STATEMENT ON NFL OWNERS’ VOTE ON THE STADIUM OF THE FUTURE
October 15, 2024
It’s official! Following the unanimous vote of the National Football League team owners today, the Stadium of the Future will move forward as planned. With today’s vote, it is certain that the Jaguars will thrive in Jacksonville for decades to come, and stadium patrons can expect a world-class experience for both NFL and non-NFL events alike.
The Stadium of the Future is a complement to the tremendous growth happening in Downtown Jacksonville, which includes the completion of riverfront parks through the Community Benefits Agreement, and the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville which will serve as the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Shipyards development. The stadium transformation will commence in early 2025, with a planned grand opening in August 2028.
The Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville are grateful to the NFL owners and NFL staff, Jacksonville City Council and other stakeholders who worked diligently to bring this historic agreement to fruition. As we celebrate 30 years of Jaguars football this season, we now look forward with immense pride and enthusiasm to the next 30 years.
Shad Khan, Owner, Jacksonville Jaguars:
“Never doubt Jacksonville. That was my message in the summer to Mayor Deegan, the Jacksonville City Council and our residents, and I am humbled and grateful that my fellow NFL team owners agree. Today’s League approval of our Stadium of the Future plan means we will realize our vision for a reimagined home of the Jaguars in Downtown Jacksonville, scheduled to open in 2028. The venue will be world-class by every definition. It will impressively serve the Jaguars and their fans, attract major sports and entertainment events to our region, and serve as an economic catalyst for decades to come. It also means a new and vibrant Downtown Jacksonville that once may have seemed unimaginable will indeed come to life. I send my deepest appreciation to all who believed, and especially to everyone who did the hard work to make this happen. We have much more hard work ahead, but a lot to be proud of today. Celebrate!”
Mayor Donna Deegan:
“With today’s vote by the NFL, we are on the cusp of taking a huge leap forward and showing once again that Jacksonville is a can-do city. We will soon have a world-class stadium for our citizens to enjoy, and we are making historic investments that will transform our community, realize the dream of a vibrant downtown, and reinvigorate our riverfront. I’d like to express my profound thanks to the League, to Shad Khan, and to the entire Jaguars team. Together, we are creating a bright future for our city.”