The Jacksonville Jaguars are officially packing their bags for a temporary stay in Central Florida. On Tuesday, NFL owners provided unanimous approval for the Jacksonville Jaguars 2027 home games to be played in Orlando while the franchise’s permanent home undergoes a massive, multi-year transformation. This decision marks a pivotal step in the team’s "Stadium of the Future" initiative, ensuring the franchise remains within the state of Florida during its most significant construction phase.
A Temporary Home in Central Florida
The move to Orlando is necessitated by the final year of a $1.4 billion renovation project at EverBank Stadium. According to the proposal approved by the league's owners, the Jaguars will utilize Camping World Stadium in Orlando for the duration of the 2027 regular season. This venue is no stranger to high-profile football, having hosted the NFL Pro Bowl, numerous college bowl games, and neutral-site season openers.
By selecting Orlando, the Jaguars are keeping the team approximately 140 miles south of their traditional home. This proximity was a key factor in the decision-making process, as it allows the existing season ticket base in Northeast Florida to travel to games with relative ease compared to other out-of-state alternatives. The unanimous vote from the NFL owners underscores the league’s confidence in Orlando’s ability to host professional-grade events and maintain the Jaguars' local market presence during the transition.
The Jacksonville Jaguars 2027 Home Games and the $1.4 Billion Vision
The relocation is the direct result of an ambitious agreement between the Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville to create what has been dubbed the "Stadium of the Future." The $1.4 billion project is a 50-50 cost-sharing venture between the franchise and the city, aimed at modernizing the facility to compete with the newest venues across the NFL. Key features of the renovation include:
- A state-of-the-art translucent canopy designed to provide shade and reduce temperatures for fans.
- Expanded concourses and modernized seating layouts to improve the game-day experience.
- Enhanced digital technology and high-end hospitality spaces.
- A significant reduction in the total capacity to create a more intimate and energetic atmosphere.
Construction is expected to begin in earnest following the 2024 season. While the Jaguars will continue to play at EverBank Stadium with a reduced capacity during the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the 2027 phase requires the stadium to be completely closed to the public to facilitate the most intensive structural work. This timeline ensures that the renovated stadium will be ready for a grand reopening in 2028.
Navigating the 2027 NFL Schedule
While the move to Orlando covers the bulk of the team's home slate, the 2027 season will still feature the Jaguars' long-standing commitment to the international market. The Jaguars have historically played at least one home game per year in London, and that tradition is expected to continue even during the renovation period. This means that fans in Orlando can likely expect to host seven or eight regular-season games, depending on the NFL’s rotating 17-game schedule structure.
The shift to Camping World Stadium also presents a unique opportunity for the NFL to test the Orlando market for regular-season action. While Orlando has long been considered a "Jaguars territory" in terms of broadcasting, having the team physically present for an entire season could strengthen the franchise's regional footprint and attract a new segment of fans from Central Florida.
Economic Impact and Fan Experience
The move is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the Orlando area. With thousands of fans traveling from Jacksonville and surrounding areas, local hotels, restaurants, and businesses are poised to benefit from the influx of visitors. For the Jaguars organization, the priority remains maintaining a high level of service for their loyal season ticket holders during this "gap year."
Team officials have indicated that they will work closely with Orlando city leaders to ensure that the game-day experience at Camping World Stadium mirrors the professional standards of the NFL. This includes logistical planning for parking, tailgating, and stadium security. Although the venue is older than many NFL stadiums, recent upgrades to Camping World Stadium have prepared it to handle the rigors of a full professional season.
Looking Toward the 2028 Reopening
The approval of the Orlando plan provides the Jaguars with the certainty they need to move forward with their construction timeline. By vacating the stadium entirely in 2027, contractors can work more efficiently, reducing the risk of delays that could impact the 2028 season. The goal remains to move back into a transformed EverBank Stadium in 2028, providing the franchise with a long-term home that secures its future in Jacksonville for decades to come.
As the Jaguars prepare for this transition, the focus remains on the field for the upcoming seasons. However, the logistical hurdle of where to play in 2027 has now been officially cleared, allowing the organization and its fans to look forward to a historic era of Jaguars football, both in their temporary Orlando home and their future permanent residence.
Sources & Original Reporting