Local

Jags bid for state funding complete, under review

The review is now formally underway to determine whether the Jaguars should get state money to fund renovations to EverBank Field.

WOKV was the first to tell you in December that the Jags were looking to the state to cover the cost of proposed Club Level improvements, which were generally outlined earlier in the year. The team would front the $20 million for the project while getting reimbursed $1 million/year for the next 30 years- the remainder covering other renovations that have been made as well. The team is competing with three others for a limited pot of funding- and this is the first year it's getting doled out through formal bids rather than lobbying.

A letter sent to the City from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity on January 16th indicates the application is now complete.

While technically, bid completion triggers a 60 day review, the DEO says they will submit a list to lawmakers on February 1st ranking the bids. It's unclear at this time whether the delay in completing the bid will factor in to the team's final ranking. The Jaguars were the final completion.

Jaguars President Mark Lamping tells WOKV that if they get the requested funding, both the East and West Club Levels could be upgraded before the next season. This would feature expanded field views as well as new bar and seating options. If the state doesn't decide to award the Jags any money, however, Lamping says the project won't move forward at this time.

These improvements would cap several years of big changes at the stadium.  The Jags have funded an $18 million locker room and meeting room upgrade, as well as $20 million of the $63 million video boards and pool/party deck upgrade done in the last off season.  New Wi-Fi has also been added. City dollars rounded out the Wi-Fi and video board projects, but Lamping says they would not tap the City for this project.

The City could, nonetheless, incur some cost because the renovations would remove seating. Some of the events the City contracts, including the annual Florida/Georgia football game, would require temporary seating to be built to replace what’s lost. Lamping says the Jaguars would not expect to cover that bill.

WOKV will continue to track the process of this bid and the funding recommendations coming from the DEO.

mobile apps

Everything you love about wokv.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!