Jaguars players and ownership embrace Orlando as their temporary home, anticipating a vibrant 2027 season and significant economic boost for the City Beautiful.
Tuesday afternoon, the approval vote for the Jacksonville Jaguars' temporary relocation to Orlando, Florida, for the 2027 season passed unanimously with NFL owners.
The Jags will play in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium during the completion of the $1.4 billion renovations to EverBank Stadium.
Since the approval, both new and returning players as well as members of Jaguars' ownership have shared their thoughts on playing in Orlando, with the overwhelming majority expressing positive feedback.
"Thank you for hosting us in 2027 while our stadium of the future is being renovated," Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence said Tuesday. "Me and my teammates are super excited to come down there and play in front of some of our Orlando fans. The future is bright and we can't wait for the stadium to be done, but thank you guys in the meantime for taking care of us. Can't wait for 2027."
The city of Orlando should also be thankful for the Jaguars, as officials in Orlando and Orange County have estimated the temporary move could generate an estimated $160 million in economic impact for the area.
General manager James Gladstone talked about the opportunity to branch out and expand the Jaguars brand into an area significantly south of Jacksonville.
"I look at it as an exciting opportunity," Gladstone said. "You have a chance to breach a region of the state that you otherwise wouldn’t have the luxury of doing."
Jacksonville will likely play seven-nine games in Orlando during the 2027 season, which Jaguars president Mark Lamping says is "a strong NFL market."
"We are fortunate to have found a temporary home, that is in close proximity to Jacksonville, an NFL-ready stadium, a strong NFL market," Lamping said Wednesday afternoon.
He added that Orlando's various attractions and foot traffic will be a benefit to the team, while saying the team can have a "positive impact on the community and its residents."
Camping World Stadium is currently undergoing a $400 million renovation, which includes increasing capacity to 65,000, improving concourses, and building an event center. The building, which began last December, is scheduled to be completed in summer 2027, just in time for the Jags' arrival.
The stadium has hosted major events before, notably the 1994 World Cup and 1996 Olympic Games, providing a high-level, high-energy venue for fans.
Jags kicker Cam Little talked about his experience with Camping World, encouraging fans to keep that same energy when Jacksonville comes to town.
"We can't wait to kick it with you guys in 2027 as we call home-base Orlando," Little posted on X. "I went down recently for an Orlando City game and the energy was unmatched, so we need that all 2027."
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