Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby runs with the ball on Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby runs with the ball on Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium.
Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby finished with 78 yards on 16 carries in the latest Jaguars loss. The Jaguars fell to 2-6 following a 30-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium. Former Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus converted a short field goal at the buzzer to lift Green Bay to victory. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today

Jax Beach bars and restaurants can expand capacity on Jaguars game days

Published on June 2, 2026 at 1:40 pm
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Jacksonville Beach city leaders narrowly passed an ordinance amendment Monday that will allow some bars and restaurants to temporarily expand their outdoor capacity on Jaguars game days.

The Jacksonville Beach City Council approved the change 4-3 on its second reading.

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Mayor Chris Hoffman had previously said the proposal is aimed at easing pressure on local businesses as the Jaguars prepare for the 2026 season while EverBank Stadium undergoes the “Stadium of the Future” renovation project, a plan expected to reduce the number of fans who can attend games. The Jaguars also are scheduled to play in Orlando for the 2027 season.

“I do think some businesses will take advantage of the opportunity to have more fans at their businesses cheering on the Jags,” Hoffman said.

Under the two-year pilot program, eligible establishments will have to apply for permits to extend service into approved outdoor areas on game days. Hoffman said the process would include requirements designed to limit effects on surrounding neighborhoods.

“Our bar and restaurant community has been very positive,” Hoffman said. “There’s still a lot of barriers. It’s not easy. You still have to go through a permitting process.”

As currently written, the pilot would apply only to outdoor areas and only on Jaguars game days, beginning one hour before kickoff and ending one hour after the game.

Businesses would be required to provide added security and submit a parking plan. The ordinance also would not allow additional amplified sound beyond the game broadcast, and existing laws would still apply.

“This does not allow for open container outside of the premises or anything like that,” Hoffman said.

Now that the amendment has been approved, businesses can begin applying for permits ahead of the season.


This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.


author image A Jacksonville native and University of North Florida alum, Francine has been with News4Jax since 2014 after spending nine years at The Florida Times-Union. author image Ashley French joined the News4JAX team in January 2026. She comes to News4Jax from Southwest Florida, where she worked as a reporter at WINK News in Fort Myers. Before returning to the Sunshine State, Ashley reported in Tyler, Texas, as a beat reporter for CBS19, covering communities across Deep East Texas.