Gator Bowl Sports d/b/a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl $270, 000 grant for the FY 26-27.

The Duval County Tourist Development Council is awarding a $270,000 grant to Gator Bowl Sports d/b/a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl for fiscal year 2026–27 under a single-source procurement, with the grant period running October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. This is a sole-source award with no competitive solicitation; Gator Bowl Sports is identified as the only NCAA-certified 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization authorized to host the annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl post-season college football game.

The scope encompasses fan promotion, national television broadcast production, marketing management, and collateral materials supporting the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Deliverables include a comprehensive marketing and promotional plan using traditional advertising (print, television, radio) and digital channels (email, social media, SEO, video pre-roll) targeted at alumni and team-affiliated fan bases; one 30-second in-game ESPN commercial spot and one 15-second billboard message; permanent website placement and dedicated informational pages; full-page game program advertisements; scouting flip card inclusion; and in-stadium digital signage. Annual reporting is required following the game, covering attendance, television ratings, and ticket purchaser origin analysis.

The $270,000 represents a reduction from the prior year's $300,000 allocation, consistent with a planned drawdown cadence. The TDC approved the grant on February 12, 2026. The Duval County TDC Board approved the award unanimously, citing the strategic importance of maintaining bowl game operations and the event's economic impact for Northeast Florida, which included $4.7 million in direct business sales, approximately 9,000 room nights, and over 22,000 total visitor days in 2025. The 2027 game will be held in Gainesville due to stadium construction in Jacksonville but will return to Jacksonville in 2028. TaxSlayer maintains a 14-year title sponsorship agreement with two years remaining.