The fun police at UF and UGA have asked television networks not to refer to this weekend’s game, The World’s Largest Cocktail Party, as “The World’s Largest Cocktail Party.” With “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” now off limits, TV broadcasters are racking their brains for new ways to refer to Saturday’s Georgia-Florida football showdown. Officials from CBS said the “cocktail party” nickname has never been a big part of their coverage, anyway. “We view the SEC as a partner,” said Tony Petitti, executive vice president of CBS Sports. “There are certain things you go to the mat for but this isn’t one of them.” Veteran broadcaster Verne Lundquist, who’ll handle the play-by-play for CBS Saturday, said he’ll honor the request. “Having said that, if I thought not using the phrase ‘World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party’ would diminish the amount of public drunkenness, then I would be more than happy to refrain. But in my experience is that is not the case. I wish the omission of the phrase had more relevance. But I’m afraid it doesn’t.”
CBS, which has broadcast nine of the last 10 Georgia-Florida games, has been sensitive to this issue for a while. For the past few years there has been an unwritten understanding that the “cocktail party” phrase would be used no more than once during the broadcast and only once in the 30-minute pregame show.
The Jacksonville Landing will welcome the fans of The University of Georgia and The University of Florida for a three-day celebration surrounding one of the most infamous rivalry football games. A significant change will take place at this year’s event in an attempt to offer multiple entertainment locations. The Landing’s courtyard will play continuous music throughout the three-day event and will offer more space to the visitors with the removal of the stage and its roof.
“We want to put on a fun and enjoyable weekend for all the football fans visiting The Landing and, at the same time, create a safe atmosphere here on property,” says Rachel Kaltenbach, director of public relations for The Jacksonville Landing. “The removal of the courtyard stage will add additional space for our patrons, yet still offer entertainment value with music being played through our large sound system. The Bud Light Lounge will be the location for our live entertainment, which will only add another entertainment option for everyone.”
Live entertainment will be located on a stage located at the corner of Hogan Street and Independent Drive West. The stage is connected to a new attraction for The Landing during Georgia-Florida Weekend called the Bud Light Lounge. This attraction uses state-of-the-art video and a variety of cutting-edge technologies to create a unique, interactive experience. Featuring a multi-level design, the 3,500-square foot Bud Light Lounge is comprised of six distinct entertainment zones for a fun, social and engaging experience. Areas include the Blue Room, a vibrant blue club-like atmosphere and Kick, a glowing, reactive video dance floor.
The Landing will be gating for Friday and Saturday. A $10 charge will be collected at the entry gates and a portion of those monies collected will be donated to AngelAID, a local non-profit for terminally-ill children.
The Jacksonville Landing, located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville adjacent to the St. Johns River, is a multi-purpose facility providing year-round shopping, dining and entertainment. With more than 40 shops and restaurants, visitors are sure to find exactly what they are looking for, as well as enjoy the fabulous view of the river. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Some unfortunate incidents surrounding recent year’s Georgia/Florida Football Game have spurred the City of Jacksonville along with the University of Georgia and the University of Florida to create a Sideline Student Safety Zone in conjunction with this year’s Georgia-Florida activities. The Sideline Student Safety Zone will offer a “safe” place for students and visitors to go if they become lost, stranded or are in need of medical attention.
The Sideline Student Safety Zone will operate from the following two locations:
* Modis Building, across from The Jacksonville Landing
* The Georgia-Florida Welcome Center, located on Gator Bowl Boulevard across from Alltel Stadium
The Sideline Student Safety Zone will be clearly marked and will be staffed by volunteers from each university as well as the City of Jacksonville. Services include access to trolleys and taxis, medical attention, water, snacks, computers, phones and general information. The student safety hotline (904) 630-SAFE (7233) will be available during the hours of operation above.
The intent of the Sideline Student Safety Zone is to provide a friendly and safe environment to those seeking assistance. For more information on the Sideline Student Safety Zone and other activities throughout the Georgia-Florida weekend visit www.flga.org.
Thurs. Oct. 26 (7 -11pm) The George Aspinall Band
Fri. Oct. 27 (6-10pm) Roving Karaoke
(South End of Alltel Stadium in Pepsi Plaza, West Entrance, Park in Lot J) Saturday, Oct. 27, 10am – end of game
• “Brush with Greatness” Autograph Sessions, ESPN The Magazine’s Gridiron Blowout 2006 with DJs, video gaming kiosks, internet terminals, photo opportunities, Viewing Lounge with plasma screens and comfortable seating, prize drawing for two tickets to the GAFL game, interactive games and exhibits.
• Bulldog Tailgate Party, Metropolitan Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Boulevard at 12:30 p.m.
• Gator Club Pep Rally, The Jacksonville Expo Center at the Fairgrounds, 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 26 (5pm - 2am)
Freeze Frame 5 - 9 p.m.
Go Ask Alice 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 27 (Noon-2am)
Chain of Fools Noon - 4 p.m.
Sugar Bear 5 - 9 p.m.
Blisture 10 p.m. -2 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 28 (Noon-2am)
George Aspinall Band 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
A1A North 7 - 10 p.m.
The Jay Garrett Band 10:30 p.m. -2 a.m.
• GA-FL Welcome Center presented by 511, In the Sports Complex area and adjacent to Metropolitan Park.
• Sideline Student Safety Zone, Modis Building across from The Jacksonville Landing
• Jacksonville and the Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inside The Jacksonville Landing
• Coastline Drive and Newnan Street, Near the Hyatt Regency Hotel
• Championship Dreams Festival, Outside Alltel Stadium’s South End Zone
• Adams Street, Outside Alltel Stadium’s Gate 1
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