Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan and the Jaguars Foundation have given away 1,000 playoff tickets to people seeking a new life in Florida.
Half of those tickets to Sunday’s game were given to refugees from around the world who have settled in Northeast Florida. The remaining 500 were donated to displaced Puerto Ricans and their families living in North or Central Florida. Thousands relocated following last year’s Hurricane Maria.
Khan said said in an email release he hopes the experience will give guests a well-deserved break from what can be severe challenges in their daily lives.
“The Jaguars’ first home playoff appearance in very long time is an event that should be shared with as many people as possible, across all spectrums, who call Jacksonville their home,” Khan said.
Selected families will be given rides to the game and food-and-beverage vouchers.
Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida as well as the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Latino Leadership, Inc. of Orlando helped identify the recipients.
In addition, the Jags have provided 1,500 tickets to local military service members at a reduced cost of $20.
“The military is synonymous with Jacksonville and we are proud, as always, to have those who serve in attendance on Sunday,” Khan said. “The playoffs are a great reward for all of our fans, but I am particularly pleased for our servicemen and servicewomen who have played a major role in the game day experience at EverBank Field and simply given us unbelievable support over the years.”
Sunday’s playoff game against the Buffalo Bills is the Jaguars’ first at home in nearly two decades. Kickoff at Everbank Field is at 1 p.m.
Lindsey Kilbride can be reached at lkilbride@wjct.org, 904-358-6359 or on Twitter at @lindskilbride.
