JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars fans packed Culhane’s Irish Pub in Tinseltown early Sunday to secure good seats as Jacksonville played the Houston Texans in London.
The “Duuuval” chant echoed through the pub with every Jaguars touchdown as fans cheered the team from Jacksonville while it played overseas.
“The Jags’ season so far has been amazing,” Culhane’s executive chef Brian Richardson said.
Fan William Peyton said the team started well last year and is doing so again this season – though Sunday’s game ended as a 34-31 loss for the Jaguars. “Hopefully this season we’ll continue and go all the way,” he said.
The matchup against the Texans was the Jaguars’ second consecutive game in London this year. As the team continues building an international fan base, some local fans are questioning how long it should keep playing overseas.
Peyton said he is “on the fence” because the sport’s popularity is growing in England. “I think the more games there will be beneficial for the Jags,” he said.
Fan Josh Harshbarger took a different view. “We should have as many games in Jacksonville as we can,” he said. “That’s what all of us, the fans, want.”
Richardson said the London games give the Jaguars a more international profile.
Fans are also identifying their preferred places to watch games while the Stadium of the Future project reduces capacity in Jacksonville. The team is set to play next season in Orlando while stadium work continues.
Richardson said venues such as Culhane’s will be ready to serve supporters regardless of where the Jaguars play. “They’re going to need a place like this to be able to come and watch the game,” he said.
The Jaguars’ team president Mark Lamping said the team will play one international game next year. After next season, the Jaguars will not owe the NFL any additional international games until 2034.
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