Lamping is on the weekly broadcast, and he's saying the video boards are on schedule, and on budget.
They hope the fans are excited by the new boards, and satisfied by what they see. They expect it to really improve the game day experience along with an improved product on the field.
One of the things they've committed to is having the content and programming constantly evolve from game to game, and from quarter to quarter. They've got an opportunity to put a lot more content on the boards because they're so large so people don't need to constantly check their smart phones.
Constant updates on stats. Constant updates on the current drive. Up to the minute stats within the game. Plus fantasy football stats, and the ability to track other teams around the league.
The boards take a while to "burn in" a little bit. Most of the video has been installed except for the NEZ big board and the ribbon board in the cabana area. Most of the equipment has been used already. They may start testing the SEZ jumbo this week or next.
Daktronics is the largest supplier of video boards in the world. Best in class boards.
They manufacture the brightest boards in the industry. That's important because of having to deal with direct sunlight when they're on. The added bonus is they're made right here in the good old USA.
WiFi improvements are a league-wide mandate.
The Jaguars are one of the first teams that will be fully WiFi. All teams have to be up to NFL standards by next season.
WiFi integration is another way to improve the in-game experience.
They also have interactive features on the new video boards that will be possible because of WiFi.
The new cabanas have completely sold out for the season. Lamping confirmed this as far as the cabanas on the 2nd level. There are still cabana tickets available on the 1st level where the pools are located.
There are 12 cabanas on the upper level, and 8 on the pool level.
The rail seating on the NEZ platform have sold out.
Most of the new configurations have already been completed. There are a few that are not quite done yet like the field level seats.
Field side seating will be placed at field level. Only a couple of rows in 2 locations. Total of 180 seats. They still have some of those available.
They've also built small temporary clubs specifically intended to service these seats for food or beverage as the ticket buy is all inclusive for food/beverage.
Terrace Suites are operating extremely well. They've sold that out and now have a waiting list. Last year was the first time in 8 years that they were able to sell it out. They've enhanced the food and drink offerings this year.
For the club seats, they're marketing to corporate buyouts. With one of the largest inventories of club seats in the NFL, they've got a challenge ahead of them. They are refreshing that product, but they are in the planning stages now and not ready to implement.
This is the renovations where they take out some seats, put glass walls in, and improve the club experience.
They'd like to get that done yesterday, but realistically, it's something they're working on right now and are possibly looking at bringing that into the mix next year.
Variable pricing for the steelers and Giants game has been incorporated to assure they generate the maximum revenue for the big ticket games.
They know there will be a huge influx of steelers fans buying tickets, so they felt like "Why not raise those prices?"
He said steeler fans will still think it's a bargain compared to the prices at Heinz Field.
About the conceptual roof drawing they presented in the State of the Franchise address. That won't be happening any time soon.
The Shipyards project is probably closer to being on the horizon than the roof concept they presented.
They realize there's a lot of things they need to do to stabilize the franchise. One of those things is to "fix up the front door of the sports complex" which is the shipyards. The team feels it can be much improved.
The shipyards add nothing to the fan experience, and don't generate any tax revenue for the city. The Jaguars would like to have something that's the front door to the sports complex people can feel good about while generating more jobs and housing downtown.
Lageman said he actually inquired about buying the property 20 years ago.
Regarding the London game, what's different this year?
They're better organized. They recognize it's a novelty, but the team will be better prepared to handle the logistics in a manner that would be expected any time they go on the road.
They're not staying in Central London, but right next to Wembley this year.
They're bringing a lot of businesses over that are either already sponsors, or considering it.
Fulham will be playing at the cottage on that Saturday before the Jags game.
It's providing a nice financial boost for the team here in Jacksonville.
The Jags are in the top 10 of most popular NFL franchises in London.
They're hoping that the growth they see there is steady. Right now it's double-digit growth from year 1 to year 2.
Lamping is over there once a month, and he's doing both Jaguars and Fulham work while he's over there. He's the conduit on the business side between Fulham and Shad Khan. He wants to make sure the things they're doing over there integrate with what they're doing here, while looking for synergies that make sense like sponsorship opportunities and food and beverage options.
The business fundamentals are the same, but the competition rules are different. Relegation has presented challenges.
On the business side it's about knowing the customer and knowing their expectations.
The Michael Jackson statue was moved to the UK National Soccer Museum.
They want to see as many great events here in Jacksonville as possible. He said it's great for their sponsors to have events at EverBank Field, and it's great for the local economy.
Landing games like the USA / Nigeria game help to promote the city.
For most events, they will be there to support the events and help the promoters because even if they have to give up certain things, they still feel like it's worth the sacrifice to have those events at the stadium.
Tim, could you fill us in on the commercials?
Thanks for all of this info!!