JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl approaches, excitement builds for the thrilling clash between Missouri and Virginia set to take place Saturday night at EverBank Stadium.

With thousands of fans already making their way to Jacksonville, the city’s hotels, eateries, and seaside areas are bustling with activity. Anticipation is high as approximately 30,000 spectators are expected to witness the showdown.

During a spirited pep rally on Friday evening at Jacksonville Beach, enthusiastic fans from both teams engaged in lively chants of “M-I-Z-Z-O-U!” and “U-V-A!”, capturing the competitive spirit that accompanies one of the year’s major sporting events in the city.

For numerous families, this year’s Gator Bowl holds significant importance. One Virginia supporter expressed immense pride as she watched her son prepare to represent the Cavaliers on the field.

“I’m thrilled beyond words,” she shared. “This is an incredible moment for him. It’s his final year playing football, and ending it at the Gator Bowl is unforgettable.”

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.