There is an ongoing dispute in Kansas City concerning a planned new stadium for its sports teams, such as the Chiefs and Royals, with many protesting against it since the budget will come from the state fund.
The situation in Jacksonville is the total opposite. City council members just approved a $1.4 billion project they dubbed the "stadium of the future."
The project raises some eyebrows as it beats other newly-planned NFL stadiums when it comes to sharing between owners and the city.
Read more: Jeff Bezos' Bid to Acquire Commanders Was Unsuccessful Due to One Reason
According to the plan, Jacksonville City and the franchise will split the initial stadium funding 50-50. Team owners usually carry the bulk of the budget for building a new stadium.
Jacksonville Jaguars President Mark Lamping hailed the approval of the stadium plan.
"There's a lot of questions, but we're satisfied that we will be able to effectively answer those questions and look forward to getting this finalized in mid-October," he said in a press conference.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan was equally happy with what they came up with.
"This day has been a long time coming," she said in a statement.
"I am truly grateful for the partnership with the Jaguars throughout the negotiation process, and to the city council for passing this historic deal. Together, we are turning renderings into reality for the betterment of Jacksonville."
With the agreement between the city and the franchise, the plan now moves to the hands of NFL owners for approval. They need 24 owners out of 32 to vote yes to complete the project.
Jacksonville Jaguars new stadium funding
The government and the Jaguars, owned by billionaire Shahid Khan, who is behind the Flex-N-Gate and Premier League's Fulham FC, will split the funding.
According to the plan, each party will contribute $625 billion to complete the initial $1.25 billion project.
The Jaguars will then add $150 million in deferred maintenance of the EverBank Stadium in the next two years.
Once the project is done, the city's spending can go as high as $775 million in public funding. The other $125 million will be subjected to another council approval before release.
The Jaguars will continue playing at the EverBank Stadium until 2026.
What's in it for the city?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been at the center of relentless rumors that they will get relocated.
Those rumors can die now as the city and the owners said the project means 30 more years in Jacksonville.
"The belief and determination of Delores and Wayne Weaver to make the Jacksonville Jaguars a reality more than 30 years ago was reaffirmed today by the leadership of Mayor Donna Deegan, her team and the Jacksonville City Council," Khan said in a statement.
"The message then, and now, should be clear: Never doubt Jacksonville!"
The people of Jacksonville will also benefit from the project, as the two parties ensured $300 million for "community benefits." These benefits include parks and renovation of the nearby Eastside neighborhood, $56 million for maintaining riverfront parks, and more.
Related article: Panthers' Future in Charlotte is Set for Several Decades After Landmark City Council Vote
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.