Daytona Speedway May Host Future Jaguars Games

The Jacksonville Jaguars may find temporary refuge at the Daytona International Speedway while the team faces potential homelessness for up to two years due to proposed renovations at TIAA Bank Field.

Speedway president Frank Kelleher confirmed that the two parties met Friday. Moreover, Kelleher is rumored to have a willingness to assist Jacksonville with its facility needs.

The Stadium of the Future is here. pic.twitter.com/G0znYJEBod

— TIAA Bank Field (@TIAABankField) June 7, 2023

The team’s lease at TIAA Bank Field expires in 2029, and renovations or a new stadium are necessary for securing a new lease. This requires NFL approval and the support of 75% of the league’s owners. If an agreement is reached between the city and the franchise for a two-year improvement plan, the Jaguars would have to play their home games elsewhere.

Jaguars President Mark Lamping has considered alternative venues like Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida. Additionally, Camping World Stadium in Orlando and Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida are other possible options.

Future stadium renovations could force the Jaguars to play home games away from TIAA Bank Field for at least two seasons. Could Ben Hill Griffin Stadium be a temporary home for the Jags?

"It would be worth exploring hosting games in The Swamp."

Story: https://t.co/YgDV5k8fka pic.twitter.com/A9U7xY0NJI

— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) May 11, 2023

Daytona International Speedway offers a unique solution. However, it’s likely it would require significant costly infrastructure changes to fill the needs of the typical NFL experience. Though, this isn’t the first time a racetrack has been the host site of a football game. Bristol Motor Speedway hosted the “Biggest College Football Game Ever” between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Tennessee Volunteers in 2016, seating over 100,000 fans.

A wider shot. #Hokies pic.twitter.com/u7V2ml2v3x

— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) September 11, 2016