The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Wednesday that the team has agreed to terms with the City of Jacksonville to undertake approximately $63 million in major enhancements to EverBank Field, including two new end zone video scoreboards that will be the largest of their kind in the world.
Owner Shad Khan said at a press conference that the Jaguars will kick in $20 million for the scoreboard project.
The plan also calls for a major renovation of the north end zone to introduce an entertainment and viewing area for fans that will help attract and keep premier events in Jacksonville.
The Jaguars first unveiled the goal of new scoreboards and EverBank Field renovations during a state of the franchise address on Feb. 5. The team has since worked closely with Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown and the Jacksonville City Council to explore and agree on funding sources and models.
“Our determination to see this concept brought to reality was matched by Mayor Brown, and his impressive work on this project is why we’re able to move so quickly,” Khan said. “This is what can happen when two parties are committed to a common goal.
“We support Mayor Brown’s initiatives to bring new energy to Downtown Jacksonville and the city’s urban core, and the enhancements to EverBank Field that we are announcing today will help position Jacksonville as a home and destination for major events, now and in the future.”
Highlights of the agreement include:
• New video scoreboards in each end zone, each measuring 55 by 301 feet, making them the largest of their kind in the world.
• Major enhancements to EverBank Field’s video capabilities.
• A new platform area in the north end zone with pools, unique food and beverage offerings, interactive activities and much more. Construction of the platform will result in the removal of approximately 7,000 seats, though temporary seating can be installed for major events that will require a larger stadium capacity.
The announced improvements complement the nearly $10 million in stadium upgrades that have been funded by Khan, including locker room upgrades, a new weight room, new training room and a renovation of the Jaguars’ administrative offices.
You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.
