In June 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled designs for their new stadium, dubbed the “stadium of the future.” Nearly a year later, steps have been taken to bring this concept to life. On Tuesday night, Jacksonville’s city council unanimously approved allocating $10 million towards construction and engineering services, as reported by News4JAX.
With a hefty price tag of $1.4 billion, the new stadium ranks as the fifth most expensive in the NFL, following SoFi, Allegiant, MetLife, and Mercedes-Benz Stadiums. However, it has stirred controversy as Jacksonville taxpayers are expected to cover half the expenses. EverBank Stadium, the Jaguars’ current home, opened in 1995 ahead of the team’s inaugural season, initially costing $121 million and undergoing renovations in 2004, 2006, and 2016.
Revamping a stadium is no small feat. To secure the franchise’s future in Northern Florida, the Jaguars are pursuing an ambitious vision. Described as a “shining beacon on the water,” the transformed stadium aims to offer a welcoming, dynamic experience that connects neighborhoods and waterfronts, setting a new standard for sports and entertainment.
The allocation of $10 million signifies the first official commitment from the city of Jacksonville. Brianna Andrews of News4JAX reports that a timeline for the renovations is expected to be unveiled in May. Once the timeline is established, discussions will commence regarding the Jaguars’ temporary relocation during construction. Daytona, Gainesville, and London are currently the leading contenders for this interim move.