JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thursday night, the Jaguars will take on the Houston Texans at Everbank Field for the whole country to see.
The Jags and the City of Jacksonville are hosting a new event: the Bold City Tailgate. With music, drinks and more, the city is hoping to give fans a fun time, and showcase what Jacksonville has to offer.
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The team has had night games before, but never a giant tailgate party to go along with it. But it's not just about fun and football, but hopefully economic growth for the city.
When the Jaguars take on the Texans, the match up will be broadcast on national TV, meaning millions of eyes will be on Jacksonville, Florida.
CHAD JOHNSON/SENIOR VP SALES
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"Here we are on national television a chance to show the nation what a great market we are and more importantly we want to make it a fun night for everybody," said Chad Johnson, senior vice president in sales.
That's the premise for the Bold City Tailgate. The Jaguars are opening up a parking lot at EverBank Field at 5:30 p.m., and asking businesses to shut down early and let their employees come out to take part.
There will be two live bands, a beer tasting at the Bud Light beer garden, corn hole, flip cup and even a mechanical bull. And the interactive Kids Zone makes it family friendly too.
"The football game itself is always a fun and exciting time right but more importantly on a night game like this where you can come down and be with your coworkers and friends and showcase what we know of Jacksonville being a great city and a great market," said Johnson.
The Jaguars teamed up with the City of Jacksonville, and the Chamber of Commerce to make this even happen.
Chamber CEO Daniel Davis says showing the best of Jacksonville makes a difference economically.
"We've seen it time and time again when we get exposure whether it's in London or we get a nationally televised game that we are able to get people to look at our city and realize wow Jacksonville's got something special going on and we can maybe bring our business to Jacksonville," said Davis.
Just some reminders if you're planning to come out to the game, listed below is a list of what kinds of bags you're allowed to bring:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12." (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com), or
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.
The tailgate is in lot TT, starting at 5:30 Thursday night, and anyone with a game ticket has free access.