During Georgia-Florida game weekend each year, a sea of fans washes over Amelia Island. A highlight of the autumn season, the annual football frenzy is a fun time to be in northeast Florida. One of the biggest rivalries in college football, the game is held in neighboring Jacksonville and notorious for its tailgating parties.
Dawg and Gator fans will cover this barrier island from the northern to southern tips, the eastern beaches to western riverfront, like the migratory birds that arrive here in the fall.
Fans colored in Bulldog red and black, plus Gator blue and orange, will flock to the pubs of the historic district, to local parties, and to the football Frat Bash (an annual tradition on Amelia Island Plantation, now part of Omni Hotels). There’s a good time to be had for avid football fans here on Amelia Island, Florida.
As reliable as the tides, celebrations ebb and flow with the early birds starting the preliminary “warm up” pre-game festivities leading up to what is known as “the World’s Biggest Outdoor Cocktail Party.”
Most years it coincides with Halloween, so it’s a very busy time in the Jacksonville area of northeast Florida for hotels, bars, restaurants, and the grocers, too. Many house parties are hosted and the shopping carts will be brimming with all the “fixins” for football, trick-or-treating activities, and Halloween parties.
Even though Amelia Island is Florida territory, it’s literally “borderline.” There actually may be more rooting for the Bulldogs than the Gators on this barrier island. Amelia Island has for many generations been a favorite playground for folks of Georgia. Lots of Georgia full time residents own second homes here to enjoy island getaways.
FRAT BASH AT OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION
One of the biggest football events held on the island each year is the Georgia-Florida Frat Bash at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort.
An annual tradition the night before the big game, the Frat Bash includes food, open bar and a partying bunch congregating at Amelia Island’s largest oceanfront resort. A local favorite, The Swingin’ Medallions often play this event.