Jaguars President Sets Sights on Accelerating Stadium Rebuild

The Jacksonville Jaguars aim to accelerate plans for a $2 billion renovation of EverBank Stadium, team president Mark Lamping said recently. Originally projected to displace the team from Jacksonville for two seasons starting in 2025, Lamping told the team's website that efforts are underway to "maybe go from playing away for two years to just one year."  

The proposed renovations, which would transform EverBank into the "Stadium of the Future", complete with an adjacent entertainment district, have sparked negotiations between the Jaguars and the city of Jacksonville over cost sharing. The team proposes a 50-50 public-private split for the project's $2 billion price tag. Staying in Jacksonville during construction would increase costs and extend the timeline beyond two years.

As an alternative, the Jaguars are weighing three locations to host games during the renovation: Daytona International Speedway, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, and Camping World Stadium in Orlando.  

Jaguars president Lamping said that while a shortened timeline is still uncertain, "we're going to continue to do everything we possibly can to get the stadium done on time and have it be the least disruptive as possible."

Jaguars owner Shad Khan also expressed optimism on a deal with the city by mid-2024, crediting Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan in an interview with the Florida Times-Union. "I think she’s doing a great job. She has hired great professionals around her to represent the city," Khan said. https://www.lapost.com/pickleball-americas-fastest-growing-hybrid-sport-reaches-new-heights/

With Khan and Lamping both striking an upbeat tone, the team appears intent on securing public funding while minimizing disruption to its Jacksonville fanbase. The Jaguars hope to build excitement for the kind of world-class venue Khan envisions by shortening or eliminating time away.