The Jacksonville Jaguars will be the first NFL franchise to play two regular home games at London’s Wembley Stadium in the coming season. The two games take place outside of the “NFL International Series”.
Wembley Stadium during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ London Game last season.
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As the Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Tuesday (local time), they will play their regular home games in London on two consecutive Sundays. The Florida franchise will become the first NFL team to play regular home games outside the United States. The Jaguars have not yet communicated the exact dates.
Home games against Pittsburgh and Chicago definitely in Jacksonville
However, Jacksonville announced that the two London games will be selected from the home games of the 2020 season against AFC South rivals Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans and the home games against the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions or Miami Dolphins. The games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears will definitely be played at the local TIAA Bank Field. However, the Jaguars’ plans have to be approved by the other teams.
The first NFL match was held in London in 2007, and since 2013 the Jacksonville Jaguars have made at least one guest appearance in London as part of the “NFL International Series”. Now they are playing two regular home games in London for the first time. What impact this will have on the “NFL International Series” has not yet been determined. The Jaguars have actually signed a contract with the NFL that runs until the 2020 season and guarantees the franchise one game per season in London.
Additional income should flow into the TIAA Bank Field
Due to the permanent presence of the jaguars in the British capital, speculation had already been drawn about a complete move of the jaguars to London in recent years. The fact that franchise owner Shahid Khan also owns London-based Fulham FC fueled these rumors. However, Jacksonville now made it clear that the domestic TIAA Bank Field should be upgraded through the two regular home games in London. Because in London the Jaguars generate more income, as the Wembley with 85,000 spectators offers significantly more space than the TIAA Bank Field (67,838). The additional income will flow into the “Lot J” project, with which the TIAA Bank Field is to be upgraded with new restaurants and an entertainment center. In addition, residential buildings and a new hotel are to be built.
Commitment to Jacksonville as a location
The plans are also integrated into Jacksonville’s urban development. Because the local arena is different from other NFL locations in the middle of downtown Jacksonville. “We understand what a vibrant downtown area means not only for the Jaguars, but for everyone who calls Jacksonville their home, or perhaps wants to call Jacksonville their home,” Khan said in a statement. “” I believe it what is possible for Jacksonville and will do everything possible to help the Jaguars and the city of Jacksonville reach their full potential, “added the Pakistani businessman.
It’s not about the next season or the next couple of seasons in Jacksonville, but really about the next 10 years, 25 years and beyond.
As Khan went on to explain, he sees the Jaguars in Jacksonville for the longer term: “It’s not about the next season or the next few seasons in Jacksonville,” said Khan, “but really about the next 10 years, 25 years and beyond.” As NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported, the two regular home games in London will also be a one-off affair, the Jaguars will then compete again as part of the “NFL International Series”.
Fans are financially relieved
In order to keep the financial burdens for the fans – who mostly have season tickets – for the 2020 season under control, season ticket holders will get a 50 percent discount on preparation games because of the double “foreign assignment”. The home games at TIAA Bank Field should also be a little cheaper.
