Jaguars team: Fans should arrive early for preseason opener with new construction underway

The Jacksonville Jaguars will play at TIAA Bank Field Friday night in the preseason home opener against the Cleveland Browns.

As fans would say: get your “Duval” ready! But also, pack your patience. There’s going to be some new construction for you to navigate.

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“Well, we’re excited to welcome fans back to TIAA Bank Field,” said Chad Johnson, Chief Operating Officer for the Jacksonville Jaguars. “It’s been a number of months here and you can hear the noise and all the activity going on here,” he noted.

“It’s great because the city... downtown is advancing with all the construction projects, the Miller Electric Center, which will be the new home for the Jaguars practice facility,’ he added. “The Shipyards across the street. So things will be a little different coming in. We request that you come early.”

He also pointed out, “There’s tons of stuff for families to do and kids. Autographs and games and things like that.”

It’s a chance for the team to try and hype up the fan base once again, after a rocky 3-14 season last year and the controversial departure of coach Urban Meyer.

“We’ve been very clear: our fans have outperformed the Jaguars in the field over the last couple of years,” Johnson emphasized. “They’ve stuck with us. We’ve got a great fan base here.”

He also highlighted, “Tonight’s special because our starters are going to be out in the field. A lot of people are excited to see Trevor Lawrence in his second year.”

Read: Jacksonville Jaguars to play starters ‘a couple series’ against Cleveland Browns

“Guys like Travis Etienne, coming out and playing his first game because he was out last year. Getting to see the first team’s starters go, so it’s going to be an exciting night.”

Jags fans will also see Doug Pederson coach the first preseason game since taking over last year, after a more than month-long search for the next head coach to replace Meyer.

Here’s what fans need to keep in mind before walking up to the gates.

“The NFL still has the clear bag policy,” Johnson said. “So make sure you follow the clear bag policy.”

“All of our tickets are digital, 100% mobile tickets. Pull them up early. Don’t try to get in line and mess with your phone and log in then,” Johnson recommended.

“We’re a completely cashless facility,” he indicated. “So make sure your payment cards are here, and that helps with not only safety, but helps with speedy transactions.”

Finally, “Be in your seats at introduction. Our players love it when they take the field and everyone’s there and the energy right from the beginning,” he said.

Our Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team also pointed out there is a possibility for rain showers before kickoff, so pack your rain gear or poncho if you will be out there early.

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