Built more than 70 years ago with a seating capacity of 7,600,
the old stadium, originally called Fairfield Stadium, bears no
resemblance to the $200 million, 77,000-seat stadium currently
occupying the same corner of Jacksonville.
The original stadium, which ran East and West, was
constructed primarily to service Jacksonville's three new
high schools - Lee, Jackson and Landon. Governor John Martin, on
hand for its opening, called the stadium "the best place in
Florida to watch a football game!"
On January 1, 1946, the stadium emerged into the national
spotlight with the advent of the first Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
and the beginning of a new tradition. Because of the
overwhelming success of this postseason college football
classic, the stadium was expanded in 1948 to 16,000 seats and
renamed the Gator Bowl.
Today the stadium has a new name and renovations have brought
on a new look. Through the support of its fans, Gator Bowl
Tradition continues to grow and the spirit of college
football remains intact.
Football is a passion for Jacksonville and no where is that
more evident than at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.
Jacksonville has one of the largest stadiums in the NFL and the
biggest capacity in the current rotation of Super Bowl
cities.
Situated on ten acres, Jacksonville Municipal Stadium is
located in Downtown Jacksonville inside the Sports and
Entertainment Complex, a stone's throw away from the
sparkling St. John's River. In addition to being centrally
located, Jacksonville's stadium is a convenient 20-minute
drive from Jacksonville International Airport. The stadium
features 77,000 permanent seats equipped with backs and arm
rests, including approximately 10,000 club seats and 85 luxury
suites. Approximately 75 percent of the seats are located on the
sides, with just 25 percent of the seats behind the end zones.
Temporary seating may be added as needed in the south end zone,
increasing capacity to 80,000 seats. The football playing field
is 53.3 yards wide by 120 yards in length and has a natural
grass playing surface.
Renovations totaling $40 million were completed just before
the start of the 2003-2004 football season. The new stadium
includes a Terrace Suite with 700 outdoor seats. The new Terrace
Suite sits atop the south end zone, with a 10,000 square foot
veranda, and a 19,000 square foot restaurant-style lounge.
Floor-to-ceiling view windows offer panoramic vistas of the
playing field on one side and the St. John's River on the
other. Renovations also include a 15,000-square-foot sports bar
called the Budweiser BUD ZONE that is open to the field and
features a state-of-the-art audio-visual system. Outside the
stadium, 100-foot escalators sweep fans into the 77,000-seat
stadium, a sporting facility like no other in the country. |
