Lito Sheppard
University of Florida
Two-time Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro cornerback. Multi-time All-American and All-SEC selection at Florida.
The Legacy Weekend
Where Legends return. Rivals Unite. Memories are made.
The Biggest Watch Party in the State
Plus a Family Day celebration to close out the weekend.
Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
Palmetto, Florida
Date & TimeFri, Nov 27 · Doors 1:30PM · Starts 2PM
VenuePalmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
WeekendWatch Party + Family Day
Confirmed Guests7 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 and extended by a Family Day celebration, all hosted 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
Family Day Celebration
The weekend continues with a Family Day 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
Resort-Level Setting
Everything happens at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, so there is only one venue to worry about.
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
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
University of Florida
1996 Jim Thorpe Award winner and All-American safety. Team captain for Florida's first national championship team.
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.
More invited Gators to be announced
Check back for additional Florida legends joining the weekend.Florida State Seminoles
Peter Warrick
Florida State University
Two-time All-American, 1999 national champion, and Sugar Bowl MVP. Winner of the 1999 Paul Warfield Trophy as college football's top receiver. College Football Hall of Fame inductee with a retired jersey at FSU and a spot on the ACC's 50th Anniversary Team.
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
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
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.
More invited Seminoles to be announced
Check back for additional Florida State legends joining the weekend.
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
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
Day Two
Family Day
The weekend doesn't end at the final whistle. The day after the watch party, the Classic continues with a Family Day celebration built for connection and relaxation with players, family, sponsors, and invited guests.
Spa Day
Kids Activities
Beach Club
Evening Mixer
Spa Day for Guests
Kids Activities & Games
Beach Club or Main Pool
Evening Mixer at the Beach Club
- •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 Beach Club or Main Pool for players, family, and guests.
- •An evening mixer at the Beach Club, 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.
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Tickets Only
Just the watch party, no hotel attachedGeneral Admission
Price Increases as the Event Nears
Early Bird Adult (First 300, through Sept 30, 2026)$27.50
General Admission Adult$35
General Admission Kid (18 & Under)$15
- Full access to the watch party
- General viewing areas
- Access to concessions
Preferred Seating
Up Front, Closest to the Screen
Preferred Seating Adult$55
Preferred Seating Kid (18 & Under)$25
- Reserved seating up front, closest to the screen
- Better sightlines than General Admission
- Access to concessions
Netwatch VIP
Limited Availability
Early Bird VIP (First 300, through Sept 30, 2026)$120
Regular VIP$125
- Limited-access premium viewing area
- Food and drinks included
- Elevated seating and sightlines
- Ideal for hosting clients or guests
- Dedicated VIP entrance
Staying With Us But Already Have a Ticket?
Book your room directly with the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa at our group rate of $150 per night. Use code RIVALRY when booking.
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. At Ri5e, students aren't simply enrolled. Every student is documented. Every student is tracked. Every student is known.
Some of the young people Ri5e works with have the talent and discipline necessary to earn athletic scholarships and continue their education. But talent alone doesn't always close the gap. For some students, the difference between pursuing an opportunity and having to walk 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.
When you sponsor The Legacy Weekend, you're doing more than putting your company's name on an event. You're helping create access. You're investing in potential. And you're helping the next generation build its own legacy.
Partner With The Classic
Sponsors & Partners
Built for banks, credit unions, financial institutions, and regional businesses looking for real visibility across a full weekend, not just a single game.
Most sponsorships end when the game does. This one doesn't.
For banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions, the Classic offers something more valuable than a logo on a banner: a full weekend to build real relationships. Netwatch VIP puts your team in the same room as the guests who matter most, over food and drinks instead of across a booth. Family Day carries that same access into a slower, more personal setting, with spa time, poolside afternoons, and an evening mixer where conversations happen naturally instead of being rushed between plays.
Add a Florida football rivalry people already care about, and former players fans recognize on sight, and the result is a partnership that feels like something worth being part of, not another sponsorship banner in the concourse.
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Partnership
A portion of every sponsorship supports Ri5e Leadership and Sports Academy, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so a portion of your contribution may be tax-deductible. See our charitable impact for more, or ask our partnership team for details.
A Full Weekend, Not a Single Day
A concentrated, engaged crowd across a full weekend that spans the watch party, VIP hospitality, and Family Day, instead of a single-day footprint.
Audience & Promotional Channels
Reach fans, VIP buyers, and business guests on-site, plus a growing social and video audience.
Netwatch VIP Hospitality Value
Host your own clients and partners inside the Netwatch VIP space as part of your sponsorship.
Former Player & Ambassador Visibility
Align your brand with recognizable Florida football names appearing throughout the weekend.
Sponsorship Packages
Eight partnership levels designed for different visibility and activation goals, plus custom sponsorship options available on request.
Presenting Sponsor
$25,000
Maximum Visibility • Premium Activation
- 10x20 booth at the event
- Most prominent name/logo placement on event print ads (print deadlines apply)
- Name/logo on collateral materials, including information packets
- Company banner placement at the event (provided by company)
- Commercial/name/logo and link on The Legacy Weekend website
- Recognition in TLW social media captions
- Company representative opportunity to speak in interviews and at the event
- Custom activation: VIP lounge, product sampling, influencer partnership
- Opportunity for company material in bag and raffle giveaway
- Opportunity to provide company volunteers
- Internship for Ri5e Academy students (paid internship preferred when possible)
- 20 tickets to the Legacy Social, plus two hotel rooms for a two-night stay at the Palmetto Marriott
- 20 VIP tickets and t-shirts
Platinum
$15,000
High-Visibility Partnership
- 10x20 booth at the event
- Logo on collateral materials, lower third
- Company banner placement at the event
- One commercial included on website
- Name/logo and link on TLW website
- Company recognition on TLW social media
- Company material in bag and raffle giveaway
- Company representative opportunity to speak at event
- Opportunity to provide company volunteers
- Internship for Ri5e Academy students (paid internship preferred when possible)
- 10 tickets to the Legacy Social, plus two hotel rooms for two nights at the Palmetto Marriott
- 10 VIP tickets and t-shirts
Gold
$10,000
Strong Brand Presence
- 10x20 booth at the event
- Company banner placement at event
- Logo on TLW website
- Company material in bag and raffle giveaway
- Company announced on social media post
- Opportunity to provide company volunteers
- Internship for Ri5e Academy students (paid internship preferred when possible)
- 8 tickets to the Legacy Social, plus two rooms for a two-night stay at the Palmetto Marriott
- 8 VIP tickets and t-shirts
Silver
$5,000
Accessible Partnership
- 10x10 booth at the event
- Link on TLW website
- Company material in bag and raffle giveaway
- Company banner at Legacy Tailgate event
- Company announced on one social media post
- Internship for Ri5e Academy students (paid internship preferred when possible)
- 6 tickets to the Legacy Social, plus one room for a two-night stay at the Palmetto Marriott
- 6 VIP tickets and t-shirts
Bronze
$2,500
On-Site & Digital Visibility
- 10x10 booth at the event
- Logo on the website
- Company announced on one social media post
- Marketing materials in bag
- Internship for Ri5e Academy students (paid internship preferred when possible)
- 4 tickets to the Legacy Social
- 4 VIP tickets and t-shirts
Specialty
$1,500
Entry-Level Presence
- 6x6 booth space
- Social media mention
- Marketing materials in bag
- Internship for Ri5e Academy students (paid internship preferred when possible)
- 2 tickets to the Legacy Social
- 2 VIP tickets and t-shirts
Sponsor
$750
Visible & Accessible
- 6x6 booth space
- Name mentioned on website
- Social media mention
- Internship for Ri5e Academy students
- 1 VIP ticket, 1 ticket to the Legacy Social, and a t-shirt
Friends of the Festival
$500
Community Support Level
- Name on website or social media mention
- Internship for Ri5e Academy students (paid internship preferred when possible)
- 1 VIP ticket
- 1 ticket to the Legacy Social and a t-shirt
Custom sponsorship options are also available, including on-site activations, branded content, cause marketing tied to Ri5e Leadership and Sports Academy, and custom hospitality experiences. Talk with our partnership team to build something tailored to your brand.
Presenting Sponsor Logo
Platinum Sponsor Logo
Gold Sponsor Logo
Silver Sponsor Logo
Sponsor Inquiry
Watch & Follow
Media
Promo trailers, former player interviews, sponsor spotlights, and Family Day 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
Family Day
Inside Family Day 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.legacyweekend.net
Media Contact
Founders
Adrian McPherson
Florida State University / Southeast High School Alumni
Nexis Advisory Group
Reggie Davis
University of Florida / Southeast High School Alumni
Nexis Advisory Group
Nexis Advisory Group: www.nexisadvisorygroup.com
The Full Weekend
Two Days. One Rivalry.
From kickoff-night energy to Saturday morning fairways, here's how the weekend unfolds.
FRI
Watch Party & Fan Experience
Doors open at 1:30 PM with the watch party kicking off at 2 PM at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, featuring former player appearances, Netwatch VIP hospitality, and rivalry-driven energy from first kickoff to final whistle.
SAT
Family Day & Celebration
The weekend extends into Saturday with a Family Day celebration built for connection and relaxation with family, sponsors, and guests, closing out the Classic in style.
Where It Happens
Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
A premium, resort-level setting for the entire weekend, with the watch party, VIP hospitality, and Family Day all in one place.
- Address:Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, Palmetto, Florida
- Setting:Full-service resort with premium indoor and outdoor event space
- Lodging:On-site rooms are available for the weekend. Book early, as the event nears capacity.
- Parking:On-site parking available; arrival details shared closer to the event
Need to Know
FAQ & Contact
Answers to the most common questions about tickets, VIP access, Family Day, 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.
The Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa in Palmetto, Florida. See the venue section above for full details.
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.
Family Day includes a spa day for wives and girlfriends, kids' activities coordinated by Marriott staff, a midday pool celebration at the Beach Club or Main Pool, and an evening mixer at the Beach Club for players, family, sponsors, and invited guests.
Reach our partnerships team directly at sponsors@stateoftherivalry.com or through the sponsor inquiry form above.
Get in Touch