Will the City Council really kill the Everbank Field deal?

[brainstormer]

Well, it has certainly been a popular topic on local sports radio. Unfortunately, a large number of people do not understand where these funds would be going if the city retained the 25 percent cut.

I had to grin at one of the callers on 1010XL, who called in to say that he felt the "City should keep the entire 16 million because the City built and owns the stadium".....are people in this City really that ignorant?  Would there even be a 5 year / 16 million dollar deal from Everbank to put their name on that stadium for the FL/Ga game, Gator Bowl and Monster Truck Rally alone?  

Throw in the folks who thought the city was paying 4 million from the budget like it was a cash donation to the team.

[tufsu1]

the answer to the question is no

[copperfiend]

Would there even be a 5 year / 16 million dollar deal from Everbank to put their name on that stadium for the FL/Ga game, Gator Bowl and Monster Truck Rally alone? 

People also forget that without the Jaguars, there wouldn't even be a Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville. It would have moved 15 years ago. And the Gator Bowl would not be anything near what it is now. If it were even around, it would probably be a matchup of Conference USA and the Big East.

[duvaldude08]

Would there even be a 5 year / 16 million dollar deal from Everbank to put their name on that stadium for the FL/Ga game, Gator Bowl and Monster Truck Rally alone? 

People also forget that without the Jaguars, there wouldn't even be a Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville. It would have moved 15 years ago. And the Gator Bowl would not be anything near what it is now. If it were even around, it would probably be a matchup of Conference USA and the Big East.

I would have to disagree with that. The gator bowl as just that, THE GATOR BOWL. Those games would not have went anywhere. But on a lighter note, I am glad the city council did not kill the deal. Go Jags!!!

[copperfiend]

The Florida/Georgia game would not be played here if the stadium had not undergone an extensive renovation for the Jaguars.

[KenFSU]

I swear, the Times-Union posts the most antagonistic headlines when it comes to anything relating to the Jags: "Jaguars now have EverBank Field â€" and the city's $4 million."

[downtownjag]

I swear, the Times-Union posts the most antagonistic headlines when it comes to anything relating to the Jags: "Jaguars now have EverBank Field — and the city's $4 million."

It's absolutely ridiculous.  Every picture they put of Wayne it looks like the guy just ate a lemon. Give him and the Jags a break; they do so much economically and otherwise for this community and someone with a chip on their shoulder only publishes crap like that.  Where's the story about Tyson Alualu using his signing bonus to build a church in Honolulu?  Didn't write one?  Doesn't surprise me.

[blizz01]

Where's the story about Tyson Alualu using his signing bonus to build a church in Honolulu?

Well, the Hawaii papers certainly picked up on that - in fact the Honolulu Star has been zeroing in on Alualu & Manuwai quite a bit - looks like we've inherited a whole new fan base half way around the globe.

[CS Foltz]

Everyone seems to have lost sight of one simple fact..................the Jag's need to win, period! Not close, not woulda coulda but flat out win! If that takes place, they would be considering expanding the stadium instead of closing seats off! Winners are allways marketable and lots of luck with losers!

[Steve]

Everyone seems to have lost sight of one simple fact..................the Jag's need to win, period! Not close, not woulda coulda but flat out win! If that takes place, they would be considering expanding the stadium instead of closing seats off! Winners are allways marketable and lots of luck with losers!

In order to sustain a franchise, they need to be able to have a couple of 5-11 or 4-12 seasons, and put people in the seats.  When was the last time the Browns were good?

Bottom line - we can't just fill the stadium when things are good.  If we can get over the hump, and sell the last remaining tickets, then we will be good....for a year.  It can't be a one year or one time thing.