Stadium of the Future – design description

How can the redevelopment of EverBank Stadium be summarized?

The central element of the wide-ranging modernization of EverBank Stadium is the addition of a full roof structure. The roof will be made of a light-transmitting ETFE membrane, and its structure will alter the stadium’s silhouette, giving it a more streamlined and futuristic appearance.

Other changes will focus on improving comfort and aesthetics, as well as expanding the premium offering. The renovation will also reduce seating capacity by several thousand. The stadium surroundings are to be redeveloped with green areas designed in the style of a subtropical park, reflecting Florida’s natural landscape.

As a result of the investment, EverBank Stadium is expected to reach a standard comparable to the most modern NFL venues, while the Jacksonville Jaguars will remain in Jacksonville for at least 30 years. The overall project has been named “Stadium of the Future.”

Work began in early 2025, although major construction activities did not get fully underway until a year later. Completion is planned before the start of the 2028 season. In 2026, the Jaguars will play with reduced seating capacity, and in 2027 they will temporarily relocate to another stadium.

Why did the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stadium require a major renovation?

Located in downtown Jacksonville, EverBank Stadium (a name in use since 2023) was built between 1994 and 1995. It replaced the former Gator Bowl Stadium, which had stood on the site since 1927. The new venue was constructed to allow the newly established Jacksonville Jaguars to join the National Football League. The stadium has a capacity of just under 68,000 spectators.

In 2014, the stadium installed what were then the world’s largest HD video boards, along with a so-called “party deck” featuring a distinctive solution: two swimming pools overlooking the field of play.

Despite these upgrades, the venue had not undergone any major modernization since its opening. As increasingly advanced stadiums were built across the NFL, EverBank Stadium gradually fell behind contemporary standards and no longer met all of the Jaguars’ expectations.

The modernization was also part of negotiations between the club and the City of Jacksonville regarding the team’s long-term future. The stadium investment was intended to secure the Jaguars’ continued presence in the city for decades to come.

When did the concept to redevelop the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stadium emerge?

Initial discussions about a potential redevelopment began as early as 2016. In June 2020, technical studies were commissioned to assess the current condition of the structure. The results were positive, confirming that further investment in the facility would be feasible without the need for demolition.

By late 2021, eight architectural firms had been engaged to develop redevelopment concepts for the stadium.

In early 2023, it was announced that further work on the concept would continue with HOK. On June 7, 2023, the first renderings illustrating the stadium’s post-renovation appearance were released. The project was named “Stadium of the Future.” Updated visualizations were published in October 2025.

What does the “Stadium of the Future” concept include?

The proposed modernization involves far-reaching changes, one of the most significant being the construction of a roof designed to cover both the seating areas and the playing field. The roof will be largely clad in a light-transmitting ETFE membrane.

Along the sides, the roof structure will transition seamlessly into a facade made of mirrored panels. The lower edge of the façade will undulate, creating sizeable openings on the north and south sides, so that the stadium’s form will not be fully enclosed. These open sections will allow for natural air circulation.

The entrance promenade encircling the stadium will be expanded fourfold. It will feature numerous bars and food outlets offering dishes associated with local cuisine. To improve circulation, 13 new elevators and 32 escalators will be installed. Plans also call for 220 new food and beverage points of sale and 14 additional restrooms.

The stadium will include an extensive premium offering, while approximately two-thirds of the seats will remain designated for general spectators, ensuring broad accessibility of events for local residents.

The current bowl configuration will remain in place, including the large end zone video boards. Seating capacity will be reduced from approximately 68,000 to just over 63,000, with provisions allowing for a future expansion to 70,000 seats.

The project also includes a comprehensive redesign of the stadium surroundings. Paths and landscaped green areas will be created around the venue, styled as a subtropical park intended to reflect Florida’s iconic natural landscapes.

What is the significance of redeveloping the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stadium?

After the renovation, the stadium will retain all of its traditional functions, such as hosting Jacksonville Jaguars NFL games, the annual Gator Bowl, and college football matchups involving Florida and Georgia teams. It will continue to accommodate occasional soccer matches, and its appeal for other major events, including the Super Bowl, will increase.

The project ensures that events can be held at the highest level for decades to come. The concept aligns with the trend of modern, high-investment, fully roofed NFL stadiums. The redevelopment is also significant for the revitalization of downtown Jacksonville, bringing benefits to the local community and creating new jobs.

How much will the ‘Stadium of the Future’ project cost?

On June 25, 2024, the Jacksonville City Council approved an agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars regarding the stadium redevelopment plans. The plan includes detailed project financing, with an estimated cost of $1.4 billion. The agreement also provides for a new 30-year stadium lease, starting after the completion of the investment.

The city will contribute $625 million toward construction and $150 million for preparations and ongoing maintenance until the start of the project. These funds will come from budget reallocations, without imposing new taxes. The Jaguars will provide the remaining $625 million and cover any potential cost overruns.

How is the EverBank Stadium redevelopment progressing?

Initial work began in February 2025. In May 2025, it was announced that the main contractors for the project would be the AECOM Hunt–Barton Malow consortium. The redevelopment is scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2028 season.

In the first year, construction was limited in scope, with one of the largest undertakings being the construction of a wide staircase at the stadium’s southwest corner, which was opened to the public on October 3, 2025. Similar staircases are planned for the remaining corners of the stadium.

Due to the redevelopment, in the 2026 season, games at EverBank Stadium will be played with reduced capacity (approximately 42,500 seats), and in the 2027 season, the Jaguars will temporarily relocate their games to another venue, most likely Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville or Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

A detailed report on the EverBank Stadium redevelopment is available on a dedicated subpage