Since their inception in 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars have firmly planted their roots in Duval County, calling Jacksonville home. While the franchise has yet to secure a Super Bowl title, the memories created along the way are plenty, from the early playoff runs under the guidance of Tom Coughlin and Jimmy Smith to the near-brush with Super Bowl glory led by Blake Bortles. With a history rich in ups and downs, the fans in Jacksonville have always rallied behind their team, bringing a unique energy to every game.
But the chatter surrounding the franchise has taken an intriguing turn in recent months. Back in 2024, Jaguars’ ownership unveiled ambitious plans for a major renovation of their home, EverBank Stadium. Dubbed the “Stadium of the Future,” the project, which comes with a staggering $1.4 billion price tag, promises to redefine the game day experience for fans. However, every renovation comes with its challenges, and for the Jaguars, that means finding a temporary home during the remodeling process set for the 2027 season.
Enter Orlando, a city about 140 miles from Jacksonville, which has emerged as a leading contender to host the Jaguars temporarily. Recently, Orange County approved a budget of at least $10 million to entice the team to call Camping World Stadium their home during this transition. The logic here is simple: hosting the Jaguars could bring significant economic benefits to the area. Each game is projected to generate around $20 million in economic impact—should Orlando manage to land all eight home games in 2027, we’re looking at a potential windfall of $160 million.
Additionally, another potential contender has surfaced in this bidding scenario: the University of Florida in Gainesville. Known for “The Swamp,” the university’s venue boasts the capacity and technology that NFL games demand, making it another solid option for the Jaguars.
With interest brewing from multiple fronts, the upcoming summer is likely to be rife with negotiations and decisions. Will we witness a true bidding war for the Jaguars’ temporary home? As fans in Jacksonville and potential hosts alike hold their breath, it’s an exciting period in team history that could shape not only the franchise’s future but also the fabric of football in the region. Stay tuned, because this is one story that’s just heating up.
