JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tens of thousands of Clemson and Kentucky fans gathered at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach ahead of the Taxslayer Gator Bowl on Friday.
Local businesses expect boosts from visitors like Kentucky fans Michelle and Ron Eckart, who knew what they were going to do before the big game.
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“I saw a couple of breweries and maybe a few oysters along the way. Oysters and beer every day of the year,” Michelle Eckart said.
They’re among the tens of thousands of visitors who will pack EverBank Stadium for the game.
Bold City Brewery owner Brian Miller said he’s seen a nice boost from visitors in the past.
“Anytime we have an event coming into town...I think no matter what, people like beer, so they always want to come out and they like to see the brews that are here,” Miller said.
Miller said this whole weekend is a boost for his downtown and Rosselle Street locations and extra staff will be ready to work as needed.
Visit Jacksonville said the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl brings millions of dollars to the River City. Last year’s event brought over $17 million. This included everything from hotels, gas, restaurants, and shopping.
Bailey Jackson and his family drove down from South Carolina on Wednesday. He said this is like a post-Christmas vacation.
“I’m a Clemson grad, my daughter is a cheerleader, so we go everywhere they go most of the time. And it’s just a chance for us to get out after the holidays and go somewhere we haven’t been before and just hang out for a couple of days,” Jackson said.
The Kentucky pep rally kicks off Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at the Seawalk Pavilion. If you plan to head to the game tomorrow, you’re asked to get there early.
