JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Win, and the season continues. Lose, and it’s over.
If you’ve been to a Jaguars playoff game before, you know this one feels different. The team is riding strong momentum, playing at home, and a win over Buffalo would send a clear statement to the rest of the league. Whether fans are heading to the stadium, a local bar, or watching from home, preparations are well underway.
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At Sports Mania in Jacksonville Beach, Jaguars fans shared plenty of confidence ahead of kickoff.
“I think we’re going to beat the brakes off them,” one fan said. “We’ve got the better squad. It’s dirty Duval ball, baby. The Bills don’t realize the buzz saw they’re about to walk into.”
Another fan pointed to the team’s recent performance as a key reason for optimism.
“They’re on a roll, there’s no doubt about it,” he said. “People who were giving up on Trevor and the offense are back, and the defense is playing outstanding. They’re hot right now.”
Buffalo Bills fans are also expected to arrive in large numbers, a group known for traveling well.
“I follow Bills fan pages for Jacksonville, and there’s been an outpouring of people coming into town,” one Bills fan said. “I’m excited for the game, even though one of my teams will be going home.”
News4JAX is making sure those who plan on going to the game are equipped with all the necessary knowledge to ensure their gameday experience flows as smoothly as possible.
Here’s everything you need to know if you plan on attending Sunday’s Wild Card matchup.
Game Day attire/events
The Jaguars haven’t played in a playoff game since 2022, so the organization wants its fans to give their squad as much of a home-field advantage as possible.
One way the team is trying to accomplish that is by having as many fans as possible wear teal, which will match the uniform combination worn by the players on gameday. So try to break out your best teal attire!
Fans can also enjoy some pregame entertainment at the Fan Entertainment Zone, which will include more than 20 activations for everyone to explore, like face painting, photo ops, and more.
The Fan Entertainment Zone can be found by entering through Gates 1, 4, and 7, or via the main concourse level to the escalators near the Bud Light Zone to the plaza level. Activities usually kick off about three hours prior to each home game.
A full gameday timeline can be seen below
- 9:00 a.m.: All parking lots open. Miller Electric Center opens for team store
- 10:00 a.m.: Media Will Call opens near Gate 1
- Gate 1, Gate 4 & Gate 7 opens
- Fan Entertainment Zone opens
- 11:00 a.m.: All stadium gates and areas open
- 12:49 p.m.: D-Line performance presented by Florida Blue
- 12:49 p.m.: The ROAR of the Jaguars performance
- 12:53 p.m.: Jaguars team introductions
- 12:58 p.m.: 159th Fighter Squadron Flyover
- 1:01 p.m.: First DUUUVAL (will be done by former Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson)
- 1:02 p.m.: Kickoff
The halftime performance will be done by the Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats.
Parking & entry
Parking near the stadium is expected to be limited, with officials encouraging fans to arrive early, use designated parking areas, and consider rideshares or public transportation.
Fans are always encouraged to arrive early, as those who arrive after 11 a.m. should expect moderate to heavy traffic delays.
Additionally, fans are advised to view the recommended gate entry on their mobile ticket to access the most direct route to their seat. A shuttle will be active, beginning about three hours before kickoff, to pick up fans in Lot S, X, Z, and Metropolitan Park. The service also runs for about an hour after the game ends.
The Jaguars recommend that all fans have their mobile tickets and parking downloaded and ready to scan before arriving at the stadium’s entry gates, which can be done in the Official Jaguars Mobile App.
MORE: Demand skyrockets for Jaguars playoff tickets against Bills, with some priced over $1,400
Clear bag policy
The NFL’s clear bag policy is in effect at EverBank Stadium. Fans are encouraged to leave all bags at home, but if one is necessary, it should be either a clear bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” or a non-clear bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5.”
Non-clear belt bags and fanny packs are prohibited.
Prohibited items
The following items are prohibited at EverBank Stadium and should not be brought under any circumstances.
- Laptop computers, video equipment and tape recorders
- Umbrellas
- Tobacco Products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco)
- Pets (except service animals)
- Inflatables, loungers and other floatation devices
- Non-lethal weapons and chemical agents (pepper spray, mace and tasers) and laser pointers
- Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles
- Knives, guns, laser pointers and any type of weapons or explosives (including actual, toy or replica)
- Signs or Banners larger than 2′ x 3′ (see BANNER POLICY for additional information). Sticks or poles (including selfie sticks)
- Bottles and beverages from outside the stadium (except 2 factory sealed plastic bottle of water 16.9 oz or less per ticket holder)
- Noise makers, whistles, and air horns
- Seat Cushions or Chairs
- Strollers or Infant carriers
- Clothing with profane or obscene language/content
- Cameras with detachable lenses or lenses longer than six inches, tape recorders
- Coolers or containers, including cans, cups (except current year stadium souvenir
No Cash
Cash is no longer accepted anywhere in the stadium. In addition to traditional scan and chip options, all fixed points of sale will offer tap or scan payment options, including Apple, Google, and Samsung Pay.
First aid
First aid stations are located at Sections 123, 410 and 436.
The stadium’s on-site medical team will be prepared to treat guests on-site. Bandages are available at all Guest Services Booths.
Please note that medical teams are not permitted to administer over-the-counter drugs. Select over-the-counter drugs are available for purchase at Daily’s Stores.
For a full list of all stadium policies, click here.