Melissa Donovan
To enhance its status as a leading sports tourism destination, Orange County commissioners have approved up to $11 million in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds to attract the Jacksonville Jaguars to play their 2027 home games at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.
The Jaguars are seeking a temporary home while EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville undergoes a $1.4 billion renovation, with construction expected to be completed in 2028. The County Commission voted 6-1 in favor of the funding, which is part of a broader $29.46 million initiative aimed at drawing high-profile sporting events—including major UFC and WWE matches—to Central Florida.
The proposed funding is specifically intended to strengthen Orlando’s bid to host the Jaguars during their one-season relocation. If successful, the move could bring national attention and a significant economic lift to the region.
Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports, presented the potential financial upside to commissioners, projecting an estimated $20 million in local economic impact for each Jaguars home game. Hogan noted that around 28% to 30% of the team’s current home-game attendees are from outside the Jacksonville area—suggesting that hosting the games in Orlando could attract thousands of visitors and generate substantial tourism revenue.
While the majority of commissioners backed the investment, Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad cast the lone dissenting vote. She expressed skepticism over whether the games would bring in enough new visitors to justify the expense, pointing out the Jaguars’ existing fan presence in the Orlando market.
Orlando is one of two locations under consideration for the Jaguars’ 2027 season, with Gainesville also in the running. A final decision from the team is expected in May.
As Orlando continues to position itself as a hub for major sports and entertainment events, the county’s investment signals a strategic push to capitalize on temporary opportunities with long-term economic potential.
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