JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Former Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver is calling for the Jacksonville City Council to approve the new Jaguars stadium proposal "for the betterment of us all."
In a statement released Tuesday, Weaver said he considers the proposed "Stadium of the Future" deal "just as significant a leap forward for Jacksonville as the day we first landed [the team] nearly 31 years ago" in 1993.
The 89-year-old businessman owned the Jaguars from 1993 until 2011, when he sold the club to now-owner Shahid Khan for $760 million.
Weaver says the community benefits of the new stadium package offer an "outstanding" investment into the city's long-term prosperity.
"This package is vital, because it will fund critical workforce development initiatives, affordable housing and homelessness reduction efforts, and the completion of our riverfront parks."
Weaver calls it a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to make real progress.
You can read Weaver's full statement below:
The forward-thinking stadium renovation agreement struck by Mayor Deegan’s office and the Jaguars is just as significant a leap forward for Jacksonville as the day we first landed the NFL franchise, nearly 31 years ago on November 30th, 1993.
I will never forget the excitement of that day. And as former owner of the Jaguars, I wholeheartedly support the entire package now before the City Council. The much-needed renovations to the stadium will keep the team in our city for generations to come, by providing more shade, better food choices, and an upgraded entertainment venue that will now be able to attract premiere events.
In addition, the corresponding community benefits package is an outstanding investment in our long-term prosperity. This package is vital, because it will fund critical workforce development initiatives, affordable housing and homelessness reduction efforts, and the completion of our riverfront parks. This is a once-ina-generation opportunity to make real progress for thousands of Duval County residents. I commend both Mayor Deegan and Shad Khan for having the courage and foresight to make bold investments into our city’s future. It’s a huge step toward helping Jacksonville realize its full potential, and it will not raise taxes even one cent.
I urge the Jacksonville City Council to approve this agreement for the betterment of us all. Go Jaguars! -- Wayne Weaver, Former Owner, Jacksonville Jaguars