The Jacksonville City Council made a monumental decision by voting 14-1 to approve an agreement between the Jaguars and the city for a $1.4 billion renovation of EverBank Stadium. This decision marks a significant step towards ensuring the long-term stability of the Jaguars franchise. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan hailed this decision as a historic day for the city, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and shared goals in achieving such progress.
The agreement between the Jaguars and the city involves each party contributing $625 million towards the renovation, with the city also committing to pay $150 million over the next two seasons for maintenance and repairs to prepare the stadium for construction. This joint effort means that the city will bear 55% of the total renovation cost. Additionally, Jaguars owner Shad Khan has agreed to cover cost overruns of the renovation and 80.4% of game-day expenses, showcasing his commitment to the project.
Apart from the renovation itself, the agreement also includes a 30-year lease that will commence once the stadium reopens, as well as a non-relocation agreement. This non-relocation clause aims to dispel any rumors surrounding the franchise’s potential move from the small-market city. Furthermore, a provision restricts the Jaguars to one home game annually in London, unless mandated by the NFL to participate in an additional international game every four seasons.
The renovated stadium is set to feature a shaded canopy over every seat, similar to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, which will reduce the temperature by 15 degrees. With a capacity for Jaguars games set at 63,000, the seating can be expanded to over 70,000 to accommodate events like the annual Florida-Georgia game and other sporting events and concerts. This strategic planning is aimed at making EverBank Stadium a versatile venue for various activities beyond just football games.
The plan for the Jaguars involves playing with reduced capacity in EverBank Stadium in 2026 and temporarily relocating for the 2027 season. Possible alternative locations include Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville and Camping World Stadium in Orlando, with Daytona International Speedway being ruled out due to infrastructure limitations. This transition phase will allow for the smooth continuation of Jaguars’ operations during the renovation period.
The approval of the renovation agreement for EverBank Stadium represents a significant milestone for the Jaguars franchise and the city of Jacksonville as a whole. The shared financial commitment, stability assurances, and strategic planning for future events all contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the team. This decision highlights the importance of collaboration between sports organizations and local government in driving positive change and growth within a community. The future looks bright for the Jaguars with this transformative renovation project on the horizon.