The Jacksonville Jaguars are the latest NFL team to get a royal upgrade. After revealing plans for the TIAA Bank Field to get a significant overhaul, both players and fans of the organisation have been left in awe.
The Jaguar's social media team released a video Wednesday with renderings of the presented upgrades for their stadium. The stunning facility has appropriately been dubbed "the stadium of the future."
The newly renovated TIAA Bank Field is expected to house 62,000 NFL fans and will feature plenty of upgrades and state-of-the-art technology. However, Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry has noted that the new project renovation will take at least two years to complete.
The venue will feature lookout decks that showcase the beautiful scenery of Florida, two swimming pools, and extensive video boards the size of each endzone. Additional features will incorporate a 360-degree concourse area with interactive social bars and Jacksonville-specific food options, including Angie's Subs -- a Jacksonville Beach staple in the community.
ESPN has reported that the new project could cost as much as $2 billion to complete, with the renovations being between $1.3 and $1.4 billion. However, it remains to be seen if the project will be completed on its current site at 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive or in the Jacksonville area. Nonetheless, a move from the current location would cost an additional $1 billion.
"We fully anticipate a reimagined sports complex with the renovated stadium as its centrepiece will spark development in the east end of Downtown Jacksonville similar to the renaissance of the Brooklyn neighbourhood to the west," Jaguars President Mark Lamping said in an official press release. "Combining the power of development to both the west and east of Downtown Jacksonville should create even more momentum in our downtown core, which is already set to benefit from The Shipyards project currently underway.
Media, fans, and team players have already begun to react to the project on social media. Jags standout running back Travis Etienne Jr showed his excitement for the project on social media, tweeting "oh my" with a love-heart-eyes emoji.
Additionally, public officials in Florida have begun to express their excitement for the much-needed upgrade. However, Some die-hard supporters wonder how much their tax dollars will go towards funding the project. However, First Coast News revealed a 50-50 cost-sharing breakdown, with taxpayers paying between $875 million to more than $1 billion.
"This looks incredible, but my condolences to the taxpayers who are funding some part of this, I'm sure," wrote a passionate fan on Twitter.
"Can’t wait for a future Super Bowl here," replied Florida congressman Mike Waltz.
TIAA Stadium has undergone significant changes and upgrades throughout its 22-year history in Jacksonville. First established in 1995, the once-known Jacksonville Municipal Stadium became a historical NFL location, marking the first time an expansion team played a home game in a new stadium for opening day.
In 2020, the stadium was renamed to EverBank Field, backed by EverBank Financial Corp, one of America's largest privately-held bank holding companies. The partnership lasted 15 years, achieving more history as the location for the most giant stadium video boards.
2018 saw EverBank Stadium renamed to TIAA Bank Field after EverBank became TIAA Bank. Currently owned by the Jacksonville City Council, the 67,838-seat venue's upgrades are expected to majority increase revenue for the city.
