Daytona International Speedway makes strong pitch to be Jaguars temporary stadium
By Beau Adams
TIAA Bank Field is planning significant renovations, which means the Jacksonville Jaguars will need a temporary home for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. And currently, the World's Most Famous Beach looks more like the Jags' vacation destination.
Frank Kelleher, president of Daytona International Speedway, gave inspiring info about the track hosting the Jaguars, additionally stating that they've had conversations with the team and are gaining momentum.
Somebody say Daytona? 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/6t0XypFQCZ
— New Era Jaguars (@NewEra_Jaguars) June 10, 2023
Kelleher says they're doing due diligence, "We've spent time in Jacksonville meeting with their leadership and a variety of follow-up phone calls with architects and engineers and design firms, you know, really looking at our property, our footprint, and understanding what is available", via Justin Barney of News4Jax.
The residents of Daytona Beach couldn't be more welcoming and excited to have the Jaguars stay in town for two years. It could be just the thing to revive the aging beach town and put them back on the map as the premier family vacation destination on the east coast.
Was able to catch up with Frank Kelleher leading into tomorrow's festivities at the Trop. An important reminder Daytona 500 tickets are officially on sale.
— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) July 7, 2023
I did ask about the current conversations with Jacksonville, though, and potentially hosting Jaguars games. Sign em up. https://t.co/1mz1pC6x0H pic.twitter.com/PMxcltS90B
"It's kind of gone from, 'Yeah, I think we can do non-stick and ball sports at Daytona,' to "Here's images of what we pulled off and it was a world-class event, a world-class pitch," Kelleher said.
There are many things the Speedway could provide that would make a unique and unforgettable NFL experience, with Unmatched in-stadium tailgating and camping, ample space for additional fan experiences, and a world-class up-front view of the games.
Image bringing a chair and cooler, setting up on the 18-degree track bank, and enjoying Sunday football.
I am really intrigued by the idea of the Jaguars playing at Daytona. The speedway is set to host a soccer tournament this summer, pictured below is how they plan to have that laid out. Would guess it would be somewhat similar for Jags games (prolly not as many people as depicted) https://t.co/12sHkoJ9FI pic.twitter.com/lpuutBkyrD
— Tyler Meinerding (@TylerMeinerding) June 12, 2023
Upgrades will take an estimated 30 months to complete and will cost nearly $2 billion. Two seasons outside of Jacksonville will expand their fan base, and with Daytona Beach less than an hour from Jacksonville and Orlando, it could be the perfect place to win over new fans. Jaguars will have to find a place to call home for two seasons. While it looks like they'll have their fair share of options, why not Daytona?
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