Duval Proper

by Brenton Crozier
So the sweet, sweet NFL season is upon us, go ahead and inhale deeply, it’s in the air, and although the greatest sport in the world makes for spectacular television, there is nothing like the sublime brouhaha that is actually attending the game. And besides, how many shaving tool, beer and car commercials can you really take over the course of a Sunday? But before you head to EverBank Field, there are some things that you need to be absolutely certain of and I’d be happy to guide you in making the most of your game day experience.

Attitude
I’m not telling you to be a face painter, and certainly not pleading with you not to be a belly painter. (They are good folks, but are on another level of fandom–just be sure to return their impending high-five) I am, however, advising an open attitude that will allow for drinking beer on the tailgate of a pickup and ruining your vocal chords for three days to let the opposing team know exactly how much they suck, even if they are beating us. It’s just how it’s done, go with it.

Tickets
So I’m not going to lecture you on the grave consequences of not purchasing season tickets. You know the city may fall into economic and cultural shambles if you don’t buy the tickets, but whatever. You can purchase single game tickets through Ticketmaster and a great way to go is the TicketExchange program. This feature is a forum for fans to sell and buy tickets with other fans and can be accessed through www.jaguars.com. And of course, there is always old school bartering to be done outside of the stadium, if that’s your thing.

Apparel
I’m willing to state the obvious here, just about any Jaguar apparel will do. But it’s important to remember that when you are in the stadium, you are privy to the elements. The sun is brutal in September, so be sure to include a hat and sunglasses in your get-up and don’t be shy about applying sunscreen. Forgo fashion rules for the day and wear your team colors proudly, but please, don’t be that complete ass that shows up in the jersey of a team that’s not going to be on the field for the game you’re in attendance for.

Parking
There are many options when it comes to parking. The various park-and-ride options are a great way to save money. The JTA offers game day shuttle service that begins two hours prior to kick-off and end one hour following the game. You may read that the parking is free, which technically it is, but to ride my friend, you have to pay between $7 and $12 depending on what location you ride from. Season shuttle passes are available. The lines usually aren’t bad going to the game, but the post-game lines are long, so get to know your line buddy. The pick-up locations are:
DOWNTOWN: Convention Center Lot: 1005 Forsyth St., Kings Avenue Parking Garage: 1003 Kings Ave.
BEACHES: Little League (Wingate) Park, 277 Penman Rd. S., Jacksonville Beach
MANDARIN: San Jose Blvd. at Marbon Rd.
ORANGE PARK: U.S. 17 at Wells Rd., behind Wachovia Bank
SOUTHSIDE: Philips Hwy. at J. Turner Butler Blvd.

Initially, it can feel overwhelming trying to find parking with the crazy amount of traffic, the police officers barking at you and the general mayhem that comes with the territory, but don’t sweat it. A number of businesses around the stadium offer parking and with the price of admission, some even include use of their restroom facilities. Just be prepared to pay around $30. You’ll even see a lot of Downtown residents make their yards available for game day parking. This is often a cheaper option, but doesn’t include all the perks of going the business lot route. Carpool if you can- it’s fun, you can split the cost and pool your tailgating resources.
In the event that you have a parking pass as part of your ticket deal, you can find your lot here: www.jaguars.com/stadium/parkingmap.aspx.

Tailgating
Oh my, a morning or afternoon of tailgating is a get-together like no other. Just think, it’s a celebration that combines all of the elements that make life worth living: football, alcohol and great food. You’ll find a number of vendors out and about if you prefer to pack light, but if you are planning on doing it up right, you will need at least a cooler filled with your favorite cold ones and real football food (if you are unsure about real football food, go with meaty finger food and forgo anything green except for guacamole). Be sure to tune in to the pre-game coverage that can be found on WOKV. This helps set the tone and provides the most up-to-date injury reports, even from around the league (I’m looking at you fantasy footballers).
It’s hard to reel in a good time, but don’t wait until the last minute to walk over to the stadium. There is an intoxicating buzz when you pack into EverBank with all of the other fans and then get the goosebumps that come with watching the fly over. Yep, I’ve been known to call it the “sounds of freedom.” Just keep in mind that you can’t bring in any food or beverages, so double-fist on the walk over if necessary, because once you get inside, you are going to pay dearly for a beer and some eats.
Looking for some more officially sanctioned tailgating? PRI Productions presents Jaguars Teal Town located in the Pepsi Entertainment Zone behind the cabanas of EverBank Field. Teal Town offers a live band, games and contests, food and drink specials and even some autograph love from the Roar.

Inside the Stadium
Once you get inside, there are quite a few options for your eating, drinking and shopping needs. There are multiple types of cuisine from the standard hot dogs, pretzels and beer to Outback Steakhouse and mixed drinks. There is also the ever-famous Bud Zone where you can sneak away from the heat to have a drink and watch the game on the tube. Be sure to get the lay of the land when you get in and make note of what vendors are where. There’s football to be watched people!

The 12th Man
So for the sake of illumination, the “12th man” is named so because there are 11 players on the field at a time, making you the 12th man. In order to really wear this moniker, you are expected to do your part from the stands. Your duties include making as much noise as humanly possible when the visiting team is on offense . . . distraction city! When the Jaguars are on offense, stay quiet until the ball has been snapped. Cheer them on accordingly and when a first down is made, join the chant of “Move those chains!”
You should now be ready to fully enjoy your Jaguars game day experience. Good luck, stay safe and go Jags!