Clayton Freeman - Imagn Images
The Jacksonville Jaguars are well-known for their on-field and off-field mistakes as well as their sparse crowd. But, the team is planning on staying in north-central Florida for the long haul.
The Jaguars and owner Shad Khan are building the “Stadium of the Future in Jacksonville, set to open in 2028. But, the franchise will need a place to play in 2027, and Orange County, which contains Orlando, wants to make it happen.
The Jaguars currently play at Everbank Stadium, opened in 1995, and the host of the Jaguars since their inception that same year. That stadium is getting to the end of its useful life and doesn’t offer much in the way of extra revenue from luxury seats and suites. But, they want to be out of Everbank Stadium by 2027, meaning they need somewhere to play their home games that year. That could be Orlando, as Orange County is throwing in $10 million to convince the Jags to play in Orlando. Here’s [Pro Football Talk](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/orange-county-florida-authorizes-10-million-to-lure-jaguars-to-orlando-for-2027-season) with more.
> Via WESH-TV, the Orange County Tourist Development Tax Sports Incentive Committee has authorized spending at least $10 million to lure the Jaguars to Orlando.
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> Gainesville also is attempting to attract the Jaguars to the University of Florida’s stadium for all or part of the season. Per the report, however, there’s a belief that Orlando has the upper hand given its infrastructure, attractions, and accommodations.
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> A decision is expected this summer.
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> Florida Citrus Sports projects that the eight 2027 Jaguars home games (the ninth will be played in England) would generate a financial impact of $160 million.
Is this the best use of taxpayer dollars? Honestly it seems like a pretty good use! Spend $10 million for $160 million in impact is a pretty sweet deal!