The Jacksonville Jaguars have become the closest thing London has to its own NFL franchise over the past several years, and fans across the pond will be getting even more Jags football in 2020.
On Tuesday, the Jaguars announced that they will play back-to-back “home games” in London next season. This will be the first time an NFL team has ever played consecutive games outside of the United States.
The Jaguars explained how the London games will impact their season ticket holders in a lengthy press release, assuring them that they will receive “a 50 percent discount on preseason games and favorable variable pricing on the six regular season games that will result in an overall average ticket price reduction of 5 percent.” The team also says season ticket holders will receive a new and improved benefits package.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan insists he is committed to keeping the team in Jacksonville, and he says playing two home games in London will help increase revenue and “bridge the gap” while the ownership group continues to develop TIAA Bank Field and the surrounding downtown area.
“This isn’t about next season or the next few seasons in Jacksonville, but really about the next 10 years, 25 years and beyond,” Khan said. “There is no better time than now to capitalize on the opportunity to play two home games in London, where we will continue to develop our loyal and growing fan base there and throughout the UK, during a period in which I will be focused heavily on creating a new downtown experience that we want, need and must have here.”
Many Jags fans are unhappy that they will have to give up an additional home game to London. Longtime Jaguars season ticket holder Kevin Duane, a Jacksonville resident, told Larry Brown Sports he feels the decision to “host” two games in London proves the team is not fully committed to winning.
“Shad says he prioritizes winning No. 1, but moving home games shows the opposite,” Duane told LBS. “As long as the club is more interested in money than winning, no one should feel badly for not wanting to put their full support behind the team.”
There has been talk over the years about the Jaguars relocating to London permanently, but Khan insists that is not going to happen. For now, players will have to continue to deal with the travel issues and other problems that have arisen during their annual trips across the pond.
