The Jacksonville City Council voted 19-0 Tuesday, approving a $90 million project to upgrade EverBank Field, according to the Associated Press. The upgrade includes plans of renovating club seating in the stadium, building a state-of-the-art indoor practice facility, and a 5,000-seat amphitheater on the property.
Jaguars owner Shad Kahn has stated that he will split the cost with the city, and construction is expected to begin in January after the TaxSlayer Bowl game. The renovations are expected to be completed prior to the beginning next season, according to Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk.
"We have worked diligently over the years to improve EverBank Field, in every respect, to make it one of the best stadiums in the NFL for the Jaguars and our fans, and to enhance the entire sports complex so we are an undisputed destination for world-class sports and entertainment events," Khan said. "Today's news is a major step forward in our continuing effort to establish Jacksonville as the best of the best."
The Jaguars are currently 4-8 on the year and are still playoff contenders, sitting two games behind both the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans in the AFC South. Jacksonville is coming off a tough loss to the Tennessee Titans this past weekend, but they face a critical matchup against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.
Khan is committed in turning Jaguars' football games into big events both because of their relevance in the league and their new additions to EverBank Field. The hope is that this new design will bring more fans to games, as well as enhance their chances at landing future bids for major sporting events.
