Donna Deegan, Daniel Davis oppose Jaguars playing out of town during stadium renovation

Both candidates for Mayor oppose the Jacksonville Jaguars playing games out of town during an upcoming stadium renovation.

On Twitter, Republican Daniel Davis seemed to respond to Mayor Lenny Curry’s take on where the Jaguars may play home games during stadium renovations later this decade. While plans haven’t been agreed to yet, they are widely expected as a condition for keeping the team.

“These are going to be tough negotiations, but the Jaguars playing out of town for two years is a nonstarter for me,” Davis, the CEO of the JAX Chamber, asserted.

Democrat Donna Deegan takes a similar position.

“The Jaguars are an important source of pride for our city.  I look forward to bringing in the best negotiators to assist me in crafting the terms for stadium improvements, ensuring they remain in Jacksonville for years to come. During construction, I expect our team to play in Jacksonville as they have for nearly thirty years. Terms of a deal will be decided thoughtfully and responsibly with input from all stakeholders, not at the height of a campaign.”

Curry said “the goal would be to play somewhere in Jacksonville. Those discussions are happening, but two years is the goal. … I do know that they are considering certain sites that are local that could accommodate them for at least two years.”

“I really believe it’s going to be a major renovation but when it’s done, you’ll think you’re in a brand-new stadium,” Curry added.

It is uncertain what local sites are capable of hosting NFL games, due to capacity limitations and the lack of even a major college team in Jacksonville. Conversely, Gainesville, Tallahassee and Orlando all have college football stadiums.

The Jaguars’ stadium renovations have been a point of contention in the campaign between Davis and Deegan.

“I’m not going to bring anybody in from the outside to negotiate our deal as a city,” Davis said April 20 during a televised debate.

Deegan has left the door open to outside negotiators, meanwhile, saying they could strike a deal for the city better than locals could negotiate.

The election is May 16, and Democrats have nearly a +4 turnout advantage, but Republicans typically dominate Election Day turnout.