The name, “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” originated in the 1950s and was coined by Florida Times-Union sports editor Bill Kastelz, who said he saw a drunk fan offer a drink to a police officer outside its original Gator Bowl home.
About a decade ago, University of Florida and University of Georgia officials took a stand against some of the perceived alcohol abuse and dropped the nickname of the annual Florida / Georgia match-up as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” The City of Jacksonville embraced the nickname before officially dropping it in 1988. There was a death of a Florida student attending the game in 2004 and 2005, which prompted both schools and the SEC to drop the game’s nickname in 2006.
Now, one of the best parties in the South is just called the Florida / Georgia game or the Georgia / Florida game, depending on which side you favor. Yet, the party continues around the stadium, in RV City and all the way to the Landing.
In 2011, the Times Union reported that JSO arrested 33 people at The Landing and the area surrounding EverBank Field in relation to the game. The state division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco said 101 arrests were made for underage drinking.
In 2013, there were 32 arrests in Duval County, including two on felonies, compared with 38 arrests in 2012, three of which were felonies, according to a report in the Florida Times-Union. Police also issued 64 criminal citations, down significantly from the 111 handed out last year, the newspaper reported.
If you have had a Jacksonville alcohol related arrest, give our lawyers a call. A few of them are are actually at the game right now and will be available to be in court, help you get your ticket or charge expunged or help those who have otherwise been injured or arrested. Many college students from the University of Florida and the University of Georgia will be out drinking. Eventually, these students will graduate and will be looking for jobs. A criminal charge on your record may affect your chances of getting a job. Our number is easy to remember – 904-444-4444 or visit us at FloridaJustice.com.