JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars and city of Jacksonville cut the ribbon Monday on a $26.6 million renovation of EverBank Field's east and west clubs, the first of several signification upgrades to the stadium.
"When you have an aging facility, it's even more important you invest the money so the facility can evolve and fans can look forward to the next thing that is going to happen," Jaguars President Mark Lamping said.
The renovations include brand new patios at the 50-yard-line -- an NFL first -- to encourage fans to interact with each other give the stadium a more relaxed feel.
Inside the US Assure Club on both side of the stadium there are 210 televisions, including six of the largest indoor TVs in Florida.
Lamping said he and owner Shad Khan share a vision for the future of the stadium.
"I know our fan expectations don't stop. They continue to evolve over time and it's our responsibility to ensure that we are understanding their evolving needs and doing what we can to meet those needs," Lamping said.
"(We) have a little cleaning up to do, going to work on the concrete, but that's about it pretty much done," said US Assure CEO Ty Petway.
The changes are not only in the structure. This year's fan experience in the clubs will also include new menu items, including:
- House-made pretzels
- Boneless buffalo chicken wing in a waffle cone
- Smoked pork shoulder grilled cheese sandwich on a pretzel bun
There's also new items in the general concourse:
- New shrimp and grits station
- Tito's bloody Mary bar
- And two new concessions stands called Cluck Cluck, which feature a big bucket of wings or loaded chicken tenders basket with fries
Jaguars new executive chef Sean Kinoshita helped shape the new menus.
"I look at what's local, what the local fans like, fresh ideas," Kinoshita said. "Mayport shrimp; we have a lot of nice local fish."
Team officials said with the club and south end zone renovations completed, the focus will not be on a winning football season. Next year's off-season will see work begin on the new amphitheater and indoor practice fields.