AECOM Hunt – Barton Malow JV selected as Construction Manager for Stadium of the Future, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars

AECOM Hunt has announced that its joint venture with Barton Malow has been selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars to serve as construction manager for the development of the team’s new Stadium of the Future following a unanimous vote of approval by the NFL team owners back in October 2024. 

With several aspects of the project now underway, the AECOM Hunt – Barton Malow joint venture team is moving forward in delivering the new state-of-the-art facility for Jacksonville’s home team and fans.

Construction began in February, with a planned grand opening in August 2028.

To date, the JV team’s successes include:

• Structural demolition of a skybridge (Gate 1), two escalator towers (Gates 2 and 3), and three light towers;
• Site demolition on underground utilities and the existing plaza outside the stadium;
• Foundations laid for the new roof and concourse expansion; and
• Relocation of underground utilities and establishing new services including water, sewer, stormwater, electrical, and fibre.

The project, once completed, will showcase the latest innovations and immersive experiences that will provide visitors with a world-class experience both during NFL games as well as events such as future Super Bowls, Final Four tournaments, college football playoffs, marquee concerts and more.

Project highlights include:

• Protective canopy – Latest innovations will be used in a transparent protective shell providing protection and reducing heat retention by more than 70 percent
• Expanded capacity – flexible options will allow capacity to expand from around 63,000 to more than 70,000
• Lookout decks – New spaces will offer skyline and river views
• Immersive tech – A transformative environment will create distinctive event experiences through lighting and digital technology
• New communal spaces – Interactive social spaces will showcase local food and retailers
• Wider concourses – 360-degree concourses will be four times wider than existing spaces
• New seating – Expanded options will be offered throughout every level
• Nature park – Public space will be open year-round on event days

The 2025 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition is being held at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK, on October 6-7th, with an Opening Night Icebreaker on October 5th. The next SVB LIVE Networking Event is taking place at Fulham Pier (another team owned by Shad Khan) in London, UK, on June 4th, including a tour of Fulham FC’s new Riverside Stand.

Ken Johnson, AECOM Hunt Executive Vice President and Sports Arena Market Sector Lead, said:

“Our team is 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. This will serve countless fans, visitors, and Jaxsons for generations to come. It will be a true game-changer for the entire community, and we look forward to making this world-class stadium a reality.”

Len Moser, Barton Malow Vice President of Sports, said:

“The Stadium of the Future project represents a new era in stadium design and construction. From advanced sustainability features to cutting-edge immersive technologies, we are setting a new standard for what stadiums can be. We are proud to lead this transformative project and look forward to shaping the future of sports and entertainment venues.”

The Stadium of the Future project leverages the AECOM Hunt – Barton Malow team’s vast experience in sports venue construction. The joint venture is currently working on a comprehensive renovation of Beaver Stadium on the Penn State University campus, and have previously completed UBS Arena, Comerica Park Pepsi Porch Upgrade & Expansion, and Little Caesars Arena.

Stadium of the Future

Following the NFL team owners unanimous approval of the project back in October, the Jaguars said in a statement:

“We’re excited that the City Council has approved this historic agreement that will keep the Jaguars in Jacksonville for decades to come, enhance the fan experience for NFL and non-NFL events, and provide a springboard for downtown growth starting with the completion of world-class riverfront parks.“

Shad Khan, Owner, Jacksonville Jaguars, added at the time:

“The belief and determination of Delores and Wayne Weaver to make the Jacksonville Jaguars a reality more than 30 years ago was reaffirmed today by the leadership of Mayor Donna Deegan, her team and the Jacksonville City Council. The message then, and now, should be clear. Never doubt Jacksonville!”

The new stadium design – conceptualised by HOK – addresses key fan requests, including a 185-percent increase in the main concourse surface area, a 260-percent increase in the upper concourse surface area, 360-degree connectivity in the upper concourse, 13 new elevators and 32 new escalators to support vertical movement, 220 new food and beverage points of sale, and 14 new restrooms.

Source & imagery, courtesy of: Jacksonville Jaguars

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