The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to temporarily relocate approximately 150 miles south to Orlando, Florida, for at least one season as their home stadium, EverBank Stadium, undergoes a significant $1.4 billion renovation. This move is necessitated by the extensive upgrades planned for EverBank Stadium, which are expected to be completed by August 2028. While the Jaguars will play some home games at their current venue during the initial phases of renovation, a complete disruption will require them to find a temporary home for the 2027 season.
Temporary Home Base in Orlando
The chosen temporary venue is the historic Camping World Stadium, located in the West Lakes neighborhood of downtown Orlando. This stadium, which recently underwent its own $400 million renovation to enhance fan experience and increase capacity to 65,000, boasts a rich history. It has hosted numerous significant events, including the annual Florida Classic football game between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University, and was a venue for the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 Club World Cup. The Jaguars submitted a report to the NFL in 2026 outlining potential temporary host sites, ultimately settling on Orlando.
The distance between Jacksonville and Orlando is approximately a five-hour round trip, presenting a logistical challenge for the team’s dedicated fanbase. Many supporters will be hoping the extensive renovations at EverBank Stadium prove worthwhile to justify the temporary disruption and travel.
EverBank Stadium Renovation Project
The ambitious renovation of EverBank Stadium, which last hosted a playoff game in January 2023, aims to transform the venue into a state-of-the-art facility. The project’s announcement in 2024 signaled an intention to create a venue capable of hosting major events, including potentially a Super Bowl in the future. The renovations include plans for a new transparent canopy to shield spectators from the elements, widened concourses for improved circulation, and lookout decks designed to enhance the game-day atmosphere. The redesigned stadium is projected to have a capacity of 71,500.
International Games and Schedule Adjustments
For the upcoming season, the Jaguars will split their home schedule. Six home games will be played at EverBank Stadium, while two additional home games are scheduled to take place in London, UK, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium during weeks 5 and 6. This arrangement creates a five-week gap between home fixtures, allowing for the initial stages of stadium renovation work to commence without immediately impacting the team’s ability to play in Jacksonville.
Despite the significant investment and modernization plans, team owner Shahid Khan has expressed reservations about Jacksonville’s current ability to host a Super Bowl. In an interview, Khan noted that while the new stadium design incorporates many desirable features, including a covered structure and a Florida location, the city’s broader infrastructure, such as hotel capacity, may not yet meet the demands of such a large-scale event. He suggested that while the stadium could be suitable for other NFL events like the Draft, further city development would be necessary for Super Bowl consideration.
Future Outlook and Fan Impact
The temporary relocation to Orlando and the extensive renovation project represent a significant undertaking for the Jacksonville Jaguars organization and its supporters. The goal is to create a premier NFL venue that not only enhances the fan experience but also positions Jacksonville as a potential host for future major sporting events. The success of this project will hinge on the timely completion of the renovations and the ability of the team to maintain fan engagement and support during the period of displacement.
The Jaguars’ commitment to a $1.4 billion stadium project underscores a long-term vision for the franchise. While the immediate future involves a temporary move and adjustments to the home schedule, the ultimate aim is to provide a modern, high-capacity facility that can serve the team and the city for decades to come. The upcoming seasons will be a test of resilience and adaptability for both the Jaguars and their fanbase as they navigate this transitional phase towards a revitalized home stadium.
