The Jacksonville Jaguars are here to stay, much to the delight of their fans and the city of Duval County. A monumental deal was struck that will ensure the team remains in Jacksonville for the next 30 years, cementing their place in the community.
The current Everbank Stadium will undergo a transformation, with plans to build a new stadium on its foundation. A canopy will be added on top of the existing structure to provide shade for the 63,000 fans who will be able to enjoy NFL games there. With the ability to expand to over 71,000 seats for special events like the annual Florida-Georgia college football series, the hope is that the stadium will attract larger sporting and music events to the area.
Construction on the new stadium is set to begin in early 2025, with the goal of playing games in the new venue by 2028. In the meantime, the Jaguars will continue to play in front of their loyal fans, with over 60,000 expected to attend home games in 2025 and around 43,000 in 2026.
For the 2027 season, the team will temporarily relocate their home games to venues outside of Jacksonville, potentially playing at venues like Orlando’s Camping World Stadium or the University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. However, a non-relocation agreement has been put in place, ensuring that the Jaguars will remain in town without question.
The team’s owner, Khan, expressed his gratitude for the support from the city and their team owners, highlighting the economic impact the new stadium will have on Jacksonville. Estimates suggest that the renovated stadium and surrounding area could generate over $26 billion for the city, a staggering figure that promises a bright future for Jacksonville.
“Never doubt Jacksonville,” Khan stated. “The venue will be world-class by every definition. It will impressively serve the Jaguars and their fans, attract major sports and entertainment events to our region, and serve as an economic catalyst for decades to come. It also means a new and vibrant Downtown Jacksonville that once may have seemed unimaginable will indeed come to life.” The excitement is palpable as the Jaguars look towards a bright future in their beloved city.
