NFL owners have given the go-ahead to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ planned $1.4 billion renovation of EverBank Stadium, its home field since 1995.
The Jaguars intend to build the “Stadium of the Future,” with construction set to start in February and be finished before the 2028 season.
The plan envisions the stadium as the centerpiece of a rebirth of the Jacksonville’s downtown. The Jaguars and the city will jointly fund the project, and the Jaguars have agreed to a long-term lease.
The NFL owners gave unanimous approval to the project Tuesday night at their league meetings in Atlanta.
“The venue will be world-class by every definition,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement. “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. I am grateful to all who believed, and especially so to everyone who did the hard work to make this happen. We have much more work hard ahead, but a lot to be proud of today. Celebrate!”
When finished, the 63,000-seat stadium will offer a roof canopy for much-needed shade, reflective covering on the outside of the stadium, easier access around the stadium, new lighting and digital technology and a nature park with a collection of subtropical Florida plants, according to The Florida Times-Union.
The agreement between Jacksonville and the Jaguars also includes a new lease that includes permission for the team to play one home game each year in London — its longtime home away from home — starting in 2028.
The Jaguars will continue to play in EverBank Stadium during the 2025 and ‘26 seasons as the construction goes on, with reduced seating capacity. In 2027, they will play at a stadium yet to be disclosed. Under the agreement, the Jags reportedly can play as many as three international games that season and six throughout the construction period.
EverBank Stadium was called Jacksonville Municipal Stadium when it opened in 1995 on the site of the former Gator Bowl stadium.
–Field Level Media