After years of discussions and preparation, work on the massive renovation of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ home stadium is officially set to begin.
The City of Jacksonville has approved a $532 million construction permit for the “Stadium of the Future,” granted to Hunt Construction and Barton Malow. The permit covers selective demolition, new steel and concrete structures, a cable-supported roof system, and a tensioned fabric canopy that will dramatically change the stadium’s look and feel.
While the core structure of EverBank Stadium will remain, fans can expect sweeping upgrades. The renovated venue will seat over 63,000 people, with the ability to expand to 71,500 for major events like college football games and even more for concerts. A key feature of the design is a 70% shade canopy meant to improve comfort in Jacksonville’s hot climate.
The Jaguars noted that the permit is simply the next step in the project. Because construction will continue during the current season, fans will receive regular updates on changes to parking, entry and exit routes, and traffic patterns through multiple channels.
Accessibility and fan experience are at the heart of the design. Plans call for a network of walking and biking paths leading to an elevated concourse that will be four times wider than before. The concourse areas themselves will grow dramatically—185% larger on the main level and 260% larger on the upper level. Additions include 13 elevators, 32 escalators, 220 food and drink stands, and 14 new restrooms.
Peter Broeder, lead architect with HOK, explained that the design balances preservation with innovation, particularly through the canopy system. The shading not only covers the seating bowl but also wraps around the east and west sidelines, shielding concourses from the afternoon sun.
The stadium overhaul is part of a broader $1.4 billion redevelopment effort that includes Shipyards West Park and the riverwalk. The cost will be split evenly between the city and the Jaguars—each committing $625 million—while Jacksonville is also pledging an additional $150 million for maintenance prior to construction, bringing its total investment to $775 million. In exchange, the team extended its lease for 30 years with a non-relocation clause.
Although early site work was already underway, the project is expected to be finished before the 2028 NFL season. However, the Jaguars will need to play elsewhere in 2027, with Orlando and Gainesville being considered as temporary homes. The decision will be reviewed by NFL owners in October and must receive three-fourths approval to move forward.
Information from: https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2025/09/11/532m-building-permit-issued-sotf.html
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