JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The excitement is palpable as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl approaches, with Missouri and Virginia set to clash on Saturday night at EverBank Stadium.

Thousands have already made their way to Jacksonville, bustling around downtown hotels, eateries, and beaches, all in anticipation of cheering for their respective teams. The city is gearing up to welcome around 30,000 attendees for the event.

During a spirited pep rally at Jacksonville Beach on Friday night, fans from both camps made their presence known, engaging in enthusiastic chants of “M-I-Z-Z-O-U!” and “U-V-A!” This vibrant scene is a prelude to one of the city’s most anticipated sporting events of the year.

This year’s bowl game holds a special significance for numerous families. One Virginia supporter expressed immense pride in seeing her son play for the Cavaliers, making the occasion all the more meaningful.

“I’m super excited,” she said. “This is a great opportunity for him. It’s his last year on the football field, and what a way to end it at the Gator Bowl.”

Her son, Cam Ross, is a wide receiver and return specialist for the University of Virginia. His relatives said they plan to make their presence known in the stands.

“He’s gonna rock it tomorrow,” one family member said. “Give Cam the ball. We’re gonna turn it up. We’re always the loudest in the building.”

On the other side of the rivalry, Missouri fans made the trip from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to see defensive tackle Chris McClellan finish his senior season.

“Family above everything,” said Ella Robinson, McClellan’s grandmother. “He’s been playing since he was five years old, so this moment is incredible.”

As fans prepare for kickoff, not everyone is eager to navigate the game-day traffic.

“Too much going on down there,” one local joked. “I’d probably get run over with my cane.”

Still, many fans say the crowds only add to the fun.

“This is our third bowl game,” another fan said. “It’s great to have the kids and family come along, it’s what makes it special.”

At the beach rally, loyalties were easy to spot. Some fans yelled “Go Cavaliers!” while others were confident “Mizzou’s gonna win.”

But one 9-year-old in the crowd had a different perspective.

“You don’t have all this time with your family,” the young girl said. “It’s special, it’s meaningful, like memories.”

Parking lots at EverBank Stadium open at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Tailgating begins at 3:30, gates open at 5:30, and kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.