Major anniversaries are a big deal and are meant to be celebrated in a big way.
That will be the case for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, which will play its 80th game and do so in primetime on January 2 at 7:30 p.m.
The date and time were officially announced on June 6 along with the contest’s television viewing details, as it will be shown nationally on ESPN.
"We're thrilled to celebrate these two outstanding teams going head-to-head in the 80th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, TaxSlayer CEO Jamie Saxe said. “This is a historic year for the big game, and it marks our 14th as the title sponsor. It's an honor to be a part of this tradition once again and to connect our brand to such a prestigious event enjoyed by football fans nationwide.”
Just two years ago, the 78th Gator Bowl ranked as highest non-New Year Six bowl games with more than 5.5 million viewers tuning in to watch the game between Notre Dame and South Carolina.
Clemson defeated Kentucky 38-35 in a shootout last year, and the SEC vs. ACC matchup has become an expected tradition and that is set to continue next year.
However, it could look a little different as both conferences added new teams that will now be included into the pool of possible candidates the Gator Bowl will have to choose from.
New teams in the SEC include Oklahoma and Texas, while the ACC expanded by adding California, SMU and Stanford.
The addition of teams farther west will only help grow the interest of the game and showcases the Gator Bowl as a true national event.
Teams participating in the 80th edition will be announced on December 8, 2024.
For years, the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl was held in or around New Years Day, including a stretch of January games for two decades from 1996 to 2016, but it will be the first January date since the end of the 2020 season.
“On behalf of the entire TaxSlayer Gator Bowl organization, it is a privilege to showcase and pay tribute to 80 years of history of this iconic game in primetime,” TaxSlayer Gator Bowl chairman Andy King said. “We’re honored to be affiliated with two of college football’s top conferences and look forward to hosting their teams and fans in Jacksonville to kick-off 2025.”
Tickets for the 80th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will go on-sale to the public on September 4 in celebration of “904 Day” and will include a special offer for local buyers through Ticketmaster.
For more information about the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl including stadium policies, the organization’s philanthropic efforts or to become a member, go to www.taxslayergatorbowl.com.
