Something big is happening in Jacksonville. After years of speculation, the Jacksonville Jaguars are officially packing up — at least for now. The team confirmed plans to leave their longtime home at EverBank Stadium for the 2027 season, fueling a wave of uncertainty about where they’ll play next.
With billion-dollar renovations underway and rival cities like Orlando and Gainesville vying to host their games, fans are left wondering if this “temporary relocation” could hint at something much bigger for the franchise’s future.
A Massive Makeover Forces a Move For The Jaguars
Aug 14, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; The food truck rodeo outside of the stadium before the start of a preseason NFL football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn ImagesJaguars
Aug 14, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; The food truck rodeo outside of the stadium before the start of a preseason NFL football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars’ departure stems from their $1.4 billion stadium renovation, one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in NFL history. The plan — unanimously approved by league owners — aims to transform EverBank Stadium into a state-of-the-art facility with upgraded seating, shade canopies, and new entertainment spaces.
Construction will begin in 2026 and force the Jaguars to relocate for the entire 2027 season before returning home in 2028.
According to team officials, the renovation will “secure the Jaguars’ future in Jacksonville for decades,” but the optics of a full-season move have stirred anxiety. Some fans fear that a temporary relocation could test loyalty and open the door for competing cities to make their case for a more permanent arrangement.
Where Will the Jaguars Go?
While no official replacement venue has been selected, two front-runners have emerged: Camping World Stadium in Orlando and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville — the home of the Florida Gators. Both locations can handle NFL-level crowds and are within driving distance for Jacksonville fans, but each presents logistical challenges.
Orlando offers a larger tourism market and modern amenities, while Gainesville carries deep football tradition and closer proximity. Team owner Shad Khan has hinted that the final decision will prioritize “fan access and operational stability,” though no timeline has been confirmed for the announcement.
Fans React to the News
The reaction from Jaguars Nation has been mixed. On social media, some praised the long-term investment as proof the team isn’t leaving Florida. Others questioned why the organization couldn’t phase construction to avoid a full-year move. “We’ve been fighting rumors of relocation for years,” one fan posted on X. “Even if it’s just a season, it feels like déjà vu.”
Local businesses around EverBank Stadium also expressed concern about the potential economic hit. With no home games in 2027, downtown Jacksonville could lose tens of millions in game-day revenue from parking, restaurants, and tourism.
NFL’s Take and the Bigger Picture
League officials have publicly supported the move, calling it “a short-term inconvenience for a long-term gain.” Still, the situation highlights how fragile NFL market stability can be when billion-dollar stadium deals are on the line. As franchises like the Raiders, Rams, and Chargers have shown, “temporary” relocations sometimes evolve into permanent ones.
The Jaguars insist this isn’t one of those cases — their new lease includes a non-relocation clause extending the team’s commitment to Jacksonville for at least 30 more years. But with every new development, fans can’t help but wonder: will the Jaguars’ one-year road trip truly end in 2028, or is it the start of something far more permanent?
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