This week, I had the honor to welcome Indiana University Football Head Coach Tom Allen and University of Tennessee vice chancellor & athletic director Phillip Fulmer to Jacksonville with keys to the city. The Hoosiers and Volunteers will play in the 75th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl here in Jacksonville on Jan. 2, 2019.
As mayor and a football fan, I am excited to see these two great teams play here in the Bold City. This is sure to be an exciting game, and one in which Indiana has a score to settle. The last time these teams met was in the 1988 Peach Bowl when Tennessee walked away the victor, 27-22.
Jacksonville is a football town. It's one of the many reasons I love this city so much. Few things generate more excitement and energy than a game day here at TIAA Bank Field. You see that excitement at Jaguars home games, the annual Florida-Georgia rivalry, and (of course) the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
This game has been a proud Jacksonville tradition for 75 years--it's the sixth oldest bowl game in the nation--and is one of the signature events that contribute to our strong reputation as a premiere destination for sports & entertainment.
The game continues to be a key economic driver for our city and provides us with a unique opportunity to introduce our out-of-town guests to all that Jacksonville has to offer. Every year, this game brings millions in direct economic impacts to local businesses and brings in thousands of out-of-market fans.
I look forward to welcoming fans and teams to our beautiful city in the coming weeks!
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