JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) and the Clemson Tigers (8-4) are going head-to-head this Friday in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium.
“Plans changed, but certainly once the dust settled, we had two really, really good teams here, excited to be here,” Greg McGarity, president of the Gator Bowl, said.
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The teams in question have something to prove. This is an ACC vs SEC match-up between a fallen former champion and a young, up-and-coming team. Both teams are coming off disappointing seasons, and neither feels as though they can lose this game.
The pre-game show will be presented by CSX.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Stadium gates open at 10 a.m. to ensure fans have enough time ahead of kickoff at noon.
Here’s what you should know ahead of the game.
Traffic & parking
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will be out and about, making sure that everything is running smoothly for the game.
Parking lot gates will open at 7 a.m., and JSO encourages fans to arrive early to avoid large traffic jams closer to the stadium. Construction around the sports complex will also impact traffic patterns on game day.
“Our goal at Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office remains the same as we are committed to public safety for our community as well as everyone visiting our great city,” said JSO Chief Ellis Burns III.
He encourages visitors to find a JSO officer if they get lost or have any questions while at the game.
Mobile parking is available for this event, so make sure your pass is downloaded and saved so you can easily scan it.
There are pick-up and drop-off locations on the west side of the stadium near Lot Z, which is at A. Philip Randolph Boulevard and Duval Street.
JTA’s Game Day Xpress shuttles will start picking up fans at 10 a.m. and will have their final drop-off one hour after the game ends. The shuttles will run from the JTB Park and Ride lot at JTB and Philips Highway and from the Kings Avenue Parking Garage.
More information on parking and directions to specific lots can be found here.
Safety
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is taking safety at this event seriously.
JFRD said if you feel sick or have an emergency while at the game, to seek out a member of JFRD or JSO. They will be stationed around the event with a full staff.
“We want everybody who is coming to this game to have a great time but remember to have a plan,” JFRD Chief Keith Powers said. “We don’t need anyone drinking and driving and getting hurt. We want you to come to Jacksonville and have a great time but have a plan before you start drinking so that you can safely enjoy this great game.”
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Equal chances?
While many were surprised by the turn of events that led to Clemson and Kentucky being chosen for the Gator Bowl over other teams, we’re being assured that this game will be a game worthy of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
This is the 10th time Clemson is playing in the Gator Bowl, which is the most appearances by any school. It’s Kentucky’s third Gator Bowl appearance.
Clemson is eyeing its fifth straight win to end the season, which was the team’s worst since 2010. But the Tigers have also either won a conference championship game, bowl game or playoff game each season for the last 12 years,which is the longest streak in major college football history.
Kentucky is playing in its eight straight bowl game -- a school record -- and won its last game against Louisville in the Governor’s Cup, but the Wildcats lost five of their last seven games after starting the season 5-0.
Both teams seem to be evenly matched. Most likely, the fate of the game will come down to the performance of the quarterback.
Devin Leary, the QB for the Wildcats, was considered the No. 1 overall quarterback who entered the transfer portal. His season didn’t go as many expected, but he still played admirably.
Tigers QB Cade Klubnik has similar numbers to Leary, completing 63% of his passes and throwing 2,580 yards and 19 touchdowns to Leary’s 2,440 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Fan reminders
- Be Clear on Game Day: The NFL’s clear bag policy is in effect at EverBank Stadium. Fans are encouraged to leave all bags at home, but, if one is necessary, it should be either a clear bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or a non-clear bag no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5.” Non-clear belt bags and fanny packs are prohibited.
- Mobile Ticketing and Parking: Fans should have their mobile tickets and parking downloaded and ready to scan before arriving at parking lots and stadium entry gates.
- Stay Hydrated: Guests are permitted to bring one, commercially branded, factory-sealed, plastic, 16.9 oz. or less size bottle of water. Complimentary cups are also available at all guest services booths to use at stadium water fountains.
- Cashless Transactions: Cash is no longer accepted anywhere in the stadium. In addition to traditional scan and chip options, all fixed points of sale will offer tap or scan payment options including Apple, Google, and Samsung Pay.
- Arrive Early: Guests arriving at the stadium complex after 10 a.m. should expect moderate to heavy traffic delays.
- No Drone Zone: Drones are not permitted to fly anywhere over EverBank Stadium or any of its adjacent parking lots.