EverBank Stadium renovation requires well-timed environmental surveys to mitigate risks

Client

Impact Development Management c/o Jacksonville Jaguars

Location

Jacksonville, FL

Challenge

“DUUUVAL!” Nowhere is the bond between the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team and its community greater than in EverBank Stadium on game day, when football fans chant the county name. And after nearly three decades, the Jags and the city have recommitted to Jacksonville, agreeing to renovate their downtown stadium into an environmentally friendly “Stadium of the Future.” 

Terracon’s local environmental services expertise made us a natural partner for the major renovation. The initial need? Identify existing or potential environmental liabilities for the 27-acre site, recommend next steps, and, if needed, begin hazardous materials surveys — all while the venue remained open.

Solution

The Phase 1 environmental site assessment (ESA) began in January 2024. Close communication with stadium staff was key to the ESA’s quick completion without disrupting ongoing operations. Through knowledge of local agencies and the critical records they keep, several potential environmental liabilities were uncovered. 

One was the discovery that petroleum had been stored on part of the site in the past. To prevent any possible impact to the environment and citizens, the client took Terracon’s recommendation for us to create a soil and groundwater management plan for future redevelopment work. The plan will consider worker exposure, soil management, sampling and disposal requirements, stormwater management, and dewatering permitting requirements. 

Terracon also led pre-renovation asbestos, lead paint, and hazardous materials surveys of the 1.5 million-square-foot stadium. To keep the project moving without disrupting operations, a local, experienced Terracon project manager was established as the client’s single point of contact for field scope coordination and overall client communications. 

Results

Terracon tapped its nationwide network and partnered with a Jacksonville small business to assemble a diverse, talented team to complete field work smoothly and efficiently, even as concerts and community events continued at EverBank stadium. Through strong communication and project management, as well as consistent collaboration with stadium staff members, Terracon made good use of Jacksonville’s investment, with its environmental work on the “Stadium of the Future” under budget.

Next up? Completing construction materials and special inspections work on the next phase of the renovation.