Sporting Events to Watch

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Did you know the sixth oldest college bowl, and the first one to ever be televised nationally, takes place in Jacksonville? The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl was first played in 1946 and continues each year at EverBank Stadium with a SEC and ACC team going head-to-head. The annual game takes place around New Year’s Eve, with it being a different date each year.

THE PLAYERS Championship: THE PLAYERS Stadium Course sports one of the most recognizable and challenging holes on the PGA TOUR, the intimidating par-3, 17th hole featuring an island green. THE PLAYERS Stadium Course was not only built to challenge pros but also create a one-of-a-kind experience for spectators. THE PLAYERS Championship occurs every year in March, and fans can expect a fun week full of golf, local food and vendors, exciting experiences and more.

Florida vs. Georgia Weekend: The iconic University of Florida vs. University of Georgia college football rivalry game has been taking place in Jacksonville since 1933, bringing together two passionate fan bases and thousands of college football lovers to Jacksonville. In addition to the game, the weekend features the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the fall baseball game between the two universities and of course, tailgating in RV City. This iconic game takes place every year at the end of October.

Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament: The annual event is a long-standing tradition in the Jacksonville area, attracting professional and amateur anglers. Every July, more than 300 boats fish the weeklong event for thousands of dollars in prizes. It is one of the largest kingfish tournaments in the Southeast and includes a Junior Angler Tournament.

Super Girl Surf Pro: The world’s top professional female surfers visit Jacksonville for the Super Girl Surf Pro, a 3-day event, each November. The event weekend is jam-packed with world-class surfing competition, and a festival village loaded with female-inspired vendors, activities, classes, speakers and amazing live entertainment. The event takes place in the fall and is free to attend.

DONNA Marathon: Did you know the 26.2 with DONNA The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer is the only U.S. marathon dedicated solely to raising funds to finish breast cancer? DONNA Marathon Weekend is an official event of The DONNA Foundation, a private non-profit organization in Northeast Florida, providing financial assistance and support nationwide to those living with breast cancer. Marathon weekend includes a 5K, DONNA Dash, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultramarathon and more. The event occurs every February and brings in thousands of runners from all 50 states and many countries to Jacksonville and The Beaches.

Gate River Run: The Gate River Run is the largest 15k in the nation with more than 20,000 participants making their way to Jax every March to experience first-hand the fun of the race. The racecourse starts and ends at the Sports Complex, taking participants through the historic streets of Downtown Jacksonville and the San Marco neighborhood and across the city’s most popular bridges. With many race traditions like finishing on the “Green Monster” bridge and pre, during and post-race celebrations, The Gate River Run is an experience unlike any other.