City leaders plan fan activities for Florida-Georgia to help fill entertainment gap in downtown

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It's still a few months before the Florida-Georgia game, but city leaders are starting to prepare now.

Action News Jax reporter Alicia Tarancon is breaking down all the new details of the "Duuuval's Bold City Bash" on CBS47 at 5 p.m. 

This year they're creating "Duuuval's Bold City Bash," a weeklong event for fans leading up to the big game in the downtown sports complex.

When the Florida-Georgia game comes to TIAA Bank in November, the city of Jacksonville wants a place for fans to go, since the Jacksonville Landing will be no more.

The game brings in hundreds of thousands of people each year, and fans come from all over to watch the historic rivalry play.

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This fall, the city wants to create a fan experience that will include fireworks, food trucks, a baseball game, the opening of RV City and a major concert featuring country star Brett Young.

In the past, coaches from Florida and Georgia talked about the possibility of moving the game outside of Jacksonville, but Mayor Lenny Curry says that won't happen.

"I'm not concerned, but you know, anytime you're in a negotiation, first you have to demonstrate appreciation for your client, if you will, and both of those universities are important to our city," Curry said.

Action News Jax told you last month that a deal had also been reached for $450 million to develop lot J at TIAA Bank Field into restaurants, hotels and entertainment.

On Friday the Action News Jax Sky Vision drone flew over the sports complex where Curry says lot J will be developed.

Curry said that lot will grow the sports and entertainment district, bringing more people into downtown.

The city will pay for part of this project, but the mayor didn't say how much the city would need to borrow.

"Well, that's the capital investment, you know, that will be made between both parties, and then the city's got their portion that will happen in increments as the project is done and built," Curry said.

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The mayor told Action News Jax that financially, the city is in a good place and is close to negotiating an extension on its contract for the Florida-Georgia game.

"We're on top of it and I'm confident that this is where that game is going to be played for a very long time," Curry said.

"Duuuval's Bold City Bash" will begin Tuesday Oct. 29, and continue through game day on Nov. 2.

Tickets for the baseball game, fireworks and concert will go on sale Sept. 3.

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