The invitation-only crowd gathered Tuesday, July 18, for the ribbon-cutting and official opening of Miller Electric Center, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ new practice facility and sports performance center, also got to wish team owner Shad Khan a Happy Birthday.
Khan opened his remarks by saying of the state-of-the-art facility, “I couldn't ask for a better present.”
As the project’s construction manager at-risk during its 18-month lifespan, Haskell worked diligently with its contract partners to ensure that the facility stayed within an aggressive schedule that would have it ready for the team’s 2023 training camp.
“Haskell led the team that built this facility and completed the project on time and in a safe manner,” Jaguars President Mark Lamping said. “Thanks as well to the many subcontractors that worked on this project. But most importantly, to the hundreds of hard-working men and women who actually did the work under what were often sometimes very trying weather conditions. I'd also like to recognize Project Superintendent Danny Parmenter, as well as (Operations President – Planning & Development) Pete Kinsley for his personal commitment to the project.”
National Football League head coaches are renowned for working long hours, and Doug Pederson of the AFC South Champion Jaguars definitely fits the mold. Still, Pederson said he had nothing on the crews building his team’s new home.
“I’ve got to thank Haskell and all the men and women that tirelessly spent hours and hours here,” Pederson said. “Every morning when I'm coming in here at 5, 5:30 in the morning, they’re over here working, and they're cranking this thing out. My hat's off to them. And when we walk in this place every single day, it brings pride. It brings joy. It brings fulfillment.”
The creation of Miller Electric Center is one of a series of steps the Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville are taking that will lead to the creation of the Stadium of the Future, a total renovation of EverBank Stadium. The team is relocating football operations from inside the existing stadium and into the dedicated, new facility.
The new, state-of-the-art, 125,000-square-foot sports performance center is maintained by the Jaguars and owned by the city. It includes locker rooms, training and recovery areas, medical support facilities, a weight room, player dining, office space and a draft room. It also features 2,090-seat shaded grandstand seats in the fan amenity area, complete with concessions, restrooms, public art and a Fanatics Pro Shop.
The footprint of the new facility is 18 acres and also includes a 96,000-square-foot indoor practice field and two outdoor fields.
“The Jacksonville Renaissance is underway, and I am so glad to see the Jaguars playing such a big part in it,” Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said. “This team has the power to bring us all together, and indeed it does. The Jaguars also remind us that we are a can-do city when we're united. We're working alongside each other to do big things. I look forward to our shared future.”
Khan echoed the mayor’s enthusiasm, noting that the completion and high quality of Miller Electric Center was a sign of things to come.
“Today is another example of vision becoming reality in Jacksonville. But what makes this particularly gratifying is the vision certainly wasn't mine alone. Our community, city leadership, the football team, Miller Electric, everyone had the same vision and a belief that we can do amazing things in Jacksonville. Together we made it a reality. We made it happen.”
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