Breaking down the cost of bringing Navy-Notre Dame to Jax

With just about four months to go before Navy and Notre Dame Football square off in Jacksonville, we’re getting a better idea of the cost the City will pay to host the event.

During the initial announcement, last July, that Jacksonville had secured the game, Mayor Lenny Curry said he would ask the City Council for $325,000 to invest in the event. Legislation that faces a final vote Tuesday asks instead for $350,000, and that's just the start.

The $350,000 would be used for operating EverBank Field on the game day, November 5. The City is responsible for all of the costs relating to that- from field prep to security to ushers and more, but the proposed deal puts a cap on the bill.

In addition to that, the City is providing all needed personnel to operate parking facilities for the game. The Gator Bowl Association gets parking revenue, with the exception of $3 per space, which will be paid to the City.

Jacksonville will also be responsible to- at its sole cost and expense- install about 3,500 temporary seats in EverBank Field to compensate for some of the seating that was removed as part of the ongoing Club Level renovations.

Many of the other terms outlined in the proposal closely mirror the terms of the annual TaxSlayer.com Bowl. Concession revenue will be split according to prior lease agreements. WOKV’s research of the lease documents and amendments dating back to the 90s indicates that split should be 65% for the City and 35% for the Association, with the Association getting revenue from souvenirs, programs, and other items it chooses to sell at additional kiosks in and outside of the stadium.

The Association is paying the City $95,000 to rent EverBank Field for the game. $1.25 from each ticket sold will also go to the City, with the remaining funds to be split according to terms agreed upon by the Association and involved schools. All revenue from television rights, title sponsor rights, and other similar funds will also be made available for the Association to use in crafting the final agreement with the schools.

These proposed terms will be voted on by the Jacksonville City Council during their regular meeting Tuesday, June 28.