Published on January 6, 2023 at 12:52 pm
The Jacksonville Jaguars have picked HOK Architects to redesign TIAA Bank Field, including the addition of shade for fans — their No. 1 gripe about the current stadium.
HOK, based in St. Louis, has been lauded for its redesign of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which added canopies to shield most Dolphins fans from the sun.
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HOK also designed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which features a retractable roof.
The Jaguars began exploring a stadium renovation in July 2020 and worked with eight architecture firms to develop concepts for what the team calls “the Stadium of the Future.”
“HOK did an exceptional job of studying the current state of TIAA Bank Field and creating an innovative introductory concept that we are confident will — with further development — meet the needs of our fans and other stakeholders and also spur additional downtown revitalization efforts, which will enhance pride in our city,” the Jaguars said in a news release Thursday.
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HOK’s vision addresses many features that fans have requested: shade over all seats, improved airflow, wider concourses, unique fan amenities, flexible capacity and rain protection to help attract other major non-football events to Jacksonville, the Jaguars said.
The Jaguars surveyed fans last summer and found:
- 89% of those surveyed would support renovating the stadium.
- 78% said they would be more likely to attend a game if the stadium were renovated.
- 77% said shade is very or extremely important in their seating decision.
Venuesnow, an industry publication, reported HOK’s selection on Dec. 30. HOK’s concept for the stadium would include a shade roof over the seating bowl and reduce seating to 57,500 seats from 60,000, Venuesnow said, quoting Jaguars President Mark Lamping.
TIAA Bank Field opened in 1995, and the Jaguars hope to complete a full renovation before the 2029 season, when the team’s stadium lease expires.
The team said it will work with the city of Jacksonville on the renovation and financing later.
“We look forward to working through the creative process as these very conceptual designs evolve into more definitive renovation plans,” the team’s news release said. “In addition, when we have a more definitive renovation plan, construction timelines and cost estimates can be determined. At that point, we will be better positioned to begin a productive dialogue about a partnership structure among the Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville.”
The Jaguars’ fan survey did not discuss financing. A University of North Florida poll in August found that voters overwhelming oppose devoting public money to renovating the stadium.
The Buffalo Bills have announced plans to build a $1.4 billion stadium that will include $850 million of taxpayer financing.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers redesigned their club seating, renovated their press box and locker room area, and created a 10,000-square-foot bar. The nearly $160 million in renovations included about $30 million in public money.
The Dolphins privately funded the nearly $500 million renovation of Hard Rock Stadium.
Any Jaguars lease extension will require the approval of the National Football League and 75% of its teams, the Jaguars said.
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