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City Council Vote On Everbank Field Improvements Likely Next Week

Kevin Meerschaert
/
WJCT

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan urged the Jacksonville City Council on Thursday to approve a $63 million plan for improvements at Everbank Field.

The improvements include what are being called the "world's largest" scoreboards in each end zone and a water feature.

Khan said the improvements will make Everbank Field a, "world-class kind of attraction that will draw economic power to Jacksonville."

"That's the big mission, having a sustainable long-term franchise that also does good for Jacksonville," he said.

The council only met for about an hour, after which the meeting ended after the required quorum of two-thirds of council members was not met. 

Before the special meeting ended, council members voted to consider the legislation which discharged it from the various committees it was in.

The council is expected to meet Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. ahead of the 5 p.m. regular meeting to discuss the bill further. A final vote is expected Tuesday night.

Under the legislation the Jaguars will pay at $20 million of the stadium upgrades costs.  The city would borrow $43 million and pay it off over time using the city's bed tax. It's a six-dollar tax paid by visitors to the city's hotels.

You can follow Kevin on Twitter @KMeerschaertJax.

Kevin Meerschaert has left WJCT for new pursuits. He was the producer of First Coast Connect until October of 2018.