The Jaguars and the TIAA Bank Field team have always put a strong emphasis on innovation.
The stadium added the biggest scoreboards in the world just a few years ago, and it also (for some reason) became the first NFL stadium to feature swimming pools. The Jags even recently became the first NFL team to have an official farm.
With Jacksonville becoming an increasingly dog-friendly city, it’s no surprise that the stadium’s latest innovation centers around letting our four-legged friends enjoy the action.
The Jags and TIAA Bank Field debuted the new Pet Paradise Park at the beginning of the 2018 preseason, and recently wrapped up its first season of operating. It’s the NFL’s first in-stadium dog park, featuring a large play area layered with artificial turf, a swimming pool in the shape of a dog bone, and patio space for dog owners to relax and watch the game with their pup. Owners can also return to their seats and keep track of their dogs via live camera feed.
“Pet Paradise Park, a one-of-a-kind experience for our pet guests and their owners, raises money and awareness to help pets in need in our community while giving our furry friends a fun place to enjoy Jaguars’ football,” says Fernando Acosta-Rua, Pet Paradise CEO.
This year, a total of 250 dogs were allowed to enjoy Pet Paradise Park. The lucky canines were selected from a pool of season ticket holders, contest winners, and winners of a Jacksonville Humane Society auction. Results have yet to be announced from the auction as of this article’s publishing, but it was anticipated to raise over $50,000 for the Humane Society.
The park, which is located at the stadium’s south end zone, has Pet Paradise employees on staff at all times including a licensed veterinarian.
It’s a unique offering that adds to the game-day experience for a collection of lucky pet owners, as well as fortifying TIAA Bank Field’s reputation for trying new ideas.
