The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for the possibility that they’ll need a temporary home in the future during the renovation of TIAA Bank Field. While Gainesville and Orlando have been at the forefront of the conversation, the Jaguars aren’t dismissing outside-the-box ideas either.
According to trade magazine VenuesNow, Jaguars president Mark Lamping plans to meet with Daytona International Speedway officials soon about the possibility of hosting games.
“It would be an interesting solution, but would also require significant investment in terms of infrastructure,” Lamping said Wednesday, via VenuesNow. “It can accommodate a big crowd. It would be a little wonky, but it’s worth considering. After the renovations, it’s nice.”
The racetrack underwent a $400 million renovation that was completed in 2016 to update the concourses and luxury suites. The 2.5-mile tri-oval track seats more than 100,000 fans, but placement of a football field so attendees have a good view would be a challenge.
In the 1970s, Bethune-Cookman played a few games on the grass infield by the front stretch.
While it would a creative solution to the Jaguars’ potential need for a short-term home, Daytona is certainly a long shot. Just like Gainesville and Orlando, Daytona Beach is well outside of Jacksonville. And if the Jaguars believe the speedway requires a significant investment, it seems they are likelier to spend on a local venue like the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium.
Jaguars games at NASCAR’s most famous track is a fun concept, but the idea doesn’t seem very realistic. Still, the team is clearly considering all options as it gets closer to a stadium renovation.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]