The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season, set to kick off at home against the Cleveland Browns on September 13. However, fans will experience a limited capacity at EverBank Stadium as renovations for the so-called "Stadium of the Future" are underway. The upper bowl of the stadium will be closed during this period, allowing the Jaguars to host six games in a reduced capacity of 42,500 seats in the lower bowl. In 2027, the team will temporarily relocate their home games to Orlando's Camping World Stadium while the renovations continue.
On September 2, the Jaguars released additional renderings illustrating the anticipated changes to the stadium, which is expected to reopen in 2028. These images provide fans with a glimpse of what they can expect as the franchise invests in enhancing the game-day experience.
Mark Lamping, the president of the Jaguars, recently spoke with the Times-Union about the progress of the renovations, highlighting that several key milestones have been achieved. "Getting the demolition done and then getting it back up to play the season was a big one," Lamping noted. He added that the next significant milestone for fans to observe will be the completion of the steel structure that will support the new roof, anticipated to be finished in the first quarter of next year. This progress is not only exciting for fans but also serves as confirmation that the project remains on schedule.
While the renovations will result in a reduction of 27,000 seats, team officials assure fans that the overall game-day experience will remain largely unchanged from the previous season. Construction is ongoing, but the logistics for fans will be similar, with an equivalent number of parking spaces available in relation to the seating capacity. Additionally, the same number of entry gates will be operational, allowing fans to access their seats via stairs or elevators to the main concourse.
The Jaguars are urging fans to practice patience as they navigate the changes. To ensure a smooth entry on game days, fans are encouraged to download their digital parking passes and tickets onto their smartphones before heading to the stadium. Having these ready for scanning upon arrival will help streamline the process.
After the season opener against the Browns, the Jaguars will hit the road for Week 2, facing the Denver Broncos before returning home for a matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 3. The team’s schedule for the 2026 season includes several notable games, with matchups against traditional rivals and a unique opportunity to play in London against the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans.
As the Jaguars prepare for a transformative period in their history, the excitement surrounding the renovations at EverBank Stadium reflects the franchise's commitment to enhancing the fan experience and ensuring a modern venue for years to come.
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