Jack Goldburg to face Gators for $40,000

Forty thousand dollars in cash prizes will change hands at the University of Florida on Saturday, November 7, as fans compete against Jack Goldburg. Goldburg is the co-founder of Jack's Dining Room and the Yes Chef Group. The event serves as the second stop for the Yes Chef Tailgates tour, presented by Pepsi, ahead of a football game between the Gators and the University of Oklahoma.

The competition centers on three physical challenges: Reaction Catch, Football Toss, and Pepsi Putt. Participants must first play these games to earn a spot on a leaderboard. At 6 p.m. ET, the top contestants from that list will face Goldburg directly. The winner of each head-to-head matchup takes home a portion of the total prize money. The tailgate area opens to RSVP guests at 4:30 p.m. ET, allowing early arrivals to build their leaderboard standing.

Pepsi, a partner of the University of Florida for 21 years, sponsors the event. The beverage company will provide free samples of Pepsi Zero Sugar and Pepsi Prebiotic Cola to attendees. Food vendors Grievous Angel and LoveBird will serve tailgate meals. DJ gudgroove will provide live music throughout the afternoon. The public can enter the tailgate area without an RSVP starting at 6:30 p.m. ET, provided there is remaining capacity.

The event takes place at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, located at 157 Gale Lemerand Drive in Gainesville. Space is limited, and organizers encourage fans to reserve spots through the Instagram account of Jack's Dining Room. On-site registration will be available, but it is subject to the venue's capacity limits. The event runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET.

Eligibility rules specify that participants must be residents of Florida and at least 18 years old. A government-issued photo ID is required for entry. While Pepsi sponsors the event, the Yes Chef Group sponsors the contest itself. Chem Creative is responsible for administering and judging the games. Pepsi does not judge the contest or award the prizes. Full details on gameplay and prize distribution are available in the official contest rules.

The matchup against Oklahoma is described as a heated contest, setting the stage for the pre-game festivities. The tour aims to combine food, competition, and the Pepsi brand in a single venue. The $40,000 pot is split among the winners of the three distinct challenges. Fans who secure an RSVP can play all games for free during the initial 4:30 p.m. opening.