• Loading stock data...
Sunday, November 24, 2024

Jacksonville Mayor: ‘Buck Stops With Me’ on Jags’ Stadium Deal

  • City leader grapples with sharp divides in public opinion
  • Dialogue continues with team on proposed $2 billion stadium upgrade, development
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan addresses those gathered at Monday Morning's announcement on the creation of Artist Walk park.
Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Jacksonville Jaguars made no secret of their desire for much more public-sector engagement with their $2 billion project to upgrade the publicly owned EverBank Stadium. 

Jacksonville mayor Donna Deegan says she’s up to the task but is still grappling with the sharply opposing ideologies of her electorate. 

Days after Jaguars president Mark Lamping insisted his assertion that “if Jacksonville loses an NFL team, they’re never going to get another one” was not a threat to leave, Deegan traveled to London to meet with him and team owner Shad Khan during their two weeks of games there. She insists on having a direct and active role in the ongoing stadium talks.

“Ultimately, I will have the final say on our team. The buck stops with me,” Deegan told WJAX-TV.

Deegan has assumed that stance since taking office on July 1, but she also has seen a growing divide on the issue that will need to be resolved before any deal is finalized. The Jaguars have envisioned a self-described “Stadium of the Future” and related development around the facility, with the $2 billion cost split between the team and public sector. 

“The bottom line is 80% [of local citizens] say they don’t want to spend the money, 80% don’t want to lose the Jags,” she said. “Those two things are simply mutually exclusive, so an agreement must be reached. Hopefully, we can come up with one that we are pretty pleased with.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jeeno Thitikul Breaks LPGA Prize Money Record—As Does Nelly Korda

The Thai player finishes with more than $6 million in 2024 tournament winnings.

Max Verstappen Wins Fourth Straight F1 Title Despite Red Bull’s Down Year

The driver clinched another championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Chaotic Upsets Turn CFB’s Rivalry Weekend Into Must-See TV

Many berths in the 12-team College Football Playoff remain up for grabs.

Stephen A. Smith Defends NFL Players Doing Trump Dance

Smith said he was “pissed off” the NFL had to issue a statement. 
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

How Conference Expansion Has Changed College Football

0:00

Featured Today

Can an Elite Women’s Soccer School Survive the New College Sports Moneyball?

Santa Clara faces an uphill battle in the new college sports landscape.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) celebrates after defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 2024 NWSL Playoffs semifinal match at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit:
November 22, 2024

The Washington Spirit’s Business Makeover Carried Them to the Finals

The team’s return to the NWSL championship looks a lot different from 2021.
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 21, 2024

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.

Rays $1.3B Ballpark Plans Stalled by Bond Delays, Hurricane Fallout

St. Petersburg officials vote to delay bonds for a new ballpark.
November 19, 2024

Royals Ballpark Plans Expand to Kansas Amid Unsettled TV Future

Deals could be struck in the coming weeks on both the club’s local media rights and a future stadium.
Tampa Bay Rays
November 19, 2024

Rays Tampa Future in Doubt as County Commission Delays Bond Vote

The planned $1.3 billion ballpark now falls into further question.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 19, 2024

RFK Stadium Bill Advances Out of Senate Committee

Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. are potential future homes for the Commanders.
Roof of AT&T Stadium
November 19, 2024

Even the Cowboys’ Stadium Is Falling Apart

“The wind got in there and exacerbated the looseness,” Jerry Jones said.
Damage from Hurricane Milton to Tropicana Field
November 18, 2024

Rays’ $1.3B Ballpark Hangs in the Balance During County Bond Vote

Another county delay in issuing bonds for stadium construction could reopen relocation questions.
November 14, 2024

Rays to Call Yankee Territory ‘Home’ for 2025 Due to Tropicana Repairs

Extensive damage from Hurricane Milton to Tropicana Field forces the unusual solution.