JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An Orlando City Council member said on Friday that the Jaguars have given the city confirmation that they will play home games there in 2027 while the Stadium of the Future is under construction.
Shan Rose, a city commissioner in District 5 in Orlando, told News4JAX sister station WKMG News 6 that the city had received word from the franchise that it will play games at Camping World Stadium in 2027.
NFL owners must still approve any temporary relocation for the Jaguars. That will likely occur when the league holds its virtual owners meetings on Dec. 9-10.
“So, we just got the word that the Jaguars have decided to move forward with coming to Orlando,” Rose said. “So next is to vote [NFL owners], and we’re hoping that we get the Jaguars here in 2027.”
In a statement, the Jaguars said they are committed to following the timeline for the approval process.
“We continue to work through the process of identifying a location and presenting that recommendation to the NFL owners for a vote. It is our hope we have an answer soon rather than later,” the statement said.
The news is not a surprise. The Jaguars began exploring alternate sites after the city approved the Stadium of the Future last June.
The Jaguars were considering Camping World Stadium and the University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, as well as a proposal from Daytona International Speedway.
UF’s stadium was a long shot because it is set to undergo $400 million in renovations that will begin in April 2027. Camping World is getting $400 million in renovations, and those are set to begin later this year.
Construction on the Stadium of the Future in Jacksonville began after the 2024 season finished. The team will play in a reduced-capacity stadium next year before moving away for 2027.
The stadium overhaul is expected to be done before kickoff in 2028.
“I’ve been advocating for the Jaguars to come here. It’s a good opportunity,” Rose said. “So, when I say, what separates us from Gainesville, because that was our competitor, is that we’re family friendly. And so, like the players, can just come with their family, they can enjoy … there’s more to Orlando than just coming to the game, and it gives the visitors an opportunity to really come and enjoy and see Orlando, and everything we have to offer.”
Fans in Northeast Florida said they are willing to make the drive to Orlando to watch the Jags.
“It’s just two hours and I’m a big sports fan so depending on how good the game is I would do the two hour drive to go to Orlando,” Saniyah Walker said.
A longtime Jaguars fan said it didn’t matter to her.
“Listen, I’m a Jaguar fan,” Sarah Allen said. “No matter where I’m watching, cheering along. No matter where they go, if I can get there, I’m going.”
“I think if the team’s doing better, it’s obviously easier to go down to Orlando and make a weekend of it,” said Jaguars fan, Dennis Wheeler. “We’ve got to support the team.”