Jacksonville Sports Council, city gear up for economic boost

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The city of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Sports Council are gearing up for a busy three weeks in the river city.

Millions of dollars will be flowing into the local economy at the end of October with the three sporting events:  the Georgia-Florida game on Oct. 29, the Navy-Notre Dame game on Nov. 5 the and Sea and Sky Air Show and the Veterans Day parade.

“It’s our belief from the Sports Council that this is going to be a $75 to $80 million economic impact on our community, and after Hurricane Matthew left us in a mess, I think that’s very needed,” said Rick Catlett JAXSPORTS Council.

The excitement for the Georgia-Florida game starts early with the opening of RV city.

The annual Merrill Lynch/Bank of America Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame luncheon and induction ceremony is scheduled Oct. 25 at EverBank Field. The Avett Brothers will perform later that evening at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. The annual Dawg Walk and Gator Walk lead up to the kickoff at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 29.

The Navy-Notre Dame game will be held the next weekend, with multiple military-themed events leading up to that it.

“As a football fan and son of a Navy veteran, I am looking forward to the next few weeks in Jacksonville,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “These events are important to our military-friendly city and strengthen our reputation as a prime destination for sports and entertainment.”

Military momentum continues with the Jacksonville Sea and Sky Air Show. A series of events the next week will honor the military during the annual Week of Valor, capping off on Veterans Day with the Veterans Day parade.

Cox Media Group