World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party: world record in Jacksonville, Florida

October 27, 2022

Jacksonville, Florida, United States--The Florida–Georgia football rivalry is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the University of Florida Gators and the University of Georgia Bulldogs, both members of the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference; the game attracts huge crowds to Jacksonville, and the associated tailgating and other events earned it the nickname of the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party", according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"The drive to Jacksonville’s TIAA Bank Field for the annual World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, simply put, is just different, has a unique vibe and is more exciting than an ordinary college football game," the USA Today reports. The SEC border clash between the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators is one of the great spectacles in all of sports.

"RVs as far as the eye can see, school flags flying in the breeze, tents dotting the landscape, thousands of people tailgating, music blasting and the mesquite aroma of countless BBQs create the most festive atmosphere in college football."

"Not only for the fans of both schools, but the atmosphere is electric for the players. They are amazed by the size of the crowds around the stadium."

Photos: (1) YouTube/Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2) Athlon Sports (3) YouTube/Kristin Pope (4): Saturday Down South

"The annual rivalry game between the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs may be known as "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," but you'll never hear it officially labeled by the famous nickname." the al.com reports.

"The nickname was first coined in the 1950s by Bill Kastelz, the sports editor for The Florida Times-Union. Kastelz said he came up with the name after seeing a drunk, stumbling fan offer an alcoholic beverage to an on-duty police officer.

The "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" nickname proved so popular that the City of Jacksonville used it for many years but it was dropped from most official usage in 1988 following a series of alcohol-fueled disturbances surrounding the game.

"Now featuring two of the most prominent Southeastern Conference rivals, this matchup has become one of the biggest games in college football - and it all takes place on Jacksonville's home turf: EverBank Field, the Jacksonville.com reports.

"Known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, the annual tailgating, game and aftermath puts our Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods in the center of it all.

"The spectacle this college rivalry has become showcases Jacksonville to 127,000 annual visitors. It fills 35,000 hotel room nights and attracts 5 million TV viewers.

"Where can you go see a concert, party on a yacht, see dogs dressed like alligators, men sporting mullets, and trick or treat with your kids? “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”, that’s where," the Tailgater Magazine reports.

"Up to 150,000 fans are expected to descend upon Jacksonville Florida for the game this year. This jumbo gathering has weathered world wars, depressions, recessions, presidential impeachments and many a lopsided outcome.

"As you can see this annual football classic has turned into one unbelievable tailgate event. For those who have never experienced it and have a passion for tailgating this should be at the top of your tailgate bucket list. Even though the NCAA banned the term “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” there’s no denying that’s what it is."

World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

"The Florida–Georgia football rivalry is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the University of Florida Gators and the University of Georgia Bulldogs, both members of the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference. The programs first met in 1904 or 1915 (the status of the first game is disputed) and have played every season since 1926 except for a war-time interruption in 1943.

"It is one of the most prominent rivalry games in college football, and it has been held in Jacksonville, Florida since 1933, with only two exceptions, making it one of the few remaining neutral-site rivalries in college football. The game attracts huge crowds to Jacksonville, and the associated tailgating and other events earned it the nickname of the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party", although that name is no longer used officially.

"Though highly contested on both sides, the series has gone through several periods in which one team has been dominant for well over a decade. Georgia dominated the early series while Florida held a clear advantage in the 1950s and early 1960s. Georgia again dominated from the mid-60s through the 80s under coach Vince Dooley, while Florida took the upper hand in the rivalry during the 1990s and early 2000s under coaches Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer. More recently, the series has been more evenly balanced. Beginning with the 2007 contest, the series is tied at seven, with the fierce rivals enjoying and then suffering through alternating sets of three-game win streaks. That trend ended in 2020, with the rivals splitting the last two meetings." (wikipedia)