JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The first home game of the Jaguars season will be on Sunday against the Denver Bronos.
For many Jags fans, it may be the first time they have been to a game at TIAA Bank Field in over a year, and there are some pretty big changes to traffic patterns downtown.
The biggest change is the removal of the Hart Bridge Ramps. Now, the exit from the bridge can lead directly to Gator Bowl Blvd. If you are going to park north of the stadium or in Tailgaters, you want to stay in the right lane. If you are going to park west of the stadium, you want to stay in the left lane. Either way, look out for delays in this area as drivers navigate this new pattern.
The kickoff of the game is at 1 p.m. on Sunday, but it's suggested to be parked by 11 a.m. because JSO will be switching their priority to pedestrian traffic around two hours before the game. So waiting to get downtown until after 11 a.m. could lead to longer delays in traffic.
Look out for directional changes along Bay Street and Gator Bowl Boulevard.
Before the game, the traffic pattern usually utilizes three lanes leading toward the stadium, with one lane leading away. Then at halftime, the switch is made to push all traffic away from the stadium. Lighted signs above the lanes will indicate direction.
To minimize your time in congestion downtown, use the bridge closest to where you want to park. If you have a parking pass, familiarize yourself with the location of the lot ahead of time. If you plan on paying for parking, many lots are accepting credit card this year to reduce person-to-person contact, but some private lots could accept cash still.
JTA Gameday Xpress is running again this year and passes can be bought through the MyJTA app. Single game lots will cost $8 for the downtown rides and $13 for suburban rides. You will need to wear a mask while riding.
New this year, the convention center lot is no longer in use, the FSCJ Downtown Campus Lot, located at 101 West State Street, will be the new downtown option. The other lots are as follows:
- Southbank - Kings Ave Parking Garage, 1003 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
- Beaches - Wingate Park, 277 Penman Rd South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
- Southside - JTB Park n Ride, 7000 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32216
- Northside - Armsdale Park n Ride, 3191 Armsdale Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32218
As you drive downtown, do be careful to watch for pedestrians, and please drive responsibly.