The 82nd annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will be played on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 11:30 a.m. EST. The game, announced today by the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, TaxSlayer, and ESPN, will be televised nationally on ESPN.

The event will take place on Bill Gay Grounds at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.

The stadium will operate at a reduced capacity for the game due to ongoing renovations. This year’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will feature a team from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) facing an opponent from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

TaxSlayer CEO Jamie Saxe expressed enthusiasm for the long-standing tradition. “The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is one of the most exciting traditions in college football and we’re thrilled to be part of this event once again. Each year, the game brings incredible energy and a meaningful opportunity to share our company’s mission with fans across the country.”

Bill Dixon, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Chairman, highlighted the honor of hosting the game. “It’s a tremendous honor to be the lead game in a robust day of iconic college football programming.

“The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl and Northeast Florida will provide an incredible post-season destination for the players, coaching staff and fans alike.”

Tickets for the 82nd annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl are currently available through a limited pre-sale offer. This pre-sale will run exclusively through Friday, June 12. Public ticket sales will begin Sept. 15 via Ticketmaster.

Prospective buyers can receive preferred pricing by purchasing tickets from a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl “Green Jacket Member” before Dec. 1. More information about the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, including stadium policies, philanthropic efforts, or membership, is available here.

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Golden Tempo won the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, capturing the third leg of the Triple Crown five weeks after winning the Kentucky Derby and making more history for trainer Cherie DeVaux.

With jockey Jose Ortiz aboard, Golden Tempo charged down the stretch at Saratoga Race Course to win the Belmont, holding off Commandment before the finish line at the historic track.

Commandment was second and favorite Renegade third.

The pace was not nearly as fast as it was at Churchill Downs, yet Golden Tempo still was able to close in time to win the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:03.49.

DeVaux, after becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, is the second in four years to do so at the Belmont. Jena Antonucci won it with Archangelo in 2023.

This was the third and final time for the Belmont at Saratoga in upstate New York while its traditional home on the border of Queens and Long Island is getting demolished and rebuilt. The race is set to return to Belmont Park next year.

DeVaux was born in Saratoga Springs and began her training career at the track.

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AP horse racing: https://apnews.com/hub/horse-racing

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Voting is now open to send Atlanta Braves players to the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.

The Braves hosted the 2025 MLB All-Star Game last year. The Philadelphia Phillies will host this year’s midsummer classic on July 14 as part of America 250 celebrations.

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In honor of America’s anniversary, the Braves released 1776-inspired graphics for players you can send to Philadelphia including:

• Catcher Drake Baldwin
• First baseman Matt Olson
• Second baseman Ozzie Albies
• Third baseman Austin Riley
• Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim
• Outfielders Mauricio Dubón, Michael Harris II, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
• Designated hitter Dominic Smith

The Braves are also offering a 20% off deal for fans who vote in Phase One. The deal will be available for games between June 7 and July 2 and can be used for up to four tickets.

Fans will have until June 25 at 12 p.m. to cast their votes for Phase 1. The top two-voter getters at each position and the top six outfielders will advance to the final round of voting.

Phase 2 voting will be open from June 29 until July 2 at 12 p.m. Players will submit their ballots June 24-June 28.

MLB will unveil the All-Star starters and full rosters for the American League and National League on July 4.

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