Sunshine Showdown
2026

The Golden Era: Bowden vs. Spurrier

No discussion of the Sunshine Showdown is complete without acknowledging the legendary coaching rivalry between Bobby Bowden and Steve Spurrier. From 1990 to 2001, their matchups elevated the rivalry to national prominence. Spurrier, who won the 1966 Heisman Trophy as Florida's quarterback, returned as head coach and immediately raised the stakes.

During this golden era, the programs combined for four national championships and fourteen conference titles. Games like "The Choke at Doak" (1994), where Florida blew a 31-3 fourth-quarter lead only to tie 31-31, became instant classics. The subsequent Sugar Bowl rematch—"The Fifth Quarter in the French Quarter"—saw Florida State win 23-17, adding another chapter to an unforgettable season.

The 1996 meeting stands as perhaps the rivalry's pinnacle: No. 1 Florida faced No. 2 Florida State in a regular-season showdown. FSU won 24-21, but the Gators earned the last laugh with a 52-20 demolition of the Seminoles in the Sugar Bowl for Florida's first national championship.

Game Day in Tallahassee

Tallahassee transforms for the Sunshine Showdown. College Town, the entertainment district adjacent to campus, buzzes with pregame energy. Fans from both sides gather at local establishments, engaging in the spirited debates that make rivalry weekend special. The city's Southern hospitality welcomes visitors, though expect passionate opinions about which shade of orange and blue reigns supreme.

Arriving early enhances the experience. FSU's campus offers beautiful pregame walking areas, and the atmosphere builds throughout the day. When Renegade the horse and Chief Osceola charge onto the field before kickoff, even visiting fans acknowledge the spectacle's power.

Sunshine Showdown 2026 Quick Facts

• Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
• Venue: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
• Capacity: 79,560
• Matchup: Florida Gators at Florida State Seminoles
• Series Record: Florida leads 38-28-2
• TV: Typically ESPN or ABC
• Official Sites: Seminoles.com | FloridaGators.com

Memorable Sunshine Showdown Moments

• 1994 "Choke at Doak": Florida blows 31-3 fourth-quarter lead, game ends 31-31
• 1996 No. 1 vs. No. 2: FSU wins 24-21, Florida wins national title rematch 52-20
• 1997 Sugar Bowl: Florida wins 52-20 in national championship game
• 2003 "Swindle in the Swamp": Controversial FSU win 38-34 in Gainesville
• 2022: Highest-scoring game ever—FSU wins 45-38 in overtime

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunshine Showdown 2026

When is the Sunshine Showdown 2026?

The Sunshine Showdown 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, 2026. This falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which has been the traditional date for the Florida-Florida State game since the 1970s. The rivalry game serves as the regular season finale for both programs.

Where is the Sunshine Showdown 2026 being played?

The Sunshine Showdown 2026 will be played at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, home of the Florida State Seminoles. The game alternates between Tallahassee and Gainesville each year, with 2026 being Florida State's turn to host. Doak Campbell Stadium holds approximately 79,560 fans.

Who leads the all-time series between Florida and Florida State?

Florida leads the all-time series 38-28-2 as of the 2024 season. The Gators dominated the early years of the rivalry before Bobby Bowden elevated Florida State to national prominence in the late 1970s. Since then, the series has been much more competitive, with both programs enjoying winning streaks at various points.

Why is it called the Sunshine Showdown?

The Sunshine Showdown name comes from a promotion brought to you by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that tracks head-to-head wins between Florida and Florida State across all sports. While the promotion encompasses multiple sports, the football game has become most closely associated with the Sunshine Showdown branding.

How can I buy Sunshine Showdown 2026 tickets?

You can purchase Sunshine Showdown 2026 tickets through our secure resale marketplace. We connect fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive prices. Our all-inclusive pricing means no hidden fees at checkout, and every purchase is backed by buyer protection. Browse our inventory to find tickets in your preferred seating area.

What time does the Sunshine Showdown typically start?

The Sunshine Showdown kickoff time varies based on television selections, typically announced during the season. Recent games have been scheduled at various times including afternoon and primetime evening slots. The exact kickoff time for the 2026 game will be announced closer to the date based on TV broadcast decisions.

Is there a trophy for the Florida-Florida State game?

Unlike some rivalry games, the Florida-Florida State matchup does not have a dedicated rivalry trophy. However, the game contributes to the broader Florida Cup competition that also involves the University of Miami. The bragging rights and state supremacy stakes provide ample motivation for both programs without a physical trophy.

What is the atmosphere like at Doak Campbell Stadium?

Doak Campbell Stadium provides one of college football's most electric atmospheres. The Seminole War Chant reverberates throughout the horseshoe-shaped stadium, and the pregame tradition of Chief Osceola riding Renegade to midfield to plant a flaming spear energizes the home crowd. For the Sunshine Showdown, expect an intense, passionate environment with fans from both schools creating a divided but electric atmosphere.

How do I get to Doak Campbell Stadium?

Doak Campbell Stadium is located on the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee. The stadium address is 403 Stadium Drive. Parking is available in various lots around campus, with some requiring advance purchase. Tallahassee International Airport serves fans flying in, and the city is accessible via Interstate 10 from the east and west.

When did Florida and Florida State first play football?

Florida and Florida State first met on the football field in 1958, with the Gators winning 21-7 in Gainesville. The game was arranged at the request of Florida Governor Leroy Collins. Due to limited capacity at Doak Campbell Stadium at the time, the first six games were played at Florida Field in Gainesville.

What are the best hotels near Doak Campbell Stadium?

Tallahassee offers numerous hotels for visiting fans, ranging from major chains to local accommodations. Hotels near downtown and the FSU campus fill quickly for Sunshine Showdown weekend, so booking early is strongly recommended. Properties along Apalachee Parkway and near the Capitol provide convenient access to the stadium.

Can Florida State fans do the Tomahawk Chop at the game?

Yes, the Tomahawk Chop and Seminole War Chant are signature traditions at Florida State games. FSU fans raise their arms in a chopping motion while chanting, creating one of college football's most recognizable traditions. Expect to hear and see this throughout the game, especially during key moments.

What was the highest-scoring Sunshine Showdown?

The highest-scoring Sunshine Showdown occurred in 2022, when Florida State defeated Florida 45-38 in overtime. The combined 83 points set a new record for the rivalry. Conversely, the largest margin of victory came in 1983 when Florida won 53-14.

Are there good tailgating spots near Doak Campbell Stadium?

Yes, tailgating is a beloved tradition around Doak Campbell Stadium. The areas surrounding the stadium and throughout campus offer tailgating opportunities. Arrive early to secure a spot, and be prepared for the pre-game atmosphere that builds throughout the day as fans from both schools gather.

Experience Florida's Greatest Football Rivalry

The Sunshine Showdown 2026 continues one of college football's most passionate rivalries. When the Gators and Seminoles meet at Doak Campbell Stadium, you're witnessing more than a football game—you're part of a tradition that has shaped Florida sports for nearly seven decades.

Whether you're a Gator faithful making the trip to enemy territory or a Seminole supporter defending home turf, being present for this rivalry creates memories that last a lifetime. The intensity, the atmosphere, and the stakes make every Sunshine Showdown special.

Don't miss your chance to be part of Sunshine Showdown 2026. Browse our selection of verified tickets and secure your spot for Florida versus Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium. Go Gators or Go Noles—the choice is yours, but experiencing this rivalry in person is something every college football fan deserves.