JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Less than 24 hours before the Jacksonville Jaguars host the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium, Riverfront Plaza thrummed Saturday with fans celebrating the postseason and taking part in “Playoffs in the Park.”
RELATED: Mayor Deegan makes friendly wager with Buffalo mayor ahead of Jaguars playoff game against Bills
Families, longtime supporters and new fans gathered for music, lawn games and food as the city prepared for Sunday’s kickoff. News4JAX reporter Caleb Yauger spoke with fans of all ages about the team’s late-season turnaround and the community’s excitement.
“I think it speaks to a lot of the development of the city and some of the things that we’re still in progress for as far as what we’re working towards with the riverfront, but also obviously a lot of hype for this playoff game,” said David Sandlin, who attended with his son, Wyatt.
AJ Echavaria, who goes by “Doodlebop,” said the Jaguars’ recent run felt sudden after a streak of losses earlier in the season.
“This came out of nowhere. Like, after the Chiefs game that we had on Monday night, we blew it out of the water, but then we had that slow streak of losses. But then we pulled it around,” Echavaria said.
Valirie Price and Angelia Smith showed handmade signs and echoed the optimism.
“So a friend of mine made these, and they’re gonna win ’cause it’s hammer time!” Price said. “It’s hammer time. We’re going to bring the hammer tomorrow, right?” Smith answered.
“Playoffs in the Park” offered more than cheering. Fans played Jenga and cornhole, shot hoops and watched pick-up basketball games. A local parrot named Ringo — born in September 2000 — drew attention from longtime fans and newcomers alike; his owner joked that Ringo is just a little younger than they are.
Parents said they were introducing a new generation to Jaguars playoff traditions. One parent noted his child was three and only faintly remembered the team’s 2022 run. “He was alive for the run in ’22, but he was not really aware,” the parent said.
“It’s unbelievable. This comeback is just…boom!” one fan shouted. Another added, “It’s a blast to see the community rallying up together.”