Finding your way around EverBank Stadium right now feels a bit like trying to solve a puzzle while someone keeps moving the pieces. If you've looked at a Jacksonville Jaguars stadium map lately, you probably noticed things look a little "under construction." That's because they are.
We are officially in the transition years. Between the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the walk from your car to your seat is going to feel different every single month. It's not just about finding a bathroom anymore; it's about navigating a massive $1.4 billion transformation into what the team calls the "Stadium of the Future."
Honestly, the old layout we all grew up with—the one where you just parked in Lot J and walked straight in—is basically history. With the upper bowl slated for major work in 2026, the seating capacity is shrinking from roughly 68,000 down to a much tighter 43,500. If you don't have a plan before you hit the Hart Bridge, you're going to have a rough afternoon.
Reading the Current Seating Chart Without Getting Lost
The stadium is roughly a giant oval, but it’s not symmetrical in how it handles fans. Most people don't realize that the 400-level (the nosebleeds) only exists on the East and West sides. There is no "upper deck" in the north or south end zones.
If you're looking at the map, the West Side (Sections 01-15, 101-115, 403-415) is where the Jaguars sideline lives. It’s also where you’ll find the Gallagher Club West. The East Side (Sections 31-45, 131-145, 431-445) is the visitor sideline.
Why Section Choice Matters More Than Ever
- The Sun Factor: This is the biggest mistake rookies make. In Jacksonville, the sun is a literal opponent. If you are sitting on the East Side during a 1:00 PM kickoff, you are going to bake. The West Side gets the shade first.
- The North End Zone: This is where the party is. You’ve got the cabanas and the famous pools. Yes, people actually swim there during the game. It’s Section 146 through 150 area.
- The South End Zone: This connects to Daily’s Place and the flex field. It’s usually where the most active "Fan Entertainment Zones" are located.
The rows are alphabetical. You start with Row A at the bottom. But wait—some sections have a "double letter" situation like Row AA or HH. If you see a double letter, you’re further back. Simple, but easy to forget when you’re buying tickets in a hurry.
🔗 Read more: Vancouver Canucks line up: Why the Quinn Hughes Trade Changed Everything
Navigation and Gate Entry 101
You can’t just walk into any gate and expect a short stroll. The stadium map is divided into four main quadrants.
Gate 1 and Gate 4 are your primary South end entries. Gate 1 is right by the new Grand Staircase One, which just opened in late 2025. It’s a massive, wide-set stone staircase that replaced the old cramped escalators. It’s basically the first "real" piece of the new stadium that fans can actually touch.
If you’re sitting in the 400 level, prepare your calves. The walk up is steep. They are adding more elevators and escalators in the 2026-2028 window, but for now, you’re still doing a fair bit of climbing.
Pro tip: If you are using rideshare like Uber or Lyft, don't try to get dropped off at the gates. The "pink signage" for rideshare usually directs you toward the West side near Ramp 1 or 2. If you try to call a car to the East side after the game, you’ll be waiting until Tuesday. Use the 360-degree main concourse to walk across to the West side before you hit "Request Ride."
Food, Beer, and the "Amazon Walk Out"
The days of standing in a 20-minute line for a lukewarm hot dog are (mostly) dying. The newest stadium map features "Grab & Go" stations, particularly in the South End Zone Plaza.
They’re using "Amazon Walk Out" technology. You scan your card, grab a Gatorade and a slice of Al’s Pizza, and just leave. It’s weird the first time you do it, but it beats missing the entire second quarter because you wanted a pretzel.
Local Favorites to Look For
- Bono’s BBQ: Usually found in the Gallagher Clubs (East and West).
- Toshito’s Taqueria: Check sections 409 and 436 if you’re upstairs.
- Fat Rooster: If you want spicy chicken, this is the spot, typically near the 100-level corners.
The 2026 Shift: What’s Actually Changing?
Starting in early 2026, the map you see on the Jaguars' official site is going to look "chopped."
Because of the "Stadium of the Future" construction schedule, the team is going to lose almost 25,000 seats. The upper bowl (the 400 level) will basically become a construction zone. If you’re a season ticket holder, this is where it gets tricky. The team has already said that 2025 members get priority, but in 2026, you might be relocated to a different part of the lower bowl or even a different temporary configuration.
The goal is a completed canopy by 2028. This isn't a dome—it’s a "cool skin" made of a material called ViewScape. It’s supposed to drop the temperature in the seats by about 70 percent. Until then, though, keep the sunscreen in your clear bag.
Parking Strategy and the "Gameday Xpress"
Let's talk about the parking map. It's a mess. Between the Miller Electric Center and the ongoing stadium work, lots like Lot J and Lot M are constantly being reconfigured.
Most of the lots immediately touching the stadium (A, C, D, E, F, K, N, P) are reserved for season ticket holders or premium members. If you’re a single-game ticket buyer, you’re likely looking at Lot Z, Lot X, or private lots across the street.
Honestly? Just use the Gameday Xpress. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) runs shuttles from several spots around the city:
- Downtown: Kings Avenue Garage.
- Beaches: Wingate Park.
- Southside: JTB Park-n-Ride.
It costs about $10-$15 round trip. When you consider that stadium parking can run $40 to $100 for a prime spot, the shuttle is a no-brainer. Plus, it drops you off right near the gates, so you don't have to navigate the maze of construction fences on foot.
Final Advice for Your Visit
Don't rely on a printed map from three years ago. The physical footprint of EverBank Stadium is shifting as they install new column lines for the future canopy.
🔗 Read more: NFL wide receiver contracts: Why everyone is suddenly getting $30 million
Actionable Steps for Game Day:
- Download the Jaguars App: They update the interactive map in real-time. It will show you which restrooms are closed for renovation (a common 2026 headache).
- Arrive 3 Hours Early: If you want to see the new Grand Staircase or the Fan Entertainment Zone near Gate 1, you need time. Security lines at Gate 1 and 4 are always the heaviest.
- Check the Sun: If your tickets are in sections 431-445, bring a hat. You’re in the "Sun Zone" until at least the fourth quarter.
- Monitor Capacity Updates: If you’re planning a trip for the late 2026 season, buy tickets early. With capacity dropped to 43,500, "cheap" seats will basically disappear.
The stadium is currently a work in progress, but if you know where the construction walls are and where the shade hides, you can still have a great time. Just keep your eyes on the signs and your phone charged for that digital map.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
You should verify your specific gate entry on your digital ticket, as the Jaguars now enforce "preferred gate" entry to balance the crowd flow near the new construction zones. Once you have your gate number, check the latest lot accessibility map on the official Jaguars website to see if your usual parking route is affected by the 2026 utility work.