The Jaguars are pleased to announce the completion of one more step in the Stadium of the Future process with the naming of HOK Architects as our design consultant.
Beginning in July of 2020, we formally began the process of exploring a long-term stadium solution in Jacksonville. This Stadium of the Future process began with a full engineering assessment of the current stadium, which concluded it was possible to solve our long-term stadium challenges via a renovation of the current stadium versus new construction. We then moved to the next phases which included surveying our fans and other stakeholders regarding what they wanted to experience in the Stadium of the Future and exploring potential stadium renovation design partners.
To ensure a wide range of potential design concepts were considered, the Jaguars engaged eight leading sports architecture firms beginning in December 2021 to provide conceptual visions for the Stadium of the Future. After 12 months of review, we selected HOK as the Jaguars design consultant on this potential major stadium renovation project.
Each submission was unique and the Jaguars are grateful to each firm for its diligence and hard work. HOK did an exceptional job of studying the current state of TIAA Bank Field and creating an innovative introductory concept that we are confident will – with further development – meet the needs of our fans and other stakeholders and also spur additional downtown revitalization efforts, which will enhance pride in our city.
HOK’s initial concepts of the new home for the Jaguars and other world-class entertainment events embraced adaptive reuse and prioritized various features our fans and stakeholders requested, namely shade over all seats, improved airflow, wider concourses, unique fan amenities, flexible capacity and rain protection to help attract other major non-football events to Jacksonville.
We look forward to working through the creative process as these very conceptual designs evolve into more definitive renovation plans. In addition, when we have a more definitive renovation plan, construction timelines and cost estimates can be determined. At that point, we will be better positioned to begin a productive dialogue about a partnership structure among the Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville. Consistent with NFL rules and regulations, any Jaguars stadium lease extension will require the approval of the National Football League and 75 percent of its teams.
Mark Lamping, President of the Jacksonville Jaguars, said: “While much work remains to be done, we are pleased to have completed one more step in what remains a long but manageable journey.