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EverBank Field
They said it couldn't be done. They said it wouldn't be ready. But on August 18, 1995, when the Jacksonville Jaguars played their first game in their new stadium, it marked the first time in sports history that an expansion team had played its first home game in its first season in a new stadium or arena. Not only that, but it was built faster than any major-league stadium had ever been built in North America.
In the short period of 19 1/2 months, the old Gator Bowl was demolished and a new stadium arose on the shores of the St. Johns River. And, very quickly, it was called the best stadium in the country. Just seconds before the Jaguars kicked off their first regular-season game on September 3, 1995, NBC broadcaster Don Criqui said, "There isn't a better football facility in America." Now in its 15th year of operation, EverBank Field is still drawing raves.
Located on the shores of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, EverBank Field is the 67,246-seat home stadium of the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2005, the stadium served as the host site of Super Bowl XXXIX.
To ensure that Jacksonville has the finest venue in the NFL, EverBank Field underwent a $46 million renovation that was finished in time for the 2003 season. Among the additions are a Terrace Suite for 700 people, a 25,000-square-foot sports bar called the Bud Zone, a 20,000-square-foot Patio, 20 new escalators and four new elevators, and a new secure perimeter fence around the stadium.
Most of the additions were on the south end of the stadium. On the main concourse level is the new Bud Zone sports bar that is open to the field and available to all fans attending games. Above that is the new Terrace Suite that accommodates 700 people with outdoor seating, a 20,000-square-foot-enclosed private bar and dining area with a view to the field. And, above that is the Patio, easily accessible to the upper deck, with portable food and beverage carts that will allow fans to gather and watch games from a unique vantage point. Also new to the South End Zone are eight escalators to carry fans to every level of the stadium, as well as four elevators to serve the main concourse, Terrace Suite and the Patio.
In the North End Zone are two new escalator towers to the main concourse and upper level for the east and west sides of the stadium. The new perimeter fence increases by 50 percent the number of entry points into EverBank Field and creates new themed entertainment and concession areas for pregame enjoyment. The Bud Zone sports bar and Terrace Suite are available for rental on non-game days. The new concessionaire for these areas is Levy Restaurants, one of the best in the sports restaurant business.
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