JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the countdown to kickoff begins, Jacksonville’s municipal leaders are busy refining strategies to manage traffic, safety, and transportation logistics in anticipation of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in 2025.

This Saturday evening, EverBank Stadium will host an exciting matchup between Missouri and the Virginia Cavaliers, with the 81st annual game drawing an expected crowd of 30,000 enthusiastic fans.

Authorities are prioritizing the task of facilitating smooth movement for both fans and local residents in the downtown area over the weekend.

“Attendance last year was nearly 30,000, and we anticipate similar numbers this time,” stated Greg McGarity, the President and CEO of the Gator Bowl.

To help ease congestion, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s Gameday Xpress park-and-ride shuttles will bring fans to and from EverBank Stadium.

Fans can park and ride from two locations: the Kings Avenue Parking Garage downtown at 1201 Kings Avenue, and the JTB Park-and-Ride lot on the Southside at 7000 Phillips Highway.

A round-trip shuttle pass costs $10 from the Kings Avenue location and $15 from the Phillips Highway lot. Tickets can be purchased through the JTA app. JTA says shuttles will run continuously beginning when gates open at 5:30 p.m. The last returning bus leaves one hour after the game ends.

“You do not want to risk getting stuck in traffic or lose your car, or spend time looking for your car, then consider riding with us and taking one of our game day shuttles,” said Jeffery H. Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for JTA.

Game day activities will begin well before kickoff. Parking lots open at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, and the TaxSlayer Tailgate starts at 3:30 p.m.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office leaders say even people not attending the game should be aware of increased activity downtown, including heavier traffic and a larger law enforcement presence.