Multi-million dollar plan to renovate EverBank Stadium approved: where will the Jaguars play?

Jacksonville City Council has approved a proposal between the city and the Jaguars to carry out extensive renovation work at EverBank Stadium. In a 14-1 vote, the green light has been given for the revamp, which is estimated will cost 1.4 billion dollars. It is the largest single spending development deal in the city’s history, with $775 million set aside for renovating the stadium plus a further $56 million in an amended community benefits agreement. Mike Gay was the only council member who voted against the deal while Kevin Carrico and Terrance Freeman abstained.

The operation must also be approved by three quarters of NFL owners at the next owners meeting in October. Once their approval is given, the works will begin at the end of the 2025 season.

EverBank Stadium to be brought into the 21st Century

EverBank Stadium was constructed between 1994 and 1995 and finished in time for the opening game of the 1995 NFL season. The Jaguars, a recently-formed expansion team, hosted the Houston Oilers in the inaugural game on 18 August 1995

Among the improvements to the stadium will be the construction of a new roof which will provide shade for spectators while capacity will be reduced from 67,814 to 62,000. Ease of access is another area that has been addressed with the inclusion of new elevators and escalators. According to The Florida Times-Union, the city is expected to pay between $800 and $934 million - just over half the total cost, including prearranged maintenance funding, with the franchise footing the rest.

The $56 million allocated to the community benefits agreement is destined to improving infrastructure in the surrounding area, including Riverfront Plaza, Metropolitan Park, Shipyards West Park and the Flex Field.

Shad Khan, owner of the team, stated in a press release that his interest is in maintaining the legacy of the Weaver family and for the team to remain in Jacksonville for many years to come. “The belief and determination of Delores and Wayne Weaver to make the Jacksonville Jaguars a reality more than 30 years ago was reaffirmed today by the leadership of Mayor Donna Deegan, her team and the Jacksonville City Council,” Khan said. “The message then and now must be clear - never doubt Jacksonville.”

Wayne Weaver was the first owner of the Jaguars, from their founding in 1993 until he sold the team in January 2012 to Khan. Both he and his wife, Delores, are part of the Pride of the Jaguars, which includes the most important members in the history of the franchise.

Where will the Jaguars play while their stadium is being renovated?

The Jaguars will not leave Jacksonville while EverBank Stadium is being renovated. During the 2024 and 2025 seasons the stadium will continue to operate at maximum capacity. For the 2026 campaign, the maximum capacity will be 43,500.

The AFC South team will look for an alternate venue for home games in the 2027 season and hopes to be able to play the 2028 campaign at EverBank Stadium with the renovation work completed.

There has been a suggestion that the Jaguars could play up to three regular season games in London in 2027, with Wembley stadium or Tottenham Hotspur stadium possible venues. If that happens, the Jaguars would already be familiar with Wembley - they face the Patriots at the stadium as part of the 2024 NFL London Games in October.