FAN GUIDE: 2018 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Jacksonville, FL — With the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl committee getting ready to host its 74th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, we're breaking down everything you need to know about the New Year's Eve match-up between North Carolina State and Texas A&M.

50,000 fans are expected in what’s being called the largest New Year’s Eve party in Jacksonville’s history.

EVENT SCHEDULE: 

2:00 PM--- VyStar 5K New Year's Eve Run at the Jacksonville Landing.

3:30 PM--- Parking lots open at stadium

4:30 PM--- Gates 1 and 4 open at TIAA Bank Field for 'Happy Hour at the TaxSlayer Tailgate'

5:30 PM--- All remaining stadium gates open

7:00 PM--- TaxSlayer Gator Bowl pre-game show will begin

7:30 PM--- The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game kicks off

10:30/10:45 PM-- Trophy presentation ceremony to winning team/ stage preps for Cole Swindell concert  (Exact timing depends on when the game ends)

10:45/11:00 PM- 75 minute Cole Swindell concert begins

12:00 AM-- Brief fireworks show inside stadium, off the TIAA Bank Field north scoreboard

Between the game and any of its events, there will be no re-entry into the stadium. If you wish to leave the stadium, you will need to buy a new ticket to come back in.

PARKING: 

Parking lots open at 3:30 PM.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office encourages you to be parked three hours before kick-off, as some 50,000 fans are expected to pack downtown.

Fans without parking passes are encouraged to use JTA shuttles or arrange private parking plans, ahead of game day. JSO recommends taking a photo of where you parked, as it will be dark when you leave.

TRANSPORTATION: 

Post-game taxi pick-up will be at the north end of the stadium, by gate 3.

Vehicle-for-hire pick-up will on the east side of the stadium on Parker Street, between Duval Street and Church Street. There will also be a location on the west side of the stadium on North Georgia Street, between Gator Bowl Boulevard and Adams Street.

JTA will be running its Gameday Xpress, with shuttle service beginning at 4:30 PM New Year’s Eve and will run through 12:30 AM New Year’s Day to allow fans to enjoy the concert and fireworks following the game. The Gameday Xpress will be operating from two downtown lots-- the Convention Center park-and-ride lot and the Kings Avenue Parking garage. In addition, JTA says its offering pick-up and drop-off only from the Bay and Hogan intersection for the Jacksonville Landing. The shuttle tickets cost $8 round trip and does include the parking at the Convention Center lot or the Kings Avenue garage. You can buy those Gameday Xpress tickets in advance using the myJTA mobile ticketing app, or the day of, at the parking lots.

JTA says it will also be running the Skyway, starting at 6 AM Monday through 2 AM Tuesday. It is complementary to all residents and visitors. JTA says the Convention Center Skyway station is closed due to ongoing construction, so if you park there, you will not be able to just hop on the Skyway.

SECURITY: 

A clear-bag policy will be in effect at TIAA Bank Field. This means bags must either be clutches, which are no larger than 4 by 6 inches, or a bag must be clear, and no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches.

Walk-in metal detectors will be used to screen all fans upon arrival at the stadium.

Fans using mobile tickets are encouraged to download them in advance, in case Wi-Fi or service is limited. You are also asked to brighten your screen showing your mobile tickets to allow for easier entry.