Jaguars season opener: What fans need to know about stadium construction, traffic

The Jacksonville Jaguars kick off their 2026 NFL season at EverBank Stadium against the Cleveland Browns. The game will feature a reduced stadium seating capacity of 42,500 as construction continues on the venue's long-term renovation project.

The 27,000-seat reduction comes as the upper bowl, lower corners, Spa Deck, and Sky Patio are taken offline for the Stadium of the Future project, scheduled for completion in August 2028. The home opener will also serve as a 9/11 Remembrance game, with attendees asked to arrive early for commemorative programming and the national anthem.

Traffic exiting the stadium will be affected by ongoing construction on the Main Street Bridge, which limits southbound vehicles to a single lane. Westbound traffic leaving the stadium may be rerouted toward the Acosta Bridge to assist with traffic flow. Parking lots open 4 hours prior to kickoff and attendees must download mobile parking passes before arriving at assigned lots.

Renovations inside the stadium include new navigation options on the main concourse, which provides 360-degree circulation around the venue. Grand Staircases two and three in the North End join Grand Staircase one at Gate 1, alongside Ramps two and three and South End Zone escalators. Gate entry configurations have also been adjusted, with Gate two and the West Club gate merging into a single entry point, while the East Club gate remains restricted to Club and Suite ticket holders. Mobility assistance is available near each entry gate.

To handle warm temperatures, fans are permitted to bring two 16.9-ounce or smaller factory-sealed plastic water bottles into the stadium. Refillable water stations and complimentary cups are available at water fountains throughout the venue, alongside a Jacksonville Transportation Authority cooling bus located near Gate One. Guest Services booths are stationed at Sections 102, 123, 144, the Gallagher Club, and a new location near Ramp 3 at Section 130.

Pregame activities will take place at the Fan Entertainment Zone in the Flex Field behind Daily's Place, opening 3 hours prior to kickoff through Gates 1, 4, and seven. The first 300 fans visiting the area can receive a complimentary poster created by Jacksonville artist Mason Mushinski. The artwork features quarterback Trevor Lawrence holding a football and construction tools against the Jacksonville skyline. Additional pregame events include the Hard Rock Bet Party Bus on the West Plaza, autograph signings with former players, and youth football drills.

Construction on the Stadium of the Future project will continue throughout the 2026 and 2027 seasons ahead of the venue's completion in August 2028.

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