Where Is the Gator Bowl Played? Location & Details

By Sarah Miller · July 5, 2036

The Gator Bowl is held annually at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, home of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.

What Is the Gator Bowl and Where Does It Take Place?

The Gator Bowl is one of the oldest and most prestigious college football bowl games in the United States. Since 1996, it has been played at TIAA Bank Field (formerly EverBank Stadium) in Jacksonville, Florida. This venue also serves as the home stadium for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, making it a premier destination for major football events.

Known officially as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl due to sponsorship, the game typically features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC), although matchups can vary based on tie-ins and team availability.

History and Significance of the Gator Bowl

First played in 1946, the Gator Bowl ranks among the second-oldest collegiate bowl games in the country, behind only the Rose Bowl. Over the decades, it has hosted legendary programs and standout players who later became NFL stars.

Some key historical highlights include:

First game: January 1, 1946, between Wake Forest and South Carolina
First televised nationally: 1957
Hosted top-ranked teams including Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and Notre Dame
Notable alumni: Joe Namath played in the 1964 Gator Bowl before his professional career

Evolution of Venue

While early editions were held at the original Gator Bowl Stadium, the current iteration takes place at the modern TIAA Bank Field, which opened in 1995. The stadium underwent renovations in 2018 to enhance fan experience and maintain NFL and NCAA event standards.

Gator Bowl Game Details and Scheduling

The game is traditionally played in late December or early January, serving as part of the broader college football postseason schedule. In recent years, it has typically occurred around December 30th or 31st.

Key details about the game:

Annual date: Late December to early January
Kickoff time: Usually 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM EST
Broadcast network: ESPN
Average attendance: Over 60,000 fans
Sponsor: TaxSlayer (since 2014)

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance
2023	Dec 30	Tennessee	35–38	Purdue	63,801
2022	Jan 2	Wake Forest	27–35	Mississippi State	60,519
2020	Jan 2	Tennessee	30–27	Clemson	61,953
2019	Jan 1	LSU	63–7	UCF	63,751
2018	Jan 1	NC State	27–23	Arizona State	61,397

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures demonstrate consistent fan engagement, with crowds regularly exceeding 60,000. The 2019 matchup between LSU and UCF was particularly notable for its lopsided score, highlighting dominant performances by Power Five conference teams.

Why Jacksonville Remains the Ideal Host City

Several factors contribute to Jacksonville’s long-standing role as the Gator Bowl host:

Central Florida Location: Easily accessible for fans across the southeastern U.S.
Warm Winter Climate: Favorable weather conditions during the holiday season
Modern Infrastructure: TIAA Bank Field offers ample seating, luxury suites, and transportation access
Economic Impact: The game generates millions in local revenue annually

Local hotels, restaurants, and tourism sectors benefit significantly from the influx of visitors each year, reinforcing community support for the event.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gator Bowl

Where is the Gator Bowl played every year?

The Gator Bowl is held annually at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.

Has the location of the Gator Bowl ever changed?

No, since 1996, the game has been played at the current site—TIAA Bank Field. Prior to that, it was held at the old Gator Bowl Stadium, which stood nearby and was demolished in 2008.

Who plays in the Gator Bowl?

The game typically features a team from the ACC versus a team from the SEC, though selections may vary depending on playoff qualifications and conference agreements.

When is the next Gator Bowl game scheduled?

The next Gator Bowl is expected to take place on December 30, 2025, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.

How can I buy tickets for the Gator Bowl?

Tickets can be purchased through the official TaxSlayer Gator Bowl website, ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, or authorized resellers. Prices vary based on seat location and demand.