The Jacksonville Jaguars have found their way back to relevancy in the NFL, snapping their playoff drought last season and emerging as the team to beat in the AFC South. However, the fans in Jacksonville might have even fewer in-person opportunities to watch the team in the future.
As part of the 2023 NFL schedule, the Jaguars will be playing two games in London next season. It continues a trend as the franchise works to build an international following, wanting to become one of the most popular NFL teams in Europe.
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While the trip to London might only cost Jaguars fans one opportunity to see a home game in Jacksonville this season, it now appears there’s a realistic scenario where TIAA Bank Field doesn’t host any games for multiple years.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry told 1010XL radio on Wednesday that in a best-case scenario, the Jaguars couldn’t play at their home field for two seasons if TIAA Bank Field is renovated. While the mayor is leaving the door open to an alternative location in Jacksonville, the team is exploring a variety of sites.
“The goal would be to play somewhere in Jacksonville. hose discussions are happening, but two years is the goal. … I do know that they are considering certain sites that are local that could accommodate them for at least two years.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry on the Jacksonville Jaguars relocating for TIAA Field renovations
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TIAA Bank Field, which opened in 1995, has undergone several minor renovations in recent years. However, there is a desire to overhaul it and provide the fans with a much better environment to enjoy NFL games, creating a stadium setting that rivals some of the best in the league.
Regarding the potential timeline for a stadium renovation, Jacksonville’s mayor said 2025-’26 would be a target range. It would allow for two years of planning, both for the city to solidify what it wants to do and for the Jaguars to determine where they will play during those two years.
While the Jaguars have made frequent trips to London to play at Wembley Stadium and the NFL could use the two-year stint as a test run, it still feels unlikely. Reports in recent years have indicated that hosting an NFL team in Europe is only likely to happen if there’s expansion with an international division but that is years away.
Ultimately, the Jaguars would likely find a temporary home still in Florida with cities like Orlando, Tallahassee and Gainesville serving as potential alternative sites.