News Summary
Thousands of fans attended the Jacksonville Jaguars’ preseason opener at EverBank Stadium, experiencing new renovations that improved entry processes and parking. Despite some inconveniences like the removal of escalators, the ongoing changes aim to enhance the overall game day experience. The Jaguars plan to reduce stadium capacity as part of a long-term vision, and fans are encouraged to familiarize themselves with new entry points as they look forward to a more modern facility by 2028.
Jacksonville – Thousands of fans attended the Jacksonville Jaguars’ preseason opener at EverBank Stadium, which marked their first experience in the venue since significant renovations began in February. The changes have reshaped the game day experience, adjusting entry processes, parking availability, and access routes for spectators.
One noticeable change for fans was the absence of escalators near Gates 2 and 3, leading to some inconvenience as attendees needed to utilize ramps to access their seating. While escalators have been removed during the renovation, elevators and a functioning escalator located near the South End Zone remain available for fans requiring special assistance.
The ongoing renovations aim to expand the stadium’s canopy and concourses significantly, alongside improvements to the main staircase by Gate 1. Furthermore, fans noted the enhancements that will provide better sun protection for future games, indicating the potential for a more comfortable viewing experience.
The Jaguars organization has made it clear that while parking and entry procedures will see notable changes this season, the experience within the stadium itself will remain consistent. With the adjustments in place, fans were encouraged to familiarize themselves with different entry points. Some season ticket holders reported switching to Zone 2 instead of the usual West Gallagher for access but found the revised process manageable overall.
As part of a broader vision referred to as the Stadium of the Future, the Jaguars plan to reduce capacity to 43,500 by 2026. The team is set to depart EverBank Stadium in 2027, with hopes to reopen the stadium by Fall 2028 after the renovations are completed. Despite the challenges posed by construction and parking changes, season ticket holders have expressed their commitment to continue attending games, maintaining a lighthearted perspective on the inconveniences.
Fans are urged to plan ahead for game day, as navigating through specified gates on their tickets is essential for reaching seats. There have been reports of heavy traffic on game days, caused in part by ongoing construction projects and a reduction in parking capacity. Previous parking lots C, D, and J have been affected by renovations, leading to frustrations related to traffic jams. Some fans reported long wait times, with video footage showing numerous vehicles in lengthy exit lines post-game, highlighting the logistical challenges supporters faced.
Despite these issues, the atmosphere before the game was lively, with fans engaged in tailgating and sharing excitement for the upcoming season. Many have expressed optimism about the construction, hoping that temporary inconveniences will pave the way for a more modern stadium in the future. The Jaguars’ Chief Operating Officer detailed the changes in entry and exit patterns, urging fans to stay informed about their designated gates and transportation options.
For general admission, fans are advised to use Gates 1, 2, 3, or the expanded Gate 4 for entry, while club and suite members will enter through the East and West Club gates. To assist fans with navigating the new layout, additional staff will be present on site. Hospitality areas within the stadium remain accessible, and fans can find updated parking maps and gate information on the official Jaguars website.
The Jaguars will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in their subsequent preseason game on August 9 at 7 p.m., leading into their first regular-season home game against the Carolina Panthers on September 7.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
NFL Preseason Kickoff Brings Rookie Highlights
Additional Resources
- WOKV: EverBank Stadium Construction Adds Post-Game Traffic Frustrations for Jaguars Fans
- First Coast News: Jaguars Preseason Game Amid Construction
- News4Jax: Game Day Guide for Jaguars Fans
- Jacksonville.com: EverBank Stadium Construction Updates
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville Jaguars
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
