Industry News

Jaguars offer canine-friendly experience at TIAA Bank Field

NFL American football franchise the Jacksonville Jaguars have detailed the latest enhancement to the gameday experience at TIAA Bank Field by unveiling plans to install a dog park at the stadium.

Pet Paradise Park will be backed by the Jaguars’ official pet services partner, Pet Paradise, and will be the first of its kind at NFL stadia.

Jaguars fans will be offered three ways in which to win access for their dogs to the park. These will include a sweepstake, an auction for five packages per game day that will benefit Jacksonville Humane Society and competitions open to season ticket members.

The park will be located on the south end zone patio of TIAA Bank Field, located directly above the Fields Auto Group Terrace Suite. Pet Paradise Park will feature a large artificial turf play area, a bone-shaped swimming pool and palm trees.

Pet Paradise employees, including a veterinarian, will staff the park at all times. Owners can choose to watch the game from their seats or on the south end zone patio near the dog park and pick up their pets after the game.

Game day walk-ups will not be permitted access to Pet Paradise Park.  Before entering the dog park, all selected dogs will be required to visit a Pet Paradise location to preregister during a free ‘Get-Acquainted Day’.

At the Get-Acquainted Day, Pet Paradise will ensure winning dogs’ vaccinations are current, the dog is compatible with other dogs and suited for play in the stadium dog park.

“The Jaguars pride ourselves on creating a game day experience that is convenient for all family members, and for many that includes pets,” Scott Massey, Jaguars senior vice-president of corporate partnerships, said. “Together with Pet Paradise, the official pet services partner of the Jaguars, we’re excited to give new meaning to the term tailgating.”

Fernando Acosta-Rua, Pet Paradise chief executive, added: “We have a long-standing partnership with the Jacksonville Humane Society, and our plan is to raise $50,000 (£38,150/€43,000) this season to help homeless pets in Northeast Florida.”

Pet Paradise Park will open for the first Jaguars preseason game against New Orleans Saints on August 9.

Image: Jacksonville Jaguars