Daytona International Speedway potentially in play for Jaguars
The rumors about a possible major renovation to TIAA Bank Field became public about a month ago after outgoing mayor Lenny Curry mentioned the plans on the radio. Since then, questions have persisted about both the plans themselves and where the Jaguars would play in the interim. The Jaguars reportedly held preliminary talks with officials […]
The rumors about a possible major renovation to TIAA Bank Field became public about a month ago after outgoing mayor Lenny Curry mentioned the plans on the radio. Since then, questions have persisted about both the plans themselves and where the Jaguars would play in the interim. The Jaguars reportedly held preliminary talks with officials at the Universities of Florida and North Florida about playing games there while renovations were being done.
Add another possibility to the list.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote tonight that Daytona International Speedway could be an option for the Jaguars. Citing a report from VenuesNow.com, Florio noted that Jaguars team president Mark Lamping acknowledged the possibility.
“It would be an interesting solution, but would also require significant investment in terms of infrastructure. It can accommodate a big crowd. It would be a little wonky, but it’s worth considering. After the (Daytona Rising) renovations, it’s nice.” – Mark Lamping via ProFootballTalk.com (citing VenuesNow.com)
Football games at NASCAR tracks are not unheard of. Tennessee defeated Virginia Tech at Bristol Motor Speedway back in September 2016. However, the difference is the layout. Bristol Motor Speedway is a half-mile track with much more compact seating far closer to the track.
By comparison, Daytona International Speedway is basically the opposite. It's a massive two-and-a-half mile track with the stands set very far back from the grassy infield. The players would look like ants without binoculars.
It would be a novelty because it's something very rarely seen, but there have been far better and more practical options that have already been discussed. More specifically, the use of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville makes far and away the most sense for the team to use, especially given the University of Florida's willingness to discuss the possibility with the Jaguars.
The Jaguars have added a lot of speed over the last few years, but it still doesn't belong where they drive fast and turn left.
Featured image via Nigel Cook/News-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
