The Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team has confirmed that plans to transform EverBank Stadium into a state-of-the-art ‘stadium of the future’ have been agreed with the city of Jacksonville.
Mayor Donna Deegan, lead negotiator Mike Weinstein, and Jaguars President Mark Lamping confirmed the plans at a joint presentation during the Jacksonville City Council meeting on Tuesday 14 May.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in the project, with all parties expressing satisfaction in reaching a deal that not only safeguards taxpayer interests but also promises extensive benefits for the community while securing the Jaguars’ long-term presence in Jacksonville.
Projections suggest that the economic impact of the renovated stadium over the team’s 30-year lease could reach US$26 billion, including an estimated US$2.4 billion during the construction phase.
With a projected cost of US$1.4 billion, the EverBank Stadium renovation project represents the largest public infrastructure investment in Jacksonville history.
The Jaguars have articulated their vision for downtown Jacksonville as a vibrant economic centre, with the proposed ‘Stadium of the Future’ serving as a central hub —a world-class venue for sports, entertainment and the local community. The video featured above was released when the plans were first announced.
Key features of the stadium design include:
- Cutting-edge protective shell: A next-generation transparent covering will shield fans from the elements, providing excellent sun, wind and rain protection, while significantly reducing heat retention by over 70%.
- Enhanced concourse experience: The 360-degree concourse will be four times wider than before and will feature interactive social bars and a variety of unique experiences alongside culinary delights native to Jacksonville. Fans will discover something unique during each visit to the venue, which will offer a wide range of premium offerings and communal spaces.
- Scenic overlooks: Drawing inspiration from Jacksonville’s lush landscapes—a network of biking and walking trails, parklands, greenways, beaches and marshes—the striking design captures the essence of Florida. Fans will enter through a subtropical Floridian park, leading them to the main concourse. The concourse is elevated 30ft above the ground, offering expansive views for Downtown Jacksonville and the St. Johns River.
- Expanded seating options: Fans will be able to choose from a variety of seating arrangements, including premium offerings spanning from field-level vantage points to sky-high perspectives.
- Versatile event spaces: With a flexible seating capacity ranging from 63,000 to expandable limits exceeding 71,500, the stadium will be able to accommodate a diverse array of events, from professional sports games to high-profile concerts, and more.
- Immersive environment: Fans will experience transformative event atmospheres enhanced by cutting-edge lighting and digital technologies.
Construction on the stadium is slated to begin following the conclusion of the 2025 season, with the Jaguars anticipated to play in front of a reduced capacity crowd in 2026. During this period, home games may be temporarily relocated to either Gainesville or Orlando.
Under the terms of the agreement, Jaguars owner Shad Khan has committed to covering all construction cost overruns, assuming day-to-day operations of the stadium, and bearing the majority of game-day expenses moving forward.
