‘I’m a fan first,’ says Lenny Curry after Jacksonville Jaguars’ London announcement

JACKSONVILLE,Fla. — ‘I’m a fan first,’ says Lenny Curry after Jacksonville Jaguars’ London announcement.

Action News Jax spoke to Mayor Lenny Curry on Wednesday about news of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ playing two home games in London.

“As a fan, you want as many home games as you can have, I’m a fan first, I think most people know that,” said Curry. “They’re an organization that is working off a balance sheet, making decisions based on the stability of the franchise, and they said all along that they’re going to do things that stabilizes the franchise financially, so that it remains in Jacksonville. The things that they’ve done have demonstrated that to me.”

Many are wondering what the news could mean for stadium improvements in and around TIAA Bank Field. The Jaguars addressed the concerns in a release Tuesday.

“The timing of this announcement is strategically aligned with the team’s ambitious and big-picture plans for Jacksonville and, specifically, the planned Lot J development,” said the release. “When completed, Phase One of the proposed $500 million Lot J project in partnership with Cordish Companies would feature an entertainment district, a 200-room hotel, residential buildings offering 405 units and additional parking.”

Action News Jax Reporter Ryan Nelson asked Curry on Wednesday if it still makes sense for the city to invest in the Lot J project, if one fewer home will be played in Jacksonville.

“We don’t have a final deal yet, when we get a final deal, when we come to terms with a development agreement, that will have to go to the DIA and the city council,” said Curry. “And at that point, the public and those two bodies will weigh in. And if they don’t think it’s a good deal, they won’t approve it.”

The city has touted trips to London as an opportunity to bring business to Jacksonville.

The mayor even cited three specific businesses that have brought jobs to the area in the seven years since the jags started playing in London.

We did some checking and found out that has amounted in a net total of 255 jobs.

Nelson asked Curry if Jacksonville’s getting enough in return.

“When we make the trip, the (Jacksonville) Chamber of Commerce leads the charge when representatives go there, and are recruiting companies to expand in Jacksonville, and will continue to,” said Curry. “So yeah, it’s good for our city.”

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