During a State of the Franchise event last week, Jacksonville Jaguars officials emphasized their desire for future TIAA Bank Field upgrades.
Under owner Shad Khan, the Jaguars have been aggressive in their approach to upgrading TIAA Bank Field and the surrounding area. That includes changes within the stadium such as the addition of a pool and upgraded premium areas, as well as 2017’s opening of the Daily’s Place Amphitheater outside the facility.
For the long run, though, the Jaguars appear to be eyeing more substantial upgrades to TIAA Bank Field. While they would likely come as part of a longer term strategy, and no formal plans have been presented yet, Khan and team president Mark Lamping emphasized the need to improve the stadium’s fan experience during the State of the Franchise event last Thursday. One specific upgrade could include a solution that would provide fans in the east side of upper deck a relief from the sun. More from the Florida Times-Union:
“The stadium has to be upgraded. I think that’s our approach,” Khan said.
Said Lamping: “You’re excited to buy Jaguars season tickets. You happen to have tickets in the upper deck on the east side. And you’re faced with blazing sun from 1 o’clock starts, and the experience is nowhere near as good as it could be.”
During Lamping’s roughly 45-minute presentation on items of interest such as television ratings, local revenue, the impact of the yearly London game and the development of Lot J, the major takeaway was the Jaguars’ intention to improve the in-stadium experience.
Lamping said the Jaguars have looked at various concepts to provide relief for the east-side ticket holders. There is no formal plan, and no renderings were shown Thursday, but he feels choosing a project well before the Jaguars’ lease ends in 11 years is critical.
Khan has been looking to play a larger role in developing the surrounding area, including plans for an entertainment complex on the stadium’s Lot J. Exactly how and if future TIAA Bank Field upgrades take shape remains to be seen, but the development and potential facility renovations could turn out to be major pieces of the Jaguars’ long-term strategy in Jacksonville.
Image courtesy TIAA Bank Field.