JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Eager Jacksonville Jaguars fans are going to pack EverBank Stadium on Saturday to watch the first and only home preseason game.
But before heading to the field, here’s what you need to know amid ongoing stadium renovations.
Chad Johnson, chief operating officer of the Jacksonville Jaguars, shared what you can expect on game day.
Johnson said the seating bowl experience inside EverBank Stadium will remain the same, with no changes to seats or game viewing. However, fans will notice differences in how they enter and exit the stadium due to construction.
He explained the construction supports a new canopy roof structure, relocates subsurface utilities, widens concourses, and updates vertical transportation like escalators.
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Fans will see a lot of visible progress, especially if they haven’t been downtown recently.
Johnson noted that the East and West Club gates will now be exclusive to club and suite members.
General admission fans should use gates 1, 2, 3, or the expanded Gate 4 in the southeast corner, which offers escalators to the fan entertainment zone.
He advised fans to plan their trip, know their transportation options, and enter through the gate most convenient to their parking or ride share, regardless of what their ticket suggests.
Once inside, the main concourse will provide 360-degree access around the stadium.
To assist fans navigating the changes, the Jaguars have added extra staff for wayfinding and vertical transportation help, including wheelchair escorts.
“All gates in the stadium will be open, including the new entry point in the south end zone,” Johnson said. “But because you can’t move around the ground level like before, it’s important to focus on your transportation and gate choice.”
He also addressed parking, saying no lots have been lost, but some spaces are temporarily unavailable due to construction equipment.
Regarding escalators and elevators, Johnson confirmed some escalators remain operable, especially in the south end zone.
Hospitality areas like the North End Zone pools, spas, cabanas, and sky patio will be open as usual for the season.
Fans should check Jaguars.com for updated parking maps and gate information.
The preseason game between the Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers takes place on Aug. 9 at 7 p.m.
The first regular season game will be at home on Sept. 7 against the Carolina Panthers.
Proposed Timeline and Next Steps
- February 2025: Construction begins
- Jaguars 2025 Season: Jaguars play in Jacksonville with 60,000+ capacity
- Jaguars 2026 Season: Jaguars play in Jacksonville with reduced capacity (approx. 43,500)
- Jaguars 2027 Season: Jaguars play one season away from Jacksonville (Location TBD)
- August 2028: Stadium of the Future opens
