Naming Rights Deal is Icing on the Cake for Already "Almost" Successful Jaguars Offseason
Written by Blythe Brumleve   
Monday, 26 July 2010 21:07
Well...except for the whole "not drafting Tebow" part

In the NFL playoffs of 2007, I experienced one of the best highs as a sports fan when I witnessed my Jaguars beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs. After a tough game with the Steelers, the Jags ultimately got sent home by the Patriots who would go on to lose to the Giants in the Superbowl. But little did I know, that would be one of the last Jaguar highs I would feel for quite a while.

Though its always tough to lose in the playoffs, Jag fans were pretty excited for what the following 2008 season would hold. Even Peter King picked the Jaguars to win the Superbowl the following year. But since 2007, the Jags haven't seen the playoffs or double digit wins. Thanks SI Curse (for my own satisfaction SI is the sole cause for everything bad that has happened to the Jags since).

After the debacle on the field of the next two seasons with a combined record of 12-20 it was off the field news that the franchise lost 17,000 season ticket holders, strapping the organization for cash that has worried many fans. Going 7-9 sure didn't boast well to any potential new ticket buyers for the 2009 season either.

The fickle fan base took another hit in the 2010 draft for not taking hometown hero Tim Tebow in the first round. But this time we didn't just hear it from whiny Gator fans, we heard it from local and national media as well. 

It was after the draft, that the Jag fans stood up like the little brother who is tired of being picked on.


Hit the title/read more to continue reading on community efforts, stadium naming rights and even a Superbowl Victory....




Groups have starting springing up around the city; From "Our Team Our Town", "Feel the Teal" and the Jaguars' official new club "Team Teal", have all renewed the city's population to the reality that we all benefit from this team and its time we really start supporting it.

These community led groups have led to over 13,000 new season tickets sold and an estimated 8,000 away to not having a single blackout this season. Not a sell out yet, but a lot closer than anyone expected us to. Local companies also stepped up by offering a "Teal Deals" book that has over $2,000 worth in coupons to area businesses that depend on the Jaguars to pump NFL $$$ into the city.

With the success of the community led groups, it had Jaguar fans already excited about this upcoming season. But news today came out that online banking giant and a local Jacksonville company Everbank,  will be buying the naming rights to the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Whether the new name will be Everbank Stadium or Everbank Field remains to be known ( I think Everbank Field has a nice ring to it), this does secure a lucrative revenue stream for both the city and the team for a number of years to come.

The naming rights news exploded over the Jaguars message boards and social networks, with even a nod from always Jags critical website, Pro Football Talk, actually giving a "not as negative" article on the Jaguars. Even though Mike Florio didn't have the guts to write it (he certainly can write about us when its negative), but it still makes a Jaguar fan feel good to hear something, anything positive on our team.

Between the season ticket sales success (almost), the renewed community interest and Everbank naming rights deal, this day got a hell of a lot better when I sent a Madden simulation of the Jaguars winning the 2011 Superbowl against Coughlin's Giants--complete with a trophy presentation, victory parade through the city and even a White House visit. Thanks to Gene over at Favre Dollar Footlongs for sending me the video, even though he's a (gasp!) Steeler fan.

Days like today make you see how much the offseason can mean to a team and a city, especially one that many have long written off.  Enjoy Jag fans, it may not be the playoffs or the Superbowl, but today can spark that light at the end of the tunnel we have all waited so patiently to see...


someday....someday...




Trackback(0)
Comments (0)Add Comment

Write comment

busy
 

Book Release: A Girl's Guide to Football Fanaticism

Search GuysGirl.com

Lijit Search
http://www.activederbyshire.co.uk/jog/media/facebook_logo.jpg
http://thelostagency.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/twitter-logo.jpg

 

Stay Updated with Apps & RSS

Get the latest updates on everything happening on GuysGirl.com right on your in your email, iPhone/Android device or RSS reader.

About Bloguin

Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics.

Advertisers

The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.

Bloggers Wanted

The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.

The Bloguin Login

The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account!
Related Posts with Thumbnails