Say this much for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ proposed stadium renovation: The team certainly isn’t lacking ambition.
The Jaguars released initial renderings for a large-scale revamp of the publicly owned TIAA Bank Stadium. But rather than merely display a series of images and call the project a renovation, the team also unveiled its dramatic vision with a five-minute video — in which it dubbed the initiative “the Stadium of the Future,” and promised a “transformation of downtown Jacksonville.”
A new stadium canopy is a key part of the project, as the Jaguars are angling to bring major events such as the NFL Draft and international soccer matches to Jacksonville. “It all points to better and hopefully our best days just ahead in Jacksonville,” said Jaguars owner Shad Khan.
But pressing questions remain pertaining to the project’s final costs and timeline. The stadium work itself could range between $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion, surpass $2 billion including related development around the facility, and take as long as four years to complete.
The Jaguars have a memorandum of understanding with the city contemplating a 50-50 split between public funds and the team. Jacksonville’s incoming mayor Donna Deegan takes office July 1 and will have a significant role in any final deal.
It’s also undetermined where the Jaguars will play during construction — and the timetable is directly impacting talks.
In the meantime, the Jaguars will have an unprecedented two-week stay in London during the 2023 season.
