JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Following weeks of review and making adjustments, Jacksonville’s City Council approved the so-called “Stadium of the Future” in Tuesday’s council meeting.
The deal includes a 30-year lease to keep the Jacksonville Jaguars in the city long-term and funds the transformative stadium renovation set to be completed in 2028.
“This day has been a long time coming. I am truly grateful for the partnership with the Jaguars throughout the negotiation process, and to the City Council for passing this historic deal. Together, we are turning renderings into reality for the betterment of Jacksonville,” Jacksonville Mayor Deegan said in a statement.
“The belief and determination of Delores and Wayne Weaver to make the Jacksonville Jaguars a reality more than 30 years ago was reaffirmed today by the leadership of Mayor Donna Deegan, her team and the Jacksonville City Council. The message then, and now, should be clear. Never doubt Jacksonville!” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said.
Council President Ron Salem gave his reaction after the meeting.
“I’m relieved that it’s over because it was a lot of war,” Salem said. “Working with all the players. The schedule was very aggressive. Council members were concerned about the aggressive nature of it.”
He added that he felt his goal was achieved.
“I wanted the vote to occur tonight and get this thing out and we did it at 7:30 in the evening and that’s pretty good,” Salem said.
Councilman Mike Gay voted “No” and Councilmembers Kevin Carrico and Terrance Freeman abstained from voting due to conflicts.
It’s a $1.4 billion stadium rebuild.
The city’s portion will be a little more than half at $775 million.
Council members focused extensively on the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), removing most of the $300 million until the council considers it as a separate vote next month.
“I think there’s a lot of folks that are nervous that the council won’t come through for them. But I’m going to do everything in my power to see that this CBA gets through. So we’re not just kicking a field goal. We’re really scoring a touchdown,” Councilman Matt Carlucci said.
He said he felt deep emotions when the vote passed.
“I can almost choke up. I’m the only Councilman that has voted on two Jaguar leases. I think back on the many years of my colleagues that I learned so much from, and how that helped prepare me for this time around,” Carlucci said.
RELATED: ‘We deserve it’: Eastside residents hopeful ‘Community Benefits Agreement’ deal pans out
Jacksonville Jaguars President Mark Lamping confirmed that the team will honor its original $100 million deal and will match every $1 to $3 that the city will invest.
“It’s a real incentive for the city to fund the entire Community Benefits Agreement, which you know, make no secret about it,” Lamping said. “We wish they would have been packaged together in their entirety, it became apparent that it wasn’t going to happen and now we’re going to advocate as hard as we can, along with the mayor, to make sure that we get back to that full $300 million.”
Incoming Council President Randy White crafted an amendment, along with the mayor’s office to keep $56 million for parks development in the stadium bill.
“I want everybody to know that I’m also very committed to making sure that we get the rest of that community benefits agreement across the finish line. When council comes back from their break in mid-July, we are absolutely committed to those issues of affordable housing, and homelessness, making sure that we create a benefit for the entire community and all,” Deegan said.
Most analysts believe the terms between Jacksonville’s NFL team and the Consolidated Government of Duval County are fair, and perhaps more favorable than other cities have recently negotiated.
Community members had the chance to ask questions and weigh in during “huddles” where the mayor, the lead negotiator, and the Jaguars team president appeared.
The stadium deal will still need a green light from 75% of NFL owners in October.
The team will play the 2025 season at EverBank Stadium as construction begins.
In 2026, the Jaguars said the stadium capacity will be reduced to about 43,500. In 2027, the team will play in an alternate venue that has yet to be decided, and in 2028, the new stadium will open.
Orlando and Gainesville are possibilities for the new venue.
Also ahead, the city could help fund an entertainment district outside the stadium that has been proposed by the team.