Orlando Announces $10M Bid to Host Jaguars for 2027

Orange County leaders have approved a $10 million bid to bring the Jacksonville Jaguars to Camping World Stadium in Orlando for the 2027 NFL season. This move is part of a broader initiative to position Orlando as a prime destination for major professional sports events, capitalising on the Jaguars’ home stadium renovation and the city’s existing sports infrastructure. If successful, this proposal will not only attract thousands of NFL fans but also provide a significant economic boost to the region.

Bid to Attract Jacksonville Jaguars

The $10 million bid, funded through tourist tax dollars, aims to secure Camping World Stadium as the temporary home of the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2027 season. The team plans to undergo extensive renovations to their home stadium, EverBank Stadium, in 2027, making the relocation necessary for the year.

The Jaguars are also considering Gainesville’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as another potential venue. A final decision will be made after all proposals are reviewed, with the NFL owners set to vote on the location in May 2025. The funding provided by Orange County will increase to $11 million if the Jaguars host playoff games during the season.

Economic Impact and Tourism Forecast

Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports, sees a tremendous economic opportunity for Orlando if the proposal is approved. Hogan states, “To be very conservative, we expect somewhere between $25-30 million per game in overall economic impact. We think somewhere between 150,000-175,000 out-of-market visiting overnight stays for the season, which we think is pretty conservative.”

This influx of visitors could provide a major financial boost to local businesses, hotels, and tourism-related services, generating millions in revenue for the city. Hogan also highlighted that certain matchups, such as games against teams like the Buffalo Bills, could attract even larger crowds, potentially reaching 60,000 fans, further bolstering the financial impact. “There could be some outliers like the Buffalo Bills or somebody on the schedule that year who has a huge following that could peak at 60,000, but that’s really good business for the investment we’re looking to supply.”

The Jaguars’ Response and Future Prospects

The Jacksonville Jaguars have acknowledged the ongoing process and are closely monitoring the situation. In a statement, the team said, “The Jaguars are monitoring the process taking place in Orlando. Once we receive all final proposals, we will submit our recommendation on the 2027 location to the NFL.”

This move is seen as a crucial step in reinforcing Orlando’s ambition to become a permanent home for a professional sports team, potentially opening the door for future NFL expansion into the city. Camping World Stadium, which has successfully hosted a range of events including college football games, international soccer matches, and WrestleMania, is seen as a strong contender for this pivotal opportunity.

A Vision for Orlando’s Sports Future

Hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2027 season is more than just a short-term economic boost. It represents Orlando’s ambitions to secure a long-term role in professional sports and attract major teams to the city. The $10 million bid for the Jaguars will not only benefit local businesses but will also raise Orlando’s profile as a competitive venue for large-scale events.

Orlando continues to invest in its sports infrastructure and stadium upgrades, such as the $400 million renovation of Camping World Stadium, making it a prime location for major professional sports events, including NFL games.

With NFL owners set to vote in May, the decision will ultimately rest with them, but if Orlando’s bid is successful, it could mark a significant milestone in the city’s growth as a sports hub and provide a major boost to its tourism economy.

As Orange County awaits the final vote from the NFL in May 2025, all eyes are on Orlando, with the hope that hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars will solidify the city’s position as a central player in the world of professional sports.