

There’s going to be plenty of visitors, and development performs into that, in addition to the anticipated massive crowds.

“We have now plenty of new roadways which have opened within the final week. A whole lot of development is happening across the stadium. These are going to be new street to individuals who have been right here in years previous. We wish them to comply with the officers’ lead — not their GPS,” Hancock mentioned.

Jacksonville Transportation Authority shuttles will likely be out there, together with the St. Johns River Taxi, which is ready to make stops on the Southbank Lodge, Double Tree and Hyatt Regency earlier than the sport, and simply on the Southbank Lodge and Hyatt Regency after the sport.

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Whereas some followers will make their approach downtown on the day of the Southeastern Convention showdown, some diehard followers have already arrange close to the stadium. Loads of folks acquired there earlier this week when RV Metropolis opened up.

Followers of each the Bulldogs and the Gators say they sit up for this sport yearly, as they’ve made it their very own traditions.

“We’re all excited in regards to the sport, after all,” mentioned Georgia fan Nancy Wall. “Nevertheless it’s the top of the week of camaraderie, good meals.”

“If [the game] strikes, it’s going to be loopy,” mentioned Florida fan Wealthy Dean. “I imply, why take the cash away from the town?”

Security is a giant precedence due to how many individuals are anticipated to be round this space, together with all the totally different actions occurring Friday and Saturday. There’s going to be a big police presence with uniformed and undercover officers in place. There will likely be 16 security stations arrange for folks to get info they want, first support if essential and to even cost their telephones.

Luke Bryan is ready to carry out at 7 p.m. on Friday at VyStar Veterans Memorial Area. Additionally on Friday night time, the Florida and Georgia baseball groups will face off in an exhibition sport at 121 Monetary Ballpark, with first pitch taking place at 6:30 p.m., and a fireworks present will likely be held afterward.