Jacksonville Jaguars' New Stadium

Posted by Onassis Krown on October 13, 2025

The Ultimate Guide: Jacksonville Jaguars’ New Stadium of the Future — Completion Date, Timeline & What to Expect

If you’re asking “when will the new Jaguars stadium be complete?”, “what’s the renovation timeline for Jacksonville’s new stadium?” or “how will the Stadium of the Future affect games in 2025–2027?”, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything fans, residents, and visitors need to know about the Jacksonville Jaguars’ ambitious stadium renovation—nicknamed the Stadium of the Future.

Quick Answer: When Will the New Jaguars Stadium Be Finished?

Completion date / grand opening: August 2028, in time for the start of the 2028 NFL season.
Construction start: February 2025 (after the 2024 NFL season concludes)
Interim seasons:
– 2025: games played in Jacksonville at approximately full or normal capacity (no in-bowl disruption)
– 2026: upper-deck construction begins; capacity will be reduced (approx. 43,500)
– 2027: Jaguars will play their home games outside Jacksonville (location TBD, e.g. Orlando or Gainesville)
Key caveats: Because this is a complex renovation that reuses major parts of the existing structure, delays, adjustments, or cost overruns could shift the schedule. But the target remains 2028.

So if your top search is “when will the new Jaguars stadium open?”, the answer is August 2028, with major game disruption happening especially in 2027.

Why the Renovation? Key Motivations Behind the “Stadium of the Future”

Before diving deeper into phases, it helps to understand why the Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville embarked on this $1.4 billion renovation project.

Keep the Jaguars in Jacksonville for the Long Term

A central goal is to eliminate relocation speculation and lock the franchise into Jacksonville. The stadium deal includes a 30-year lease with a non-relocation clause.

By investing in a modern facility, the team and city are sending a message: the Jaguars are here to stay.

Bring Fan Experience Up to Modern Standards

EverBank Stadium (originally opened in 1995) has aged. To compete with newer venues across the NFL and entertainment world, the upgrades will include:

A translucent canopy / protective covering over the seating bowl to reduce heat, sun, and rain exposure while preserving an open-air feel.
Expanded concourses, better circulation, widened walkways, “grand staircases” for more iconic entrances.
More amenity capacity: additional restrooms, escalators, elevators, concession points, better vertical transportation.
Upgrades in audiovisual, lighting, digital infrastructure, climate control, and sustainable systems.

These changes are designed not only to make the fan experience better but to position the stadium for major events beyond just Jaguars games.

Stimulate Downtown and Economic Growth

The stadium is also envisioned as an anchor for broader urban redevelopment:

Surrounding mixed-use development (residential, office, hotel) is part of the plan.
Integration with city infrastructure, riverfront, parks, and green space.
The idea is that the new stadium becomes a year-round destination, not just a game-day venue.

In sum: it’s a sports venue, a civic investment, and a growth engine all rolled into one.

Detailed Timeline & What Happens in Each Year (2025–2028)

Below is a phase-wise breakdown of how the project unfolds, and how it impacts where and how games will be held.

2025: Construction Begins, Games Continue Normally

Construction start: February 2025, after the 2024–25 NFL season concludes.
Permit activity and early site work: In early 2025, the team secured a $43.1 million permit for underground work and structural prep.
Game operations: The Jaguars will continue to play in Jacksonville with full bowl seating (no interior disruptions yet).
Fan perception & visibility: Construction is largely external at first, so fans will see progress on the outside while enjoying a normal in-bowl experience.

2026: Deep Renovation Begins, Reduced Capacity

Interior work: Starting in 2026, the upper bowl and interior sections will undergo structural rework.
Capacity drop: With the upper deck under construction, capacity will shrink to about 43,500 fans.
Ongoing construction: Steel erection, canopy framing, concourse expansion, and vertical circulation improvements will drive much of the work.
Fan experience: Expect partial closures, adjusted seat assignments, and some inconvenience—but still games in Jacksonville.

2027: No Games at EverBank — Relocation Required

Stadium largely out of service: The extent of construction will render hosting games in Jacksonville infeasible.
Alternate venues: The Jaguars plan to play their home slate outside Jacksonville—likely in Orlando (Camping World Stadium) or Gainesville (University of Florida stadium).
International games allowed: Under the renovation agreement, the team may play up to six home games internationally between 2025–2027, with up to three in 2027.
NFL owners’ approval: The Jaguars’ alternate venue plans must be cleared through NFL ownership committees, with a vote expected by October 2025.

2028: Grand Opening & Full Return

Target reopening: August 2028. This aligns with the start of the NFL season.
Expanded capabilities: The fully renovated stadium will host Jaguars home games, plus attract major events (concerts, college football, neutral site games).
Capacity baseline: ~63,000 seats in “normal mode,” expandable to ~71,500 for marquee events.

What Will the “New” Jaguars Stadium Look & Feel Like?

Once complete, the stadium experience is expected to be a major leap forward in comfort, flexibility, and technology.

Seating & Capacity

Baseline capacity: ~63,000 for normal Jaguars games.
Expandable capacity: ~71,500 for large-scale college football games, FBS championships, or special events.
Flexibility is built in, enabling adaptation to different kinds of events.

Canopy & Climate Control

The stadium will feature a translucent protective canopy that shades seating while allowing natural light.
That design helps reduce radiant heat inside the stadium by an estimated 10–15°F over direct exposure.
Natural ventilation will be permitted via open corners, blending outdoor feel with shelter.

Circulation, Concourse & Vertical Access

Four “Grand Staircases” — one at each major corner — will connect plaza levels to main concourse, flanked by escalators.
Concourse space will increase significantly (140% more than current), enabling more social gathering, easier movement, and less congestion.
Additional elevators, escalators, and vertical transport elements will be added.

Amenities & Infrastructure

The renovation plan includes 190 new points of sale (concessions), 16 escalators, 12 new elevators, and 12 new restrooms to support better service.
Modern LED screens, premium seating zones, integrated digital experience, enhanced sound systems, and connectivity upgrades (Wi-Fi, 5G) are built in.
Behind the scenes, major upgrades in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural reinforcement, and system modernization will be part of the project.

Sustainability & Reuse

Rather than demolish the entire stadium, much of the existing structure will be reused — a more sustainable, lower-carbon approach.
Landscape, water management, durable building materials, and efficiency strategies are part of the design.

How the Stadium Transition Affects Jaguars Games & Fans

If you’re a season ticket holder or planning to attend games in the next few years, here’s what to keep in mind.

2025 Games: Mostly Normal

The 2025 season is expected to proceed in Jacksonville, with full stadium bowl seating (no major interior work yet)
Construction will be largely external, meaning minimal disruption to the in-bowl experience.
Fans will start to see the beginnings of visible changes on the stadium’s façade and entrance areas.

2026 Games: Reduced Capacity & Seat Adjustments

The upper deck will be under construction, so many seats will be unavailable—capacity will drop to ~43,500.
Fans may be reassigned or relocated depending on which sections are closed for renovation.
Some concourses, restrooms, or amenities may be closed or rerouted.
Signage, access routes, and entrances may shift as work zones expand.

2027 Games: Playing Elsewhere

Jacksonville will not host Jaguars home games in 2027. The team will play at alternate venues like Orlando or Gainesville.
Travel logistics, ticketing, and fan accommodations will become a key concern for season ticket holders.
The team may also host some home games overseas (London) via the agreement that allows up to six out-of-town games during construction.

2028 & Beyond: Return to a Reimagined Game-Day Experience

Starting in August 2028, the Jaguars and fans will move into the fully renovated Stadium of the Future.
Expect enhanced comfort, expanded amenities, better sightlines, and a state-of-the-art entertainment and sports venue environment.
The stadium’s flexible capacity will make it more competitive in hosting concerts, college football, neutral-site events, and more.

Costs, Funding & Risk in the Stadium Project

Any project of this magnitude carries financial complexity. Here’s how the funding breaks down and what risks exist.

Total Cost & Funding Commitments

The project budget is around $1.4 billion.
The Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville are each contributing about $625 million.
The city adds ~$150 million in deferred maintenance to prepare the existing stadium for renovation.
There is no new tax levied to pay for the reconstruction, per official statements.

Who Absorbs Overruns & Operational Costs

The Jaguars have committed to absorbing cost overruns—meaning if expenses exceed the budget, the team bears those additional costs.
In the new operational paradigm, the franchise will also take on most day-to-day operations and ~80.4% of game-day expenses.

This allocation of risk aligns incentives but also places heavy pressure on the Jaguars to execute well and avoid missteps.

Risks, Challenges & What Could Delay the Project

No project is without uncertainty. Here are the most significant risks and unknowns that could affect completion or the timeline.

Unexpected Structural or Site Issues

Working with an existing stadium structure means hidden challenges—weak foundations, utility conflicts, or structural decay—could force redesign, delay, or cost overruns.

Delays in Construction or Permitting

The phased permit approach, subcontractor coordination, supply chain delays, weather, or regulatory hurdles can all push timelines.
If key milestones slip (steel framing, canopy installation, interior build-out), the August 2028 target could be at risk.

Fan Backlash & Ticket Demand

If 2025 and 2026 seasons feel too degraded or disjointed, fan sentiment might suffer, impacting attendance and revenue.
The 2027 relocation year is especially sensitive—if fans feel disconnected or inconvenienced, momentum might be lost.

Venue Selection for 2027

Choosing and negotiating a suitable alternate venue carries risks: logistics, fan travel, stadium readiness, revenue-sharing, and perception.
NFL approval is required for alternate venue plans (voting by owners).

Cost Overruns & Budget Blowouts

Despite safeguards, overruns are common in stadium or large-scale infrastructure work.
If the Jaguars mismanage construction or contracts, the financial burden can escalate.

Competition for Events Post-Reopening

After reopening, the stadium will compete with other venues to land concerts, big events, and non-football tenants. Success depends not just on design but on operations and marketing.

Evaluating the Project: Pros & Considerations

Key Advantages

Strong commitment to keep the Jaguars in Jacksonville long term
Modernized amenities, comfort, and fan experience
Flexibility to host major sports and entertainment events
Economic stimulus and downtown revitalization potential
Enhanced branding and civic pride

Key Challenges/Tradeoffs

High financial risk and exposure for the team
Fan patience will be tested during transition seasons
Execution risk (delays, cost overruns, contractor performance)
Temporary relocations may upset loyal fan segments
Success hinges on surrounding development and urban integration

If all goes well, this stadium could become a benchmark NFL renovation model. If problems arise, the risks could overshadow the benefits.

What to Watch (2025–2028): Milestones & Alerts

Here are key events and decision points worth tracking as the project moves ahead:

NFL owners’ approval / committee votes — especially any decisions about the 2027 alternate venue.
Major permit packages — structural, canopy, bowl expansion. Permits already are in motion (e.g. $43.1M permit).
Visible construction milestones — when the grand staircases, façade, canopy frame, or steel core become visible to fans.
Public communication about seating changes — seat relocations, closures, ticketing adjustments for 2026 and 2027.
Venue selection announcement for 2027 — where home games will be played (Orlando? Gainesville?).
Progress updates toward 2028 readiness — completion of structural, mechanical, interior, systems work.
Booking of non-football events (concerts, college championships) in the renovated stadium to showcase its viability.

Final Thoughts & Why This New Stadium Project Matters

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Stadium of the Future is not just a stadium renovation—it’s a bold bet on continuity, modernization, and regional transformation. Here are the key takeaways you should seize:

If your top question is “when will the new Jaguars stadium be complete?”, the answer is August 2028—barring delays or significant scope changes.
For fans, the transition period (2025–2027) will be disruptive: expect reduced capacity, seat reassignments, and a full year away (2027) from Jacksonville.
The venue, once complete, will combine modern amenities, shade protection, flexible capacities, and sustainable design.
The Jaguars assume most financial risk, but also gain majority operational control.
Success hinges on execution—but if done right, the stadium could become a benchmark for NFL renovation projects.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.

Tags: Jacksonville Jaguars New Stadium, New Everbank Stadium

← Older Post Newer Post →

0 comments

Onassis Krown