The Jacksonville, Fla. Jaguars football franchise has unveiled ambitious redevelopment plans for TIAA Bank Field in the city's downtown, with a redesign that was three years in the making, team officials said June 7
The plan would “inspire a transformation of downtown Jacksonville and secure NFL football in Northeast Florida well into the future,” they said. Total project cost could be up to $2 billion, with stadium improvements costing about $1.4 billion and the rest related to otherarea investments, which is set to be split with the city, according to an Associated Press report,
Jaguars and Jacksonville officials began work toward a long-term solution to stadium challenges in July 2020 with an engineering assessment of the current city-owned facility, finding that a renovation could accomplish goals versus new construction. Home of the Jaguars, TIAA Bank Field also hosts the NCAA Bowl football game, is a potential location for college football playoffs and also hosts concerts and other events.
“Our objective has always been the same—lock in a promising future for the Jaguars and help our downtown become an economic engine to lift all of Jacksonville, particularly areas that have been underserved," Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in the team announcement.
Stadium of the Future
The unveiling of plans for what team officials call the "stadium of the future" marks the end of the project's first phase of design, with HOK Sports + Recreation + Entertainment as architect, AECOM Hunt and Barton Malow named preconstruction manager and Impact Development and Management as owner’s representative.
In-depth surveys of fans and other stakeholders informed the design, said the announcement, with the Jaguars hosting 14 public meetings through June in various parts of Jacksonville to provide project information and seek feedback.
Design innovations include an energy-efficient façade using a first-of-its kind mirrored material, according to the announcement, and a large shade canopy to reduce heat retention by 70%, lowering temperatures at the field level by as much as 15°.
The seating bowl, with a base capacity of 62,000, will have expansion capabilities up to 71,500 for a college football game and more for a concert, the announcement says, and can use lighting and digital technology to create distinctive game-day experiences.
Also planned is a 185% increase in main concourse surface area, 260% boost in upper concourse surface area, 360° connectivity in the upper concourse, 13 new elevators, 32 added escalators and 220 new food and beverage venues. Designs call for a network of biking and walking trails, parklands, greenways, beaches and marshes, according to the announcement.
Plans also include an elevated concourse 30 ft about the ground offering views of Jacksonville’s downtown and the St. Johns River. The 360° concourse will quadruple in size under the plan and include a variety of fan experiences, restaurants and communal spaces. A fritted roof membrane will offer dispersed ambient light through the stadium, and lookout decks will offer city-wide views.
“We fully anticipate a reimagined sports complex with the renovated stadium at its centerpiece will spark development in the east end of downtown Jacksonville, similar to the renaissance of the Brooklyn neighborhood to the west,” said Jaguars President Mark Lamping in the announcement, noting the under-construction Shipyards project. Owner Khan said the city is ranked among best U.S. places to live and as having the best housing market, among other similar rankings.
The stadium development isn’t the only work ongoing in the downtown Jacksonville area. ENR reported on one project in May 2022, with PCL Construction chosen for a $300-million project to transform a vacant former shipyard property into a mixed-use complex with a Four Seasons hotel, six-story office building and marina.
