Jaguars Influence

The Influence of the Jaguars

The date November 30, 1993, was a turning point in history for the City of Jacksonville. It was on this day that the National Football League awarded Jacksonville its 30th franchise team named the Jacksonville Jaguars. Under the guidance of then head coach Tom Coughlin, the Jaguars took the field for their first home game on Sept. 3, 1995, against the then Houston Oilers with 72,363 fans cheering on the newest hometown team. Though the team lost the matchup 10-3, Jaguar fans cheered the team to its first home victory one month later on Oct. 8, against the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers. Since that inaugural year, passionate fans throughout Northeast Florida have cheered their team on to memorable victories.

Legendary Jaguar players such as Tony Boselli, Jeff Lageman, Mark Brunell and Jimmy Smith have each played a role in the history of the team, with great plays on the field and community service projects off the field benefiting non-profit organizations throughout the region.

The "home" of the Jaguars, EverBank Field, is one of the largest sports complexes in the National Football League. Situated on 10 acres and adjacent to the St. Johns River in the heart of Downtown, the stadium provides easy access to accommodations located on both the North- and Southbank. Formerly named Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, the stadium is the result of a $135 million renovation project which has served as site host of numerous professional and collegiate match ups and Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005.

On game days at the stadium, fans of the Jaguars have numerous celebrations to choose from for pre-game fun. The Pepsi Plaza, a 400,000-square-foot entertainment zone adjacent to the stadium is the place for fun prior to kickoff with face-painting, interactive games and live entertainment adding to the experience surrounding the big day. See if you've got what it takes to punt, pass and kick against your friends in the interactive area - fun for kids and adults. The area also includes tailgate cabanas available for pre-game or corporate hospitality area. For information on cabana rentals and corporate events, contact the Jacksonville Jaguars office. The football fun begins just hours before kickoff.

For locals in Jacksonville, tailgating is serious business. Learn their secrets to grilling and getting pumped for the big game.