Orlando positions to be temporary home for Jaguars in 2027, but there’s competition
If Steve Hogan had his wish, Orlando would have regular-season NFL at Camping World Stadium.
As CEO of Florida Citrus Sports, the organization in charge of pursuing opportunities for the 88-year-old venue, Hogan has made it no secret that he would love the chance to host NFL games.
Surrounded by franchises such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins, the closest Central Florida has come to the NFL is hosting the Pro Bowl, the league’s All-Star event.
But that could change soon.
The Jaguars and the city of Jacksonville agreed on a stadium project to see EverBank Stadium undergo a $1.4 billion makeover. This will bring the nearly 30-year-old venue up to par with many of the newer NFL stadiums, such as SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) and Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas).
The project, expected to begin after the 2025 season, still requires a vote by the city council at a June meeting, followed by approval from the NFL owners in October.
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Construction on the stadium will force the Jaguars to play in front of a reduced capacity for the 2026 season. However, in 2027 the team must find a new venue to play home games.
Camping World Stadium is among the temporary venues being considered
“We have stayed in pretty regular communication with the Jags over many years now,” said Hogan. “We have always pursued opportunities in the NFL space, whether it’s NFL Pro Bowls or preseason games. The ambition is to have future regular season games in Orlando.
“We want to make a case for the Jags and then anybody else for that matter.”
The Jaguars also are considering the University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. An 88,548-capacity venue, it is approximately 72 miles from Jacksonville, while Orlando is approximately 120 miles away.
“This is not a competition between Gainesville and Orlando,” Hogan said.
While discussions are ongoing, Camping World Stadium also could undergo changes over the next several years.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners recently approved using $400 million of tourism development tax money to upgrade the 60,219-seat venue.
Those funds would be used to replace the upper deck with 18,000 seats that would be redistributed to allow for wider aisles and more legroom for spectators. The deck also would connect the east and west sides of the stadium. The plans include the construction of a 100,000-square-foot fieldhouse to be used to host mid-sized events.
Final approval is needed to proceed with the project before the design and planning phases can begin. If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2025, with the renovation completed in time for the ’27 college football season.
“The city and Florida Citrus Sports will move through the procurement and construction process, assuming the county ratifies the funding mechanism,” said Hogan. “We have work to do, and that’s why time is of the essence.”
The finalization of funding could take place during the next couple of months.
“It’s critical to stay on course for the 2027 football season,” added Hogan.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars are left to decide their next step with no timetable on the horizon.
“Whatever the next step is totally in the Jags’ hands,” said Hogan. “We in Orlando and this facility stand ready to continue communicating, answering questions and get to the point where the Jags want to make a decision.”
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com.