Tailgating in Jacksonville

>Home to some of the country's most popular rivalries in college football and the NFL, Northeast Florida welcomes fans to the region to participate in celebrating the wins and losses of their favorite teams. Though kickoff is seen as the highlight of the big game, there are plenty of activities in Jacksonville surrounding the game to help you cheer on your favorite team.

>Get pumped up for the big game or celebrate victory at the Jacksonville Landing with fans of all ages with drink specials and live music all along the St. Johns River. For the key college matchups, experience an electric pep-rally atmosphere as fans make this home for football festivities. If you missed getting tickets to watch your team battle it out on the field, watch the game live from one of the many restaurants and have a perfect seat for the post-game excitement. Also, check out the daily drink specials at the Twisted Martini, located in the courtyard. For Jacksonville Jaguars games, make sure to wear your teal and black gear, as the Jacksonville Landing comes alive as the "Official Jaguars Home Game Party Place."

With numerous waterways surrounding Jacksonville, it's almost natural to arrive at the stadium surrounded by fans on the water. With six stops along the North- and Southbank of the St. Johns River, including the Jacksonville Landing and numerous downtown hotels, cruise to the big game on the S.S. Marine water taxi for transportation to the stadium via the Municipal Marina. Game-day service begins three hours prior to kickoff and continues for two hours after the game. If you're the captain of your own boat, arrive at the big game via the water and sail downtown to the Metropolitan Park Marina. With 78 boat slips available, reservations are required; contact the City of Jacksonville Dockmaster at (904) 630-0839. 

If you want to test your cooking skills, gather up your group and drive down early on game day and grab a parking spot at Tailgaters Parking located on Talleyrand Avenue. This is the hot spot each game day, where you find only the serious tailgaters. The grills come alive and team flags begin flying early, with gates opening four hours prior to kickoff. Make sure to bring plenty of chairs, extra food and a football to toss as fellow fans become friends. Looking to park here for the big matchup? Reservations are taken months in advance for all games, with Jaguars fans able to reserve the same spot for the entire season. Special lots are available for RVs, limousines and charter buses. With lighted parking, clean restrooms and even a covered pavilion with live music, you'll see why this is the game day place to see and be seen!

Why drive yourself to the big game, when you can arrive in style with a personal driver and luxurious transportation! AdLib Luxury Tours & Transportation offers tailgating parties, arranging transportation for up to eight people to the game, coolers and even a grill for cooking up your favorite snacks. Football fans of any team can enjoy the luxury of this personal service and only worry about making the perfect meal and how your team can pull off the upset!

If you are more interested in the overall atmosphere of tailgating than you are cooking, why not contact a caterer to handle all your food needs. Barbecue can bring a smile to every football fan. Contact Woody's Bar-B-Q and order their famous baby back ribs or maybe try a feast for four for a sampling of ribs, pork and chicken along with an assortment of side dishes. With 24-hour notice, let Sticky Fingers bring your food to you! Try their ribs and chicken for the ultimate tailgating experience. And don't forget to pick up some of their signature sauces to compliment your food. Cool off after cheering on your team all day and stop by Rita's Italian Ice at the Northside or Beaches location to pick up some refreshing gelato or custard.

Fans of the Jaguars have numerous celebrations to choose from at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for pre-game fun. The Pepsi Plaza, a 400,000-square-foot entertainment zone adjacent to the stadium is the place for fun prior to kickoff with face-painting, interactive games and live entertainment adding to the experience surrounding the big day. See if you've got what it takes to punt, pass and kick against your friends in the interactive area - fun for kids and adults. The area also includes tailgate cabanas available for a pre-game or corporate hospitality area. For information on cabana rentals and corporate events, contact the Jacksonville Jaguars office. The football fun begins just hours before kickoff.

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