4 to be inducted into Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – University of Georgia legends Pat Dye and Ben Zambiasi and University of Florida legends Louis Oliver and James Bates will be inducted into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame on Oct. 31 at EverBank Field.

The honorees will be in attendance at the Merrill Lynch-Bank of America Hall of Fame Luncheon presented by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse on Oct. 31 in the West Club at EverBank Field. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m.

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Tickets are $60, and table sponsorships are available for $600. The deadline to order tickets and sponsorships is Oct. 24.

The ceremony celebrates the many talents and careers of the stars of the legendary rivalry. Past inductees are showcased in the Hall of Fame, located in the lobby of the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

"For decades, the annual Georgia-Florida game has been a showcase for top college football talent," said Mayor Alvin Brown. "The Hall of Fame is an opportunity for all of us to remember and honor the players who displayed greatness on the playing field and thrilled football fans far and wide."

The annual Georgia-Florida game will be played on Nov. 1 at EverBank Field.

University of Georgia inductees:

Pat Dye - Lineman, 1957-1960

  • Dye was a first team All-SEC lineman in 1958 and earned All-American honors in 1959 and 1960. He went on to coach for 17 years in the SEC and was named SEC Coach of the Year in 1983, '87 and '88. Dye was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005 as a coach.
  • In 1959, Dye deflected a Gator pass into a teammate's arm for a touchdown-scoring interception over the Gators.

Ben Zambiasi - Linebacker, 1975-1977

  • Zambiasi led the Bulldogs in tackles three straight years from 1975-1977. He finished his career with 467 career tackles - a school record that still stands today.
  • Zambiasi earned All-SEC Honors during his last three seasons and helped lead the 'Dogs to the 1976 SEC Championship.

University of Florida inductees:

Louis Oliver - Defensive back, 1984-1988

  • Oliver came to Florida as a walk-on in 1984, earned a scholarship in 1985, became a starter in 1986, and then was named a first-team All-American in 1987 and 1988. He was one of three finalists for the Thorpe Defensive Back of the Year Award in 1988.
  • He went on to play seven seasons in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins (1989 - 1993, 1995-1996) and the Cincinnati Bengals (1994).

James Bates - Linebacker, 1993-1996

  • Bates started 20 games in his career and made 166 total tackles from his middle linebacker spot. He played 45 games in his career and was Florida's leading tackler during that span.
  • Bates is now a college football analyst for Fox Sports and their college football show, "The NEW College Football Show."

For more information on the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame or how you can purchase tickets or sponsorships to the luncheon, visit www.flga.org or call the City of Jacksonville Sports and Entertainment Office at 904-630-3600. Stay connected to updates by following @FLvsGA on Twitter, or join the conversation with Gator fans at #FLGA or with the Bulldogs at #GAFL.