Florida Construction News staff writer
The Jacksonville Jaguars have selected the joint venture of AECOM Hunt and Barton Malow as construction manager for the team’s planned “Stadium of the Future,” the companies announced Tuesday.
The selection follows a unanimous vote of approval by NFL owners last fall and marks a significant step forward in the team’s efforts to deliver a next-generation venue in downtown Jacksonville. Construction began in February, with a grand opening targeted for August 2028.
“We are proud to partner with Barton Malow in managing this exciting project to transform the home of the Jaguars and create a true Stadium of the Future,” said Ken Johnson, executive vice president and sports arena market sector lead at AECOM Hunt. “This will serve countless fans, visitors and Jaxsons for generations to come. It will be a true game-changer for the entire community.”
The multibillion-dollar project will incorporate advanced technology, expanded capacity and fan-focused amenities designed to host not only NFL games but also Super Bowls, college football playoffs, Final Four tournaments and major concerts.
Construction is expected to generate thousands of jobs. Milestones reached so far include:
- Demolition of the Gate 1 skybridge, escalator towers at Gates 2 and 3, and 3 light towers
- Removal of underground utilities and plaza demolition outside the stadium
- Foundations poured for the new roof and concourse expansion
- Installation of new utility services, including water, sewer, stormwater, electric and fiber
Planned features of the new stadium include a transparent canopy that provides shade and weather protection while reducing heat retention by more than 70%, 360-degree concourses that are four times wider than existing walkways, lookout decks offering skyline and river views, flexible seating, with capacity expandable from about 63,000 to more than 70,000 and interactive community spaces.
A year-round public nature park is also planned.
“The Stadium of the Future project represents a new era in stadium design and construction,” said Len Moser, vice president of sports at Barton Malow. “From advanced sustainability features to cutting-edge immersive technologies, we are setting a new standard for what stadiums can be.”
AECOM Hunt and Barton Malow bring extensive experience in large-scale sports venue construction. The joint venture is currently leading renovations at Beaver Stadium on the Penn State campus and has previously completed UBS Arena, upgrades at Comerica Park and the construction of Little Caesars Arena.
