Jags need to show us some love
When Shad Khan bought the Jacksonville Jaguars at the end of the 2011 season, fans were hopeful the team would again have the success it enjoyed during the remarkable era of Wayne Weaver and Tom Coughlin.
Starting in the 2013 season, Khan opted for a “home” game to be played in London. The added revenue from the London game was necessary for the owner to make it in the small Jacksonville market, the team’s front office said. This arrangement was generally accepted and has continued every year.
Since 2011, the value of the team has gone from about $760 million to around $4 billion while the team’s performance (except for 2017) has been miserable. Thankfully, during the last two years with a new coach and quarterback, we seem to be getting back on the right track.
Meanwhile, negotiations for stadium upgrades (which finally include a roof for shade) are starting. Local taxpayers, including many who have no interest in the Jags, may be asked to provide about $1 billion to help cover the cost. If this cost sharing proposal becomes reality, fans and taxpayers should absolutely insist on bringing the London game back to Duval.
An occasional “home” international game is acceptable. Continuing to play a home game every year at an international site so the owner can have a bigger payday – after taxpayers have provided $1 billion – is unacceptable.
I’ve been a season ticket holder for many years and enjoy the Jags. Don’t test the loyalty of fans by assuming we’ll do anything to keep our team’s owner happy. We’ve always been told what loyal fans we are. It’s time the team showed us some loyalty by keeping our home games at home.
Jack Sheehan, Fleming Island