Stadium of the Future – design description

Why is the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium expansion planned?

EverBank Stadium (name effective as of 2023), located in downtown Jacksonville, was built between 1994 and 1995. The stadium was constructed to replace the former Gator Bowl Stadium, which had been in existence since 1927. The new facility was built so that the then newly founded Jacksonville Jaguars team could enter the NFL competition. The stadium can hold just under 68,000 spectators.

In 2014, the world's largest HD screens were installed at the facility, as well as a so-called 'party deck' with a unique solution of two pools from which to watch the competition. However, the stadium currently ranks among the top NFL league arenas in terms of length of time without any major upgrade.

When did the concept of redeveloping the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium come about?

The push for redevelopment began as early as 2016. In June 2020, technical analyses were undertaken to check the current state of the stadium. These gave a positive result regarding the possibility of further investment in the facility without the need for demolition. At the end of 2021, eight architectural studios were engaged to develop a concept for the future stadium.

At the beginning of 2023, it was announced that further collaboration on the concept would be carried out with HOK Architects. On June 7, 2023, the first renderings were published showing what the stadium would look like after redevelopment. The project was given the working title 'Stadium of the Future'.

What does 'Stadium of the Future' concept entail?

The proposed redevelopment involves far-reaching changes, one of the most important of which will be the creation of a roof to cover both the stands and the pitch. The roof will be clad in a light-transmitting ETFE material, but will be shaded over the stands to protect against excessive sunlight.

Open spaces on the sides will allow air to circulate freely. The canopy will ensure that the temperature inside the stadium can be as much as 10-15 °F cooler on hot days. From the outside, the stands will be covered with mirrored panels. The lower edge of the facade will undulate, creating sizable gaps on the north and south sides, giving the facility a semi-open character.

The design includes the arrangement of the entire surroundings of the stadium. Pathways and green areas will be created around the arena, stylised as a subtropical park to reflect Florida's iconic natural landscapes. The entrance promenade surrounding the stadium will be widened four times. It will feature a number of bars and catering outlets, offering locally renowned dishes.

The stadium will be filled with the latest technology. Wide screens and decorative lights will ensure an unforgettable match experience. The venue will have an extensive premium offering, on the other hand, approximately ⅔ of the seats will be for regular spectators, making attendance at events accessible to all residents.

The stadium will feature, among other things, terraces with views of the city, and pools from which matches can be watched will also be retained. To facilitate mobility, 13 new lifts and 32 escalators will be installed. There will also be 220 new food and drink outlets and 14 toilets. The capacity of the stands will be slightly reduced from the current one, to 62,000 spectators, with an option to temporarily increase to 71,500 spectators for major events.

What is the significance of the redevelopment of the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium?

After the redevelopment, the facility will retain all its traditional functions, such as hosting NFL games of the Jacksonville Jaguars team, or the annual Gator Bowl and games of the University of Florida and Georgia teams. It will still be able to host occasional soccer games, and will increase its attractiveness for attracting other large events and various cultural activities.

The completion of the project guarantees the hosting of top-level events for decades to come. The concept fits in with the trend of modern, very expensive and fully covered stadiums in the NFL league. The project is also important for the revitalisation of downtown Jacksonville and is expected to bring benefits to the local community and new jobs.

When will 'Stadium of the Future' concept be implemented?

On June 25, 2024, the City Council voted in favor of an agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars on plans to redevelop the stadium. The plan includes details on financing the project, which is expected to cost $1.4 billion.

The city is expected to spend $625 million on construction and $150 million on preparations and ongoing maintenance of the facility until the project begins. The money is to come from budget transfers, without imposing further taxes. The Jaguars are to add the missing $625 million and cover any excess costs.

The reconstruction is to begin after the 2025 season and be completed before the start of the 2028 season. In the 2026 season, the Jaguars will continue to play at their home venue, albeit at reduced capacity. In 2027, due to the ongoing work, the team will have to move elsewhere, most likely to Gainesville (at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium) or Orlando (at Camping World Stadium).