by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Downtown is set for the annual gridiron clash in Jacksonville between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the University of Florida Gators.
For the game, 83,000 people will have a seat in EverBank Field Saturday afternoon and about half again as many come Downtown each year just to be a part of the festivities, even though they won’t get any closer to the game than watching it on a big-screen TV.
There’s plenty to do this weekend whether you’re a ticket holder or not. Activities planned by the City revolve around the stadium and the traditional hub of hospitality and entertainment will be in full swing at the Landing.
RV City opened Wednesday and again this year, it will be where to find live bands and the annual campground decorating contest.
From 5-11 p.m. Friday, Zaxby’s will celebrate its 20th anniversary with free samples, prizes and a karaoke contest on the RV City Stage.
Also Friday, from 5 p.m.-1 a.m., the City hosts “Gridiron Getdown,” a music festival featuring Fusebox Funk, Jake Owen, Drummer vs. DJ and Uncle Kracker. It will be at the Pepsi Plaza between EverBank Field and Metropolitan Park and admission is free.
The Landing will offer live entertainment tonight and Friday night in the courtyard. The bands start at 11 a.m. Saturday and the game will be shown in the big-screen TV at 3:30 p.m.
The “Gridiron Tour Tailgate Challenge” will take over the Hogan Street cul-de-sac near the Landing at 6 p.m. Friday. The Georgia-Florida game has been selected as one of only eight sites for this year’s grilling competition.
Saturday at the south end of EverBank Field from 10 a.m. until the end of the game, the City’s Office of Special Events and the Sports & Entertainment Board will host “Touchdown Showdown.” The live telecast of Georgia-Florida 2010 will be shown on two LED jumbo screens.
Also on tap is an interactive area with football-themed games, a golf driving range, the “Rock Band Ultimate Experience” and more activities.
Admission to the Landing is $10 per person beginning at 5 p.m. Friday. Children under 12 will be admitted free and people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
“Fans look forward to this weekend all year long,” said Landing Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator Blakeley Ainsworth.
For the details and schedules, visit www.flga.org.
356-2466