Where Is the Gator Bowl Played? Venue & Details

By Sarah Miller · December 30, 2045

The Gator Bowl is played at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, home of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. This venue has hosted the college football bowl game annually since 1996.

History and Location of the Gator Bowl

The Gator Bowl is one of the oldest collegiate bowl games in the United States, with its first edition held in 1946. Over the decades, it has become a staple of the college football postseason, traditionally played in early January.

Why Jacksonville, Florida?

Jacksonville has been the permanent host city for the Gator Bowl since its inception. The city's warm January climate, accessibility, and strong tradition of supporting college football make it an ideal location.

Central location within the southeastern U.S.
Ample hotel accommodations and fan-friendly downtown layout
Longstanding community support and sponsorship

Venue: TIAA Bank Field

TIAA Bank Field, formerly known as EverBank Stadium, is a state-of-the-art sports facility that opened in 1995. It serves primarily as the home stadium for the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) but is also configured for college football events like the Gator Bowl.

Key Features of TIAA Bank Field

Capacity of over 67,000 for football games
Retractable corner sections to adjust seating for different event types
Located along the St. Johns River, offering scenic views
Hosts other major events including the Florida-Georgia rivalry game

Year	Date	Teams	Score	Attendance
2023	Jan 2	Purdue vs. LSU	63–7	68,741
2022	Dec 30	Tennessee vs. Purdue	48–45	68,158
2020	Jan 2	Tennessee vs. Indiana	23–22	68,227
2019	Jan 1	LSU vs. UCF	40–32	69,948
2018	Jan 1	NC State vs. Texas A&M	38–35	64,617

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures consistently exceed 64,000, demonstrating strong fan engagement. Games featuring Power Five conference teams tend to draw higher crowds, with the 2019 matchup between LSU and UCF reaching nearly full capacity. The venue's flexibility allows for optimal fan experience regardless of team proximity.

Bowl Game Significance and Selection Process

The Gator Bowl holds tie-ins with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Big Ten Conference, typically matching a team from each league when they are not selected for New Year’s Six bowl games.

Key Aspects of Team Selection

Teams must be bowl-eligible with at least six wins
Preference given to SEC and Big Ten based on contractual agreements
Network broadcast schedule influences game date and time
Attractiveness of team fan base considered for ticket sales

Television and Sponsorship

The game is currently sponsored by TaxSlayer and officially named the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. It is televised nationally on ESPN, ensuring broad viewership across the U.S.

Broadcast time typically in the afternoon (12:00 or 1:00 PM ET)
Part of ESPN’s broader bowl network package
Sponsorship includes fan events, branding, and digital promotion

About the Gator Bowl: Common Questions

Where is the Gator Bowl stadium located?

The Gator Bowl is played at TIAA Bank Field, located at 800 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The stadium sits in downtown Jacksonville near the St. Johns River.

Has the Gator Bowl always been in Jacksonville?

Yes, the Gator Bowl has been held in Jacksonville every year since its inaugural game in 1946. The current stadium, TIAA Bank Field, has hosted the game since 1996.

What conference teams play in the Gator Bowl?

The Gator Bowl features teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference, as per its current bowl tie-in agreements.

When is the Gator Bowl played in 2025?

The 2025 Gator Bowl is scheduled for Friday, December 30, 2025, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The kickoff time is expected to be around 1:00 PM ET.

How can I buy tickets for the Gator Bowl?

Tickets for the Gator Bowl can be purchased through the official website gatorbowl.com, Ticketmaster, or authorized resellers. Prices vary based on seating section, team popularity, and proximity to the game date.