Jaguars Ticket Sales Show Growth From Years Past

The Jacksonville Jaguars have increased their ticket sales, proving they are a team on the rise and have moved past the lean years of the franchise.

I’ve lived in the city of Jacksonville for the better part of 36 years. I keep coming back to the place I call home. For me, as a fan, the Jaguars are part of the reason I stay. When I read the team had announced lower-level single-game tickets are sold out for both the regular season home opener versus the New England Patriots and the Sunday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, I could not help but think of what used to be for the city and its pursuit of football.

I remember how NFL teams used the “Gator Bowl” to tease fans while playing politics for a new stadium. I remember the Houston Oilers, St. Louis Cardinals, New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Colts all toyed with my emotions, making me think of Sundays at the stadium watching games with my dad and brother.

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Much like Lucy Van Pelt, they pulled the football away from me at the last possible second.

I remember being in college when I learned Jacksonville – yes, Jacksonville – had been awarded an NFL team. I also remember the early years of success under Tom Coughlin and the long, lean years of a decade of nothing. So, reading about the Jaguars and their success in selling tickets and packing the stadium once again brings me happiness.

I am a fan, first and a sportswriter, second.

"“Market demand for Jaguars season tickets has exceeded even our expectations,” said Jaguars President Mark Lamping through a press release issued by the franchise.  “The momentum from a deep postseason run, combined with an outstanding slate of home opponents, has presented us with an opportunity to create a true home-field advantage for our team and continue this franchise’s progress toward financial stability.”"

Two years ago, fans were griping, mad as hell and wanted change. Like other sports franchises, we all were asked to believe and trust in the process. It was difficult. Sometimes, it really did hurt.

Now, it’s joyful and exciting. The OTAs and minicamp proved there is plenty of talent on this roster – may be more than last season when the team won 10 games. Who knows how many victories the Jaguars will post this year? But I caution everyone, the AFC South will be better this time around. It’s conceivable Jacksonville will be better in 2018 but their record won’t show it. Tennessee is better. Houston will be better. Indianapolis made adjustments in the offseason as well.

And now, by virtue of their run toward the AFC Title Game last year, the entire NFL knows the Jaguars are for REAL!

When is the last time anyone has said that other than in 2017?

Quarterback Blake Bortles said last weekend he has noticed a change in this city and how fans react to this franchise. Winning does that. He said he also knows the fan base expects bigger things this season. He’s right. Not only does he know it, the other players in the locker room know it. They expect it of themselves and each other as a team.

We aren’t into July yet and there is a buzz in this city. Football is in the air. This might be the longest five weeks for fans in Jacksonville until training camp starts. But it’s a waiting game they are willing to endure. Winning does that to people. Having a shot to hold a Lombardi Trophy is well worth the wait. OTAs are over. Minicamp has concluded, and the real work is about to begin.

As a fan, I am excited to see what is ahead for this franchise. And after seeing how the fan base supports this organization, I think it’s time I can put the pain of the past behind me.