As you may be aware, the Jaguars stadium (currently known as “EverBank Field”) is planned to undergo wholesale renovations around 2025 and 2026 that will reduce seating capacity to just over 60,000 (currently 67,814). While the construction takes place, it could force the Jaguars, the Gator Bowl, and the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, aka the Florida–Georgia game, to temporarily play elsewhere during the reconstruction. In June 2023 the Jaguars unveiled plans for the renovation of the stadium. Dubbed the “Stadium of the Future”, the plans include a 360-degree concourse, an energy-efficient facade, and a large canopy to provide shade. Once complete, capacity will be reduced to 62,000 for Jaguars games, but expandable to 71,500 for college football games.
The Jacksonville Jaguars could play an NFL-record three international games in 2027 if their stadium renovation proposal is passed. According to the Florida Times-Union, the Jaguars’ 2027 season could see up to three games being played in London, while the other home games will be played in Orlando or Gainesville.
A vote on the proposal by the Jacksonville City Council is tomorrow.
A timeline for an approved stadium proposal is as follows:
- City Council vote: June 25
- NFL owners vote: October 2024
- Construction begins: Feburary 2025. Jaguars would play 2025 season in Jacksonville with a capacity of 60,000+,
- Jaguars reduce capacity: For the 2026 season, the Jaguars would play the season in Jacksonville with a reduced capacity of 43,500.
- Jaguars play away from Jacksonville: For the 2027 season, the Jaguars would play their home schedule outside of Jacksonville for the first time in franchise history.
- Facility opens: August 2028.
Playing in London is nothing new to the Jaguars. In fact, they first played at Wembley Stadium against the 49ers way back in 2013. Since then, they’ve played one game a year abroad every season since then, with the sole exception being the COVID season of 2020. And last season, the team actually played two games in England — in back-to-back weeks — the first game against the Falcons at Wembley, followed a week later by a game against the Bills at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In 2024, the Jags will again play two games across the pond. The first game is against the Chicago Bears, taking place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, October 13th. The second game will be against the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, October 20th.
The Jaguars record in London is six wins and five losses in the 11 games they’ve played there.
If you’re curious as to why the Jaguars play yearly in London, click here.
If tomorrow’s City Council meeting approves the Jaguars renovated stadium plans, and all the other approval steps are met, the team will continue to play games in London, and may have even more games there for 2027.