Jaguars, Jacksonville agree to $63 million stadium renovation plan

The Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville have agreed to terms on a deal to spend more than $63 million to renovate EverBank Field.

By Sam Farmer

June 19, 2013 12 AM PT

If there’s any lingering Jaguars-to-Los Angeles speculation out there, this should put it to rest:

The Jaguars announced Wednesday that they have agreed to terms with the city of Jacksonville for about $63 million in major enhancements to EverBank Field, including two new end-zone video boards that will be the largest of their kind in the world.

“Jaguars fans are going to fall in love with the new EverBank Field,” said Mark Lamping, team president, in a written release. “We do not take for granted the emotional and financial investment of Jaguars fans. In return, we’re doing everything we can to produce a winner on the field.”

The Jaguars have not been to the playoffs, and in recent years rumors have swirled that the franchise is inching closer to relocate to either L.A. or London. It’s not immediately clear how the latest agreement affects the team’s lease, which already would make it very difficult for the team to leave before 2027.

“This is about vision,” Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown said of the renovation plan in a written statement. “We’re seeing a great example of [Jaguars owner] Shad Khan’s leadership and the Jaguars’ dedication to creating the best, second-to-none fan experience right here in Jacksonville.”

Included in the renovations:

New video scoreboards in each end zone, each measuring 55 by 301 feet.
Two sideline boards, each measuring 3.6 by 579 feet.
A new scoreboard control room equipped with state-of-the-art software.
A new platform area in the north end zone with pools, unique food and beverage offerings, and interactive activities.

The city will fund $36.4 million to build the north end fan engagement area, as well as the necessary infrastructure and control room to support the video scoreboards. The city will also cover 25% of the $26.5 million necessary for the video boards. The Jaguars will pay for 75% of the video boards, as well as any cost overruns.

ALSO:

Cincinnati Bengals to be featured on ‘Hard Knocks’

Watch kids boo NJ Gov. Christie for being a Cowboys fan

Plaschke: NFL’s Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones decision deserves a penalty flag