Nearly full stadium for gameday

Thousands come out Sunday to support the JAGS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Even though the Jaguars lost their first game of the season, thousands still came out to support the team.

With pregame tailgates and a nearly-filled stadium, fans said they're excited football season is back - many hoping this is the season of change.

"Oh everybody is super fired up. Even the people who don't belong to the same teams," said Colleen Rocha who attended the season opener with her friends. "Carolina and Jags, everyone's wearing different jerseys, that's OK, we're here to have fun."

Dwayne Smith, another die-hard fan, agreed.

"There isn't a science to it, there's certain things you have to do to be a winning team, and I think we're doing the right things to go in that direction," said Smith.

While the temperatures are usually higher this time of year, the weather Sunday was a welcome surprise for many fans.

"It's a gift from God," said Rocha. "He said, 'you know what, let's not have this stifling heat in Jacksonville where we're like a meatball in a crock pot, let's go JAGS!"

The next game happens September 20 against the Miami Dolphins, also at EverBank Field.