JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Many fans of both schools said this year's Georgia-Florida game at EverBank Field was the most exciting ever.
The bottom line disagrees.
Research released by Visit Jacksonville indicates spending was down this year compared to 2009.
About 21,500 hotel-room nights are attributable to the game this year, but in 2009 the number was 24,600.
The dollars spent and overall impact followed a similar downward trend, as direct spending fell from $13.4 million to $11.6 million, and overall economic impact fell from $23.9 million to $20.8 million.
The average hotel stay was two nights. Many factors could have contributed to the decline.
The 2009 game featured top-ranked, unbeaten Florida and hometown quarterback Tim Tebow.
The 2010 game featured two unranked teams with first-year quarterbacks.