JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Plans for the "stadium of the future" has local businesses pondering about their future.
There could be a time when football games and events are hosted elsewhere while crews work on EverBank stadium. For at least one year, games would either take place in Orlando or Gainesville in 2027. That's if plans go accordingly.
Many small businesses in downtown and surrounding areas see a boost in revenue based on what is happening at EverBank. Events such as: Jaguars games, Florida-Georgia weekend and the monster truck rally can make-or-break the budget for some local businesses.
Expect reduced capacity during stadium construction and the entire 2027 home schedule not taking place in Jacksonville.
Gregory Steven is the owner a newly founded consulting business and he believes local business owners will have to get creative in making money.
"You're not going to the games? You don't have to, you can stream it. You can do that here at a cigar lounge," Steven said.
However, for one boutique owner, she's not too concerned if the Jaguars will be away for at least a year. Laura Croft, the owner of Edge City in Jacksonville's Five Points, said there are plenty of local events that can help keep small businesses afloat.
"We have other tourism in the area like the Cummer Museum," Croft said. "We get groups of people visiting from St. Augustine. So, it's not all traffic coming from the stadium."
Moving forward, if 75% of NFL owners approve the deal made to renovate the stadium, construction would start February of 2025.