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Florida football rivalry action between the two schools' teamsFlorida Gators football team taking the fieldChief Osceola and Renegade at an FSU gameFlorida alligator in the wildFlorida State Seminoles football team on the fieldFSU Seminoles fans cheering in the stands

The Legacy Weekend

Where Legends return. Rivals Unite. Memories are made.

The Biggest Watch Party in the State

Plus a Legacy Social celebration to close out the weekend.

Sutton Park & Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa Palmetto, Florida
Date & TimeFri, Nov 27 · Doors 1:30PM · Starts 2PM
VenueSutton Park
WeekendWatch Party + Legacy Social
Confirmed Guests12 Legends Confirmed
Netwatch VIPLimited Availability
The Concept

One rivalry. One resort. A full weekend of Florida football.

The Legacy Weekend is a premium two-day experience built around a major football watch party at Sutton Park and extended by a Legacy Social celebration at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.

01

Premium Rivalry Watch Party

A stadium-caliber atmosphere for the biggest watch party in the state, with big screens, big energy, and a big crowd.

02

Former Players & Ambassadors

Confirmed and invited legends from both sides of the rivalry make appearances throughout the weekend.

03

Netwatch VIP Access

A limited-capacity premium space with elevated viewing, food, and drinks included.

04

Legacy Social

The weekend continues with Legacy Social, built for connection, relaxation, and sponsor visibility.

05

Sponsor-Friendly Hospitality

Purpose-built for banks, credit unions, and regional businesses looking for weekend-long brand alignment.

06

Two Signature Locations

Friday's watch party at Sutton Park, Saturday's Legacy Social at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa — both just minutes apart in Palmetto.

Legends of the Rivalry

Featured Former Players

Confirmed and invited former players from both sides of the rivalry, appearing throughout the weekend for meet-and-greets, interviews, and watch party moments.

Florida Gators

Brian Poole, former Florida Gators defensive back

Brian Poole

University of Florida

Super Bowl LI participant with the Atlanta Falcons. Six seasons in the NFL with the Falcons, Jets, Saints, and Colts, totaling 299 career tackles and 7 interceptions.

Lawrence Wright, former Florida Gators safety

Lawrence Wright

University of Florida

1996 Jim Thorpe Award winner and All-American safety. Team captain for Florida's first national championship team.

Johnny Rutledge, former Florida Gators linebacker

Johnny Rutledge

University of Florida

1996 national champion and two-time All-SEC linebacker, First-Team All-SEC in 1998. Second-round NFL Draft pick who played five seasons with the Cardinals and Broncos.

Adam Shuler, former Florida Gators defensive lineman

Adam Shuler

University of Florida

Longwood, Florida native who anchored the Gators' defensive line as a graduate transfer, earning SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition before signing with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent.

Reggie McGrew, former Florida Gators defensive tackle

Reggie McGrew

University of Florida

Defensive tackle from Mayo, Florida who anchored the Gators' defensive line under Steve Spurrier. First-Team All-SEC in 1998 and a 1996 national and SEC champion. First-round NFL Draft pick (24th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers in 1999, later finishing his career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Todd Johnson, former Florida Gators safety

Todd Johnson

University of Florida

Sarasota native and hard-hitting safety who anchored the Gators' secondary from 1999–2002. Two-time First-Team All-SEC (2000, 2001) who finished his UF career with 284 tackles and nine interceptions. Fourth-round NFL Draft pick by the Chicago Bears with a seven-year NFL career, and recently inducted into the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame.

Eugene McCaslin, former Florida Gators running back and linebacker

Eugene McCaslin

University of Florida

Tampa native who played running back and linebacker for the Gators from 1996–1999, part of Florida's 1996 national championship team. UF's second-leading rusher in 1998 with 704 career rushing yards, and a team captain his senior season. Selected in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.

Brian 'Dock' Pollard, former Florida Gators cornerback

Brian "Dock" Pollard

University of Florida

Bradenton native and Manatee High School product known as one of the fastest players on the team. Pollard broke into Florida's cornerback rotation as a true freshman in 1995 and won the starting job at right cornerback in 1998, his junior season, after earning the team's Most Improved Defensive Back award that spring.

More invited Gators to be announced

Check back for additional Florida legends joining the weekend.

Florida State Seminoles

Chris Rix, former Florida State Seminoles quarterback

Chris Rix

Florida State University

First four-year starting quarterback in FSU history (2001–2004). ACC Rookie of the Year in 2001 and part of three ACC championship teams. Ranks third in career passing yards (8,390) and fourth in touchdown passes (63) in program history.

Leroy Smith, former Florida State Seminoles defensive back

Leroy Smith

Florida State University

Defensive back for the Seminoles who helped anchor an FSU secondary during a run of ACC championship contention. A hard-hitting presence in the FSU defensive backfield throughout his career.

Craphonso Thorpe, former Florida State Seminoles wide receiver

Craphonso Thorpe

Florida State University

First-Team All-ACC wide receiver in 2003. A dynamic playmaker in FSU's passing game before being drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Chris Davis, former Florida State Seminoles wide receiver

Chris Davis

Florida State University

St. Petersburg native who starred at receiver for the Seminoles before being drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Went on to a long pro career spanning the NFL, CFL, and Arena Football League, racking up 759 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in the AFL.

Marcello Church, former Florida State Seminoles linebacker

Marcello Church

Florida State University

A St. Petersburg (Lakewood High) product who arrived at FSU as one of the top-ranked linebackers in the state and a national Top 100 recruit. Brought physical, downhill linebacker play to the Seminoles' defense.

Kendall Pope, former Florida State Seminoles linebacker

Kendall Pope

Florida State University

Second-Team All-ACC linebacker in 2002 who went on to be drafted in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Won a Super Bowl XLI championship with the Colts.

Jeremy Franklin, former Florida State Seminoles linebacker

Jeremy Franklin

Florida State University

Tampa, Florida native who suited up at linebacker for the Seminoles defense, wearing #52 for Florida State.

James Buchanan, former Florida State Seminoles fullback

James Buchanan

Florida State University

Played fullback for the Seminoles under head coach Bobby Bowden. He went on to serve in the Florida House of Representatives since 2018, chairing the House Commerce Committee, and is now running for the Florida State Senate.

More invited Seminoles to be announced

Check back for additional Florida State legends joining the weekend.
Tim Tebow shouting with emotion on the Florida Gators sidelineTim Tebow shouting with emotion on the Florida Gators sideline
A Gator Nation Moment

The Promise

September 27, 2008

To the fans and everybody in Gator Nation, I'm sorry. I'm extremely sorry. We were hoping for an undefeated season. That was my goal, something Florida has never done here.

I promise you one thing, a lot of good will come out of this. You will never see any player in the entire country play as hard as I will play the rest of the season. You will never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of the season.

You will never see a team play harder than we will the rest of the season. God bless.

— Tim Tebow

Jameis Winston focused in prayer before a Florida State game
A Seminole Nation Moment

We Strong

And I said... we said... I said, "Are you strong?"

They said, "I'm strong if you strong."

I said, "We strong, then."

— Jameis Winston

★ Netwatch VIP

The premium way to experience the rivalry.

A limited-access viewing area with included food and drinks, elevated hospitality, and the perfect setting for hosting clients, partners, or guests.

Limited-Access Premium Space

A dedicated area set apart from general admission, reserved for VIP ticket holders only.

Food & Drinks Included

Enjoy a curated spread and beverage service throughout the watch party, with no lines and no extra cost.

Elevated Viewing Experience

Premium sightlines and seating designed to put you closer to the action all game long.

Sponsor-Hosting Potential

Businesses use Netwatch VIP to host clients and partners in a relaxed, high-visibility setting.

Netwatch VIP has limited capacity, so availability is not guaranteed
See Netwatch VIP Pricing
Day Two

Legacy SocialInvite Only

The weekend doesn't end at the final whistle. The day after the watch party, The Legacy Weekend continues with Legacy Social, a private gathering for former players and invited VIPs built for connection and relaxation — not open to the general public.

Spa treatment for Legacy Social guests Spa Day
Kids playing and splashing during Legacy Social activities Kids Activities
Resort pool at the Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa Pool
Evening mixer drinks at the Pool Evening Mixer
  • •A complimentary spa day for the wives and girlfriends of our guest players.
  • •Kids' activities coordinated by Marriott staff throughout the day.
  • •A midday celebration at the Pool for players, family, and guests.
  • •An evening mixer at the Pool, bringing together players, family, sponsors, and invited guests.
Get In

Tickets

Secure your spot at the biggest watch party in the state. Lock in Early Bird pricing before it's gone. Every option is below.

🏈
Get There Early

The Tailgate Starts Before Kickoff

Doors open at 1:30 — and so does the tailgate. Come early, grab your spot, and soak up the pregame energy with fellow Gators and Seminoles fans before the watch party gets rolling. Everyone with a ticket is welcome.

Tailgate Hours
1:30 – 3:30 PM
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Tickets Only

Just the watch party, no hotel attached
General Admission
Price Increases as the Event Nears
Early Bird • First 300 Tickets Sold
General Admission$27.50
Regular Price
General Admission$40
  • Full access to the watch party
  • General viewing areas
  • Access to concessions
Buy Now
Preferred Seating
Only 100 Available
Early Bird • First 300 Tickets Sold
Preferred Seating$45
Regular Price
Preferred Seating$70
  • Reserved seating up front, closest to the screen
  • Better sightlines than General Admission
  • Access to concessions
Buy Now
Netwatch VIP
Only 150 Available
Early Bird • First 300 Tickets Sold
VIP Access$100
Regular Price
VIP Access$150
  • Limited-access premium viewing area
  • Food and drinks included
  • Elevated seating and sightlines
  • Ideal for hosting clients or guests
  • Dedicated VIP entrance
Buy VIP Access
Veterans
Valid Veteran ID Required at Entry
Early Bird • First 300 Tickets Sold
Veteran$15
Regular Price
Veteran$25
  • Full access to the watch party
  • General viewing areas
  • Valid veteran ID required at entry
Buy Now
Students
Ages 6–18, or Valid Student ID
Early Bird • First 300 Tickets Sold
Student$15
Regular Price
Student$25
  • Full access to the watch party
  • General viewing areas
  • Ages 6–18, or valid student ID at any age
Buy Now
Kids 5 & Under
Free With a Ticketed Adult
Kids 5 & UnderFree
  • Free admission for children 5 and under
  • Must be accompanied by a ticketed adult
  • General viewing areas
Buy Now
Official Host Hotel

The Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa

Book your room directly with our Official Host Hotel and save 20% off the regular room rate.

Use Code LEGACY20
Tickets are non-refundable but transferable up to 48 hours before the event. See the full ticket policy for details. Have entry questions? Check the FAQ below.
Our Charitable Impact

The Rivalry Brings Us Together. The Mission Gives Us Purpose.

Proceeds from The Legacy Weekend benefit Ri5e Leadership and Sports Academy, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Supporting the Student in Student-Athlete

Ri5e's mission is to support the student in student-athlete by building academic accountability, college readiness, and confident, socially aware leadership—together. Every student is documented, tracked, and known. Some have the talent and discipline to earn athletic scholarships, but talent alone doesn't always close the gap: for some students, the difference between pursuing an opportunity and walking away can be a relatively small financial or resource gap. That's where The Legacy Weekend community can make a difference.

Your Sponsorship Can Be the Bridge

Not necessarily the full ride. The bridge. The transportation. The registration. The equipment. The academic resource. The opportunity to participate. The support that helps keep a young person moving forward. It's the difference between a student who has to walk away and a student who gets to walk in.

Become a Sponsor Speak With Our Team
Watch & Follow

Media

Promo trailers, former player interviews, sponsor spotlights, and Legacy Social highlights, with fresh content added before and after the event.

Hype Trailer

The Rivalry Returns: Official Trailer

Player Interview

Former Player Sit-Down: Behind the Rivalry

Legacy Social

Inside Legacy Social at the Marriott

Sponsor Spotlight

Partner Feature: Presenting Sponsor

Promo

Netwatch VIP: Inside the Space

Recap

Post-Event Recap (Coming Soon)

Photo Gallery Promo Kit Download
For Members of the Media

Media & Press Information

Members of the media seeking interviews, event information, credentials, founder interviews, sponsorship information, or additional materials regarding The Legacy Weekend should contact our media team below. Media assets, press releases, event announcements, photographs, founder biographies, and additional information will be made available as the event approaches.

Event Quick Facts

The Legacy Weekend
November 27–28, 2026
Palmetto, Florida
Official Website: www.thelegacyweekend.net

Media Contact

Jill McGarry

Media Contact, McGarry Marketing

jill@mcgarrymarketing.com
Founders

Adrian McPherson

Florida State University / Southeast High School Alumni
Nexis Advisory Group

adrian@nexisadvisorygroup.com

Reggie Davis

University of Florida / Southeast High School Alumni
Nexis Advisory Group

reggie@nexisadvisorygroup.com

Nexis Advisory Group: www.nexisadvisorygroup.com

Where It Happens

Two Venues, Minutes Apart

Sutton Park hosts Friday's watch party. The Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa — our Official Host Hotel — hosts Saturday's Legacy Social and weekend lodging, both in Palmetto, Florida, just minutes from each other.

Aerial view of the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa and The Yard event lawn at dusk
  • Watch Party:Sutton Park, 1036 6th St W, Palmetto, Florida
  • Legacy Social & Lodging:Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 US-41, Palmetto, Florida — Official Host Hotel
  • Lodging:On-site rooms are available at our Official Host Hotel for the weekend. Book early, as the event nears capacity.
  • Parking:On-site parking available at both venues; arrival details shared closer to the event
Book Your Stay
Official Host Hotel

Save 20% Off Your Stay

Book direct with the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, our Official Host Hotel, and save on the regular room rate for the weekend.

Use Code LEGACY20
Need to Know

FAQ & Contact

Answers to the most common questions about tickets, VIP access, Legacy Social, and sponsorships, plus how to reach our team directly.

General admission includes full access to the watch party, general viewing areas, and concessions access.
Limited-access premium viewing, food and drinks, elevated seating, and a dedicated VIP entrance.
Friday's watch party is at Sutton Park; Saturday's Legacy Social and weekend lodging are at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. Both are in Palmetto, Florida, just minutes apart. See the venue section above for full details.
Yes. The Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa is our Official Host Hotel. Book your room directly with the Marriott and use code LEGACY20 to save 20% off the regular room rate.
On-site parking is available. Full arrival and shuttle details will be shared as the event approaches.
Yes. Meet-and-greet opportunities are planned throughout the weekend, with details announced closer to the event.
Legacy Social is an invite-only, private gathering — not open to the general public. It includes a spa day for wives and girlfriends, kids' activities coordinated by Marriott staff, a midday pool celebration, and an evening mixer at the Pool for former players, family, sponsors, and invited VIPs.
Reach our partnerships team directly at sponsor@thelegacyweekend.net or through the sponsor inquiry form above.
Get in Touch
In Partnership With
City of Bradenton, The Friendly City
The City of Palmetto
Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency
Palmetto Downtown Main Street
McGarry Marketing
SNRGY Productions
Seminole Club of Manatee, Seminoles United
Nexis Advisory Group
Tickets VIP Sponsors