Back in June of 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars proposed a massive stadium renovation of over $1 billion that would change more than the looks of the stadium once completed. [2] The cost of the renovations would elicit a portion of the funds from the public. A similar project was announced by the Buffalo Bills in August of 2021 for a new Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, NY costing $1.4 billion. Like the Jags stadium renovations, the Bills are funding the construction of their new stadium with significant public funds. Around $550 million of the Bills new stadium will be funded by the team, while New York State will provide $600 million, and Erie County $250 million.[3] The Bills contribution will include a $200 million loan from the NFL.
Recently, the Jaguars announced the approval of the $1.4 billion renovation of their stadium. With a unanimous vote by NFL owners and approval from the City of Jacksonville, the team announced their renovation plan of EverBank Stadium.[4] The project is scheduled to begin in early 2025 and extend through the 2027 season. Jacksonville’s owner, Shad Khan, commented on the approval process, stating to “Never doubt Jacksonville. That was my message in the summer to Mayor [Donna] Deegan, the Jacksonville City Council and our residents…”[5]
Many of the residents of Jacksonville have reservations about. First, fans expressed concerns that the franchise would be moving to London because the team has played back-to-back games in London the past two years. This billion-dollar renovation to the team’s home stadium, however, should keep Jacksonville locked into Florida over the next 30 years.[6] In this regard, Khan said that “[a]ctions speak louder than words… [a]nd I think we’re going to have some real action.”[7]
Additionally, many were concerned about the public’s contribution to the renovations, with the $1.25 billon dollar cost split down the middle. The Jaguars organization will pay $625 M towards the project, while the City will pay the other $625 M. In addition, the City of Jacksonville will contribute an extra $150 M in maintenance funds to prepare the stadium for construction.[8]
Likewise, residents of Jacksonville were more concerned on the renovations to the surrounding area, rather than the renovations of the stadium itself. The stadium deal includes a $300 million dollar community benefits agreement (CBA) that would impact and benefit the surrounding area.[9] The CBA is projected to provide improvements to Jacksonville’s riverfront and help improve issues like workforce development, affordable housing, and homelessness.[10] Each of the City of Jacksonville and the Jaguars organization will contribute $150 million to the fund the CBA.
Another issue the people of Jacksonville and fans of the team face is where the team will play in 2027. The team will play at a reduced capacity in the stadium in2025 and 2026, but the team will have to relocate to either Orlando or Gainesville in 2027.[11] However, the renovation contract includes a 30-year lease, a non-relocation agreement, and a clause that restricts the number of games the team can play outside of the home stadium once the project is complete.[12]
[1]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/jaguars-unveil-plans-for-stadium-of-the-future&ved=2ahUKEwjXwoOr3KKJAxVcFVkFHS2YOPsQh-wKegQIFhAC&usg=AOvVaw1fTTovKi-QbJhUjDGKI8cn
[2] Jacksonville Jaguars to unveil plans for TIAA Bank Field Renovations Wednesday, The Jacksonville Times-Union (June 6, 2023) https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/local/2023/06/06/jacksonville-jaguars-plan-stadium-project-that-could-exceed-1-billion/70293119007/.
[3] Bills announce 30-year deal for new $1.4 billion stadium in Orchard Park, NFL (Mar. 28, 2022) https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-announce-30-year-deal-for-new-1-4-billion-stadium-in-orchard-park.
[4] Michael DiRocco, NFL owners unanimously approve Jaguars’ $1.4B stadium renovation, ESPN (Oct. 15, 2024) https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41815188/nfl-owners-unanimously-approve-jaguars-14b-stadium-renovation.
[5] Id.
[6] Mark Long, NFL owners approve Jacksonville’s $1.4 billion ‘stadium of the future’ set to open in 2028, AP Sports (Oct. 15, 2024) https://apnews.com/article/jacksonville-jaguars-stadium-renovations-21dcffb9b283e2eb8a71164e0b559231.
[7] Id.
[8] Id.
[9] Mark Woods, Wondering what to make of the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium deal? Mark Woods has 11 thoughts, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union (June 28, 2024) https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/columns/mark-woods/2024/06/28/thoughts-on-the-stadium-deal-between-the-jaguars-and-city-of-jacksonville-donna-deegan-shad-khan/74224633007/.
[10] Id.
[11] Long, supra note 5.
[12] Id.
Alex Brockhuizen (’25) is pursuing her JD at the University at Buffalo School of Law, with a concentration in Sports Law. After graduation, she will be working at Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. At UB, Alex is co-director of the Labor and Employment Law Society and Treasurer of the Buffalo Sports Law and Entertainment Law Society. She is also Business Editor of the Buffalo Law Review, where she was deemed a finalist of the Note and Comment Competition her 2L year. Alex is also a former two-sport athlete at Elmira College.