The Jacksonville Jaguars, who will host their first home playoff game in nearly two decades, announced a donation of one thousand tickets to this Sunday’s game versus the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Field.
The donation was made by team owner Shad Khan and the Jaguars Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports “programs benefiting economically and socially disadvantaged youth, families and other NFL and team charitable initiatives”.
Five hundred tickets were given to refugees from around the world who have settled in Northeast Florida, identified through the support of Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida, which for more than 35 years has been aiding in the resettlement of refugees admitted to the United States due to dangerous political climates or natural disasters in their own countries.
Another 500 were allocated to Puerto Ricans now living in Central and North Florida, having been displaced from their homes by the devastation of Hurricane Maria. The Jaguars enlisted the help of organizations like the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Latino Leadership, Inc., of Orlando, to identify these individuals.
Recipients for all 1,000 tickets to the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game will be provided transportation, food and beverage vouchers, and a souvenir through the Jaguars Foundation.
“The Jaguars’ first home playoff appearance in very long time is an event that should be shared with as many people as possible, across all spectrums, who call Jacksonville their home,” Khan said. “Whether it’s a home game in August or January, it’s important for the Jaguars to consistently be good citizens and do the right thing for our community. Hopefully the experience on Sunday will give our guests a well-deserved break from what can be severe challenges in their daily lives, and if we can give them a victory on the field, it will make for a perfect day.”
And the good deeds don’t stop there; as they’ve done for many years, the team have once again teamed up with the Greater Jacksonville Area United Services Organization to provide tickets to local service personnel, as well as provided 1,500 tickets to local military members at a subsidized cost of $20 per ticket.
“The military is synonymous with Jacksonville and we are proud, as always, to have those who serve in attendance on Sunday,” Khan added. “The playoffs are a great reward for all of our fans, but I am particularly pleased for our servicemen and servicewomen who have played a major role in the game day experience at EverBank Field and simply given us unbelievable support over the years. The long wait for playoff football in Jax ends Sunday!”
