Jaguars Indoor Practice Facility

[I-10east]

This is a far cry from the good work that the Weavers were famous for doing (and still do) in this community.

I totally agree concerning the great work the Weavers have done in this city; It's a damn crime their work is often overlooked here. I agree that Shad has had bumps in the road with certain investments, but I also think that the sky is the limit for him; He has done remarkable things (solidifying the Jags among others) for this city as well.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Oh nice, Lake! I like the timeline very much. Sounds like they'll seek minimal public funds...hopefully his definition of "mostly" is the same as ours.

I think that's one helluva timeline because they likely would start construction until after the season (end of January?  ), but it also tells me that most of the parts are already in place.

I really don't care one way or the other whether they're seeking public funds or not, but like any development looking for public funds, I would rather they be financially able to complete the project first and then worry about the public money on the back-end.  If you need the assistance to get started, then it's probably not a good plan in the first place.

[CityLife]

FSU built an indoor practice facility 2 years ago and UF is just finishing one up. Each was around $15 million. They are both fully functional and very nice. I don't believe either was built with a dollar of state funds. Though I suppose you could say they were funded by public funds via tax free donations...

Which brings me to my question. Is anyone aware of city funds being used for an indoor practice facility anywhere else in the country? I can rationalize giving public subsidies for things like scoreboards, since the stadium is an economic driver of the city (Gator Bowl, Fla/Ga, Country Fest, soccer games, etc), but an indoor practice facility is a luxury item (albeit a necessary one in Florida). I know the Jags will probably say they are going to use the facility for pregame events or other "public uses", but ultimately the goal is to get this thing built for football practices.

Can someone sell me on why the city should chip in a few million dollars?

[KenFSU]

Khan wants the new facility practice-ready by training camp next year.

That's a crazy fast turnaround for a state-of-the-art $30 million facility.

[Captain Zissou]

Khan wants the new facility practice-ready by training camp next year.

That's a crazy fast turnaround for a state-of-the-art $30 million facility.

UF built a facility this quickly this year.  The bulk of it is a warehouse like structure that will cover the field, with some office structures and training rooms.

I'm guessing the Jags' facility will be a little more upscale (and grown..  J/K), but it should still be a pretty quick process.  They could use this facility and the stadium to frame a public space with both passive and active uses that would make the area come alive on game day and other special events.

[RattlerGator]

Totally doesn't disturb me, and fyi shilling for more powerful wealthy men wasn't limited to the plantation system.  There were bootlickers back in ancient greece and china as well.  So if you must make  references to some prior time of humilating servitude, then by all means open up your horizons a little bit.  Im sure you have the ability if you really put some effort into these dullwitted encomiums.

Do tell, stephen, do tell. Sure as hell seems to have disturbed you but hey, what do I know? You presumed much before, you're presuming much still, you'll probably believe in presumptive caricatures until the day you die. Carry on.

[RattlerGator]

Shad Khan is likely looking at trying to do something like the Cowboys are doing in Frisco, Texas.

http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2015/07/26/dallas-cowboys-350m-the-star-in-friscoreaches.html

http://www.friscoedc.com/news/dallas-cowboys-team-frisco-isd-frisco-build-multi-use-special-events-sports-facility-world-corp

That indoor facility that will be built quickly is probably going to be capable of hosting local high school football games, seat somewhere around 10k people, have multiple capabilities, etc. It will probably have an *immediate* impact during Florida-Georgia week, the bowl game, and our KickOff Classics. In the larger scheme, his proposed Shipyards Development is probably going to tag along with the sort of work Jerry Jones has done with this project. I have no doubt they have talked extensively.

If some of the usual suspects in Jacksonville will just get the hell out of the way -- this man is going to deliver to us, piece by piece, what we've always wanted in downtown Jacksonville; an entertainment district worthy of the name but appropriate for the region. He's going to go ahead and do the indoor practice facility because he can. Kudos to Shad.

[thelakelander]

The Dallas indoor facility is also a part of a larger infill development:





I'm looking forward to seeing what the Jags come up with. It could be pretty impressive.

[Rynjny]

Dont think the south end zone land is big enough for all of that..

[CCMjax]

There really is only one limited perspective on Khan, rattlergator, and that is yours.  Anytime Khan's name is mentioned you show up suddenly to assert positive messaging on his behalf, even when its unwarranted.

Do you work for or with, khan or any of his affiliated companies?  Ive asked this before, but no answer.

Work for him? Of course not, stephen. How plantation master of you -- I can't have an independent opinion, huh? Gotta be paid by some "other" massa, is that it? Back up, bwah. I show up to defend a man worthy of defense because . . . you may have noticed . . . he gets casually dissed on this board by a select crew. Sorry if that disturbs you. But I *am* a proud season ticket holder. Section 114, Row Q -- stop by and say hello sometime!

Totally doesn't disturb me, and fyi shilling for more powerful wealthy men wasn't limited to the plantation system.  There were bootlickers back in ancient greece and china as well.  So if you must make  references to some prior time of humilating servitude, then by all means open up your horizons a little bit.  Im sure you have the ability if you really put some effort into these dullwitted encomiums.

"Encomium?"  Reading that word just gave me flashbacks to studying for the verbal portion of the GRE!

Anyway, Cool idea Shad, you may proceed.  Hopefully that's enough to get this project rolling but please, away from the river!

[thelakelander]

Private sector meet Public sector. Timelines and development processes typically don't match...

City vague in response to Shad Khan's proposed indoor practice field near EverBank Field

Top city officials are intrigued but waiting to see details before weighing in on a proposed indoor practice facility located outside EverBank Field that Jaguars owner Shad Khan said this week he wants to complete before the start of next season.

The facility, which Khan said could cost about $30 million, was originally part of a high-profile development proposal Khan had submitted for the fallow Shipyards property on downtown's waterfront, but he said Tuesday the slow pace of those negotiations have left him wanting to pursue an alternate facility on a faster time line.

It appears those plans were put together and announced Tuesday largely without prior involvement from city officials.

Mayor Lenny Curry praised Khan in a written statement but was noncommittal and used a familiar refrain: Any proposal must "make financial sense" for the city.

Full article: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2015-09-02/story/city-vague-response-shad-khans-proposed-indoor-practice-field-near

[thelakelander]

Also here's a nugget that probably leads to the city's vague response:

Khan said Tuesday the facility would be built with "mostly our money." It's not clear if he will ask for city investment. He also made reference Tuesday to a recent amendment the city approved this summer to the Jaguars stadium lease that would grant him certain privileges to move forward on the practice field.

[avonjax]

Shad Khan has moved very rapidly on all projects he gets involved with. It's apparent that the snail's pace with which all things Jacksonville gets bogged down in is too slow for him. I have a feeling that Mr. Curry will slow things down even further. I'm glad that he's building the facility. And to me it shows he is very committed to the Shipyard project. I think we should be thankful that we have someone in our city with the money and influence to want to tackle this project and surely get other investors involved. It may not be what we all ultimately want for the site but after nearly three decades of "fits and starts" and still nothing, it's time for someone to step up to the plate. By the way I don't see anyone beating down our doors to develop this piece of property. Sometimes "good things come to those who wait." Maybe Shad Khan and his commitment to our city is the "good things."

[I-10east]

With the Curry admin, that city money faucet that Khan is used to will run dry like the Mojave desert. It comes to a point where enough is enough. I'm speaking as a person that loves the renovations to Everbank Field.   

[jaxjags]

As this is "mostly his money" and this is a public stadium, the issue is more permission to build on the stadium property and who retains ownership rights, similar to The Landing. My guess is the public money is more for infrastructure; power, water, sewer, roads, sidewalks, etc. The more this is a world class facility, the more events will follow. The more events leads to a demand for services, ie hotels and restaurants , in the area. All of this can contribute tax revenue.