If you’re staring at a Jacksonville stadium seating chart right now, you’re probably trying to figure out if you'll be roasted by the Florida sun or if that "obstructed view" warning is actually a deal-breaker. Honestly, looking at a flat 2D map of EverBank Stadium doesn't tell the whole story. Especially not in 2026.
Things are weird right now. We are currently in the middle of the massive "Stadium of the Future" transformation. While the $1.4 billion project isn't due to finish until 2028, the construction is already eating into the seating capacity. For the 2026 season, the stadium has been scaled back to roughly 43,500 seats. It’s a tighter squeeze than usual.
The Sun is Your Biggest Enemy
Let’s be real. If you’re at a 1:00 PM kickoff in September, the "best seat" isn't about the 50-yard line. It’s about who has the shade.
Most people make the mistake of thinking the upper deck provides cover. It doesn't. EverBank Stadium is famous (or infamous) for being one of the few NFL venues without a permanent canopy or roof. This is why the renovations are such a big deal—eventually, a sleek ViewScape shell will cover everything. But right now? You’re exposed.
If you want to avoid a sunstroke, look at the South End Zone and the West Sideline (the home side). Sections 146 through 150 usually get shade first as the sun moves behind the south scoreboard. If you’re on the East Sideline (Sections 134-139), you are basically a rotisserie chicken until the sun goes down.
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Where the Construction Hits the Map
You might notice some weird gaps in the 2026 seating chart. That’s not a glitch.
The north end of the stadium has seen significant demolition. The old skybridge to the West Upper Deck? Gone. The escalator towers at Gates 2 and 3? Also gone. They’ve replaced these with the first of four new "grand staircases."
Because of this, the 400-level sections are a bit of a gamble. Some are closed off entirely to allow crews to work on the foundation for the new canopy columns. When you're buying tickets, if a section looks empty on the primary market, it’s probably because it’s a construction zone.
The "Cheat Code" Spots
I’ve spent a lot of time talking to season ticket holders like "Truxla-4-me" on the local boards, and there’s a consensus on a few "hack" spots:
- The Bud Light Party Zone: It’s in the North End Zone. People love it because you aren't stuck in a cramped seat. You can vibe, grab a drink, and the massive scoreboards actually provide some decent shade depending on the hour.
- The Gallagher Club: If you have the budget, this is the only way to guarantee AC. Sections 107-112 (West) and 134-139 (East) give you access to the indoor lounges.
- Section 101/102: These are tucked in the corner. For some reason, the energy here is just better. You’re close to the tunnel, and you see the players coming out.
Is the 200 Level Better Than the 100?
This is a classic debate. The 100-level puts you close to the sweat and the hits. It’s loud. But the 200-level—specifically the first few rows—offers the best tactical view of the game.
At EverBank, the 200-level isn't that much further back. You get a better perspective on the "all-22" play development without feeling like you're watching from a satellite. Plus, the concourse access is usually a bit faster for bathroom breaks.
Speaking of bathrooms, with the 2026 capacity reductions, the lines are actually better than they were two years ago. Fewer people in the building means you might actually get back to your seat before the third quarter starts.
Accessible Seating and Mobility
Don't rely on the old elevator maps. Since they tore down the north escalators, getting around the stadium has changed.
The ramps in each quadrant are still the primary way to move, but they are a workout. If you have mobility issues, you need to aim for the South End Zone near Gate 4. That’s where the main remaining elevators are located.
Pro Tip: If you realize your seats are too difficult to reach on game day, head to a Guest Services Booth immediately. They have a limited number of ADA relocations, but it's first-come, first-served. Don't wait until kickoff to ask.
The Final Verdict on the 2026 Layout
The Jacksonville stadium seating chart is a moving target. What you see today might be fenced off by next month.
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If you're looking for the sweet spot, aim for the lower rows of the 200-level on the West side. You get the shade first, you get a great view, and you’re away from the heaviest construction noise near the north end.
Just remember: bring sunglasses, stay hydrated, and don't expect a roof until 2028. It's a bit of a construction site right now, but it's our construction site.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Sun Map: Before hitting "buy," use a site like ShadedSeats to overlay the sun's path for your specific game date.
- Verify Gate Access: Confirm if your usual entrance (like Gate 2 or 3) is actually open, as the removals of the escalators have rerouted thousands of fans to the South and West gates.
- Download the App: Use the Jaguars official mobile app to view the "Virtual Venue" which shows real-time 360-degree views of the current 2026 configuration.