Daytona Speedway officials break silence on interest from Jacksonville Jaguars to play NFL games in the iconic track

Daytona International Speedway president Frank Kelleher claims the track could accommodate Jacksonville Jaguars better than other venues in Florida.

Daytona Speedway officials break silence on interest from Jacksonville Jaguars to play NFL games in the iconic track

Jacksonville Jaguars & Daytona International Speedway (Credits: Jacksonville Jaguars and USA Today)

Daytona International Speedway (DIS) could be an option for the NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars as they are planning significant renovations to their stadium TIAA Bank Field. It means they have to look elsewhere to play their home games temporarily. And what’s interesting is that Daytona might be interested in hosting Jaguars games when TIAA Bank Field undergoes renovation, most likely in 2026-2027.

DIS president Frank Kelleher told The Daytona Beach News-Journal there would be a meeting to discuss playing at the 101,500-seat facility. This makes sense for Jacksonville Jaguars, as they wanted to play somewhere close to the stadium, a local venue that could accommodate them for a minimum of two years. The Daytona International Speedway could be the perfect location for them as it is only 90.4 miles south of their current stadium. 

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Frank Kelleher, DIS president, spoke to Tampa Bay Times about hosting the Jaguars. He said, “We have over 700 RV spots that are ready for full hookups, so why not have the Jags weekend start on Friday loading into tailgate and program some sort of festival-like activity (like a concert) on Saturday?”

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Daytona International Speedway is serious about hosting the Jaguars’ home games 

Daytona International Speedway (Credits: CNN)
Daytona International Speedway (Credits: CNN)

Kelleher added, “The level of suites that we have, the temporary seating that we can build bespoke to what their needs are, and then thinking about the Jags fans, it’s an easy ride down I-95. We’re right off the highway.” He feels that this is a convenient standpoint. However, logically speaking, it might be a little complicated.

To host the Jaguars, the track would need temporary facilities like locker rooms, weight rooms, and an area for the coach. Also, the Jaguars games could clash with NASCAR races like the regular-season finale, Coke Zero Sugar 400. Both schedules could collide, and it would be up to the organizers to sort it out. 

Frank Kelleher claims it could work because the track hosted soccer games last year. And football could be possible, too, if both sides are willing to pay for the construction and manage other expenses. Kelleher believes the Jaguars should consider this venue over others as it is more accommodating. The DIS president insists Daytona would be a great home for the Jacksonville Jaguars despite other facilities and venues in Florida. 

Jaguars president Mark Lamping and the Daytona track officials will meet and discuss how it would work for them. They must figure out the NFL games and the NASCAR race schedule. However, the Jaguars stadium proposal should first be approved by Jacksonville.

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