Jacksonville City Council gives green light to $1.4 billion investment in Jaguars’ stadium deal

The Jacksonville City Council recently gave approval to a $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium in a deal with the Jaguars. The vote required a majority approval from the 19-member council, with the final count being 14-1 with two abstentions. Shad Khan, owner of the Jaguars, expressed gratitude for the leadership of Mayor Donna Deegan, her team, and the Council, stating that the commitment of Delores and Wayne Weaver over 30 years ago was being reaffirmed. The goal is to keep the team in Jacksonville for at least another 30 years with the new renovations.

The project, dubbed the “stadium of the future,” is expected to move forward after the 2025 season once NFL owners officially approve the agreement in October. The City will be responsible for $775 million in stadium renovations, as well as $56 million in an altered community benefits agreement. This historic agreement is a significant win for Jacksonville and marks a turning point in the development of the city.

Mayor Deegan expressed her gratitude for the partnership with the Jaguars throughout the negotiation process and thanked the City Council for passing the deal. The mayor highlighted the collaborative efforts between the city and the team to turn renderings into reality for the betterment of Jacksonville. The renovations are set to be completed in time for the 2026 season, during which the Jaguars will play in front of a reduced capacity crowd. Home games in 2027 are expected to be held in Gainesville or Orlando while renovations continue at EverBank Stadium.