So, you’re trying to figure out what time the Dawgs and Gators actually take the field. It’s the question that dictates every tailgate plan, every grocery run for the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," and every frantic text to the group chat on Saturday morning.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much people stress over this, but given the stakes of this rivalry, I get it. If you’re looking for the 2026 schedule, mark your calendar for Saturday, October 31, 2026. Because of massive renovations at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, this year is a total curveball. The game is moving to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The 2026 Kickoff Situation
While the official TV networks usually wait until about two weeks before the game to lock in the exact second the ball hits the air, the Georgia Florida game start time almost always lands in the high-profile afternoon slot.
For 2026, you should prepare for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
Why is it almost always 3:30? Basically, it’s a broadcast tradition. For decades, CBS held the rights to the SEC "Game of the Week," and that 3:30 p.m. window became synonymous with the Jacksonville atmosphere. Now that the SEC has moved over to ABC/ESPN, they’ve kept that tradition alive. It’s the "Goldilocks" of start times—late enough for a full morning of tailgating, but early enough that the sun is still setting over the stadium during the fourth quarter.
Why the 2026 Game is Different (and why time matters)
If you’ve been going to this game for years, you’re used to the St. Johns River and the sea of RVs in Jacksonville. 2026 changes the math.
Since the game is in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the logistics of a 3:30 p.m. start are way different. You aren't navigating the Hart Bridge; you're dealing with downtown Atlanta traffic on Halloween. Yeah, it’s on October 31st this year. Expect the "cocktail party" vibe to be mixed with a lot of people in costumes and a closed-roof environment.
Does the time ever change?
Occasionally, if both teams are having a bit of a "down" year (rare, but it happens) or if there's a massive conflict with another blockbuster matchup, the game could potentially slide. However, the SEC and its broadcast partners treat Florida-Georgia as a crown jewel.
It is almost never a "nooner."
It is almost never a night game.
Night games in this rivalry are actually super rare. The last time they tried to play this deep into the evening, things got a little too rowdy, and the "Cocktail Party" nickname—which the schools officially distance themselves from—became a bit too literal. The 3:30 p.m. slot is the compromise that keeps the TV executives happy and the city of Jacksonville (or Atlanta, this year) relatively intact.
Breaking Down the Game Day Timeline
If the kickoff is at 3:30 p.m., your day doesn't start at 3:30. Not even close. If you’re actually attending or just hosting a watch party, here is how the timing usually flows:
- 8:00 a.m. – The early birds are already setting up. In Atlanta, the Home Depot Backyard will be a sea of red, black, blue, and orange.
- 12:30 p.m. – This is when you want to be "settled." If you’re at the stadium, the gates usually open two hours before.
- 3:00 p.m. – The "Dawg Walk" and Gator equivalent usually happen a bit earlier, but by 3:00, the bands are on the field. This is the peak energy moment.
- 3:30 p.m. – Kickoff. The actual georgia florida game start time usually drifts to about 3:39 p.m. after the national anthem and the coin toss.
Where to Watch if You Aren't There
Since the SEC jumped ship to Disney’s platforms, ABC is your destination. You won't find this on CBS anymore. If you're a cord-cutter, you'll be looking at ESPN+, FuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV.
👉 See also: Green Bay Packers: What Time Is the Next Game and How to Watch
One thing to watch out for: in 2025, there was a weird dispute where YouTube TV subscribers almost lost access to the game due to carriage fights. Always check your provider about 48 hours before the game to make sure you aren't stuck staring at a black screen while your neighbor is screaming at a Kirby Smart decision.
A Note on the 2027 Game
Just so you can plan ahead—because I know how Gator and Dawg fans are—the 2027 game will also be away from Jacksonville. It’s heading to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Expect the 3:30 p.m. tradition to hold firm there as well. The game returns to its "rightful" home in Jacksonville in 2028 once the stadium renovations are complete.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Don't wait until Friday night to figure this out.
- Set your DVR for 3:00 p.m. – Give yourself that 30-minute buffer so you don't miss the intros.
- Verify the Channel – It’s ABC. If you use an antenna, do a channel scan on Thursday to make sure your signal is locked in.
- Traffic Prep – If you are heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2026, book your parking via the ParkMobile app now or plan to use MARTA. Atlanta on Halloween with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff is going to be a standstill.
- Confirm the Date – Remember, the 2026 game is specifically on October 31st. It's a Saturday, but it's also a holiday, which changes hotel availability and travel times significantly.
Basically, keep that 3:30 window clear. It’s the most consistent thing in SEC football, even when the stadium itself is changing.