Jags Will Indirectly Use New Blackout Rule To Remove Tarps For Certain Games

The Jaguars have "decided not to take advantage of the provision in the new blackout rule," but they "could be utilizing a tweak that permits them to remove the tarps from time to time in 2012," according to Mike Florio of PRO FOOTBALL TALK. Previously, the Jaguars were "prohibited from de-tarping Everbank Field on a piecemeal basis." If the team chooses to "lift the tarps, the Jaguars would have to surrender 50 percent of every dollar generated by the sale of the otherwise covered seats." The move means the team is "indirectly using the new blackout rule." The problem is that "not many games currently stand out as obvious candidates for a huge crowd" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 8/18). YAHOO SPORTS' Michael Silver wrote Jaguars Owner Shahid Khan's "first order of business is to eliminate the upper-deck tarps that in recent years have covered an estimated 10,000 of the 76,867 seats at EverBank Field." Khan, who has "likened the tarps’ presence to 'underachieving,' said he expects to address the problem in the very near future." Khan said, “Stay tuned, because to me, we’ve got to start taking the tarps off. I look at that and it frankly sucks my energy. I really don’t want to subscribe to excuse-making and talk about the challenges of the market -- I just want to solve the problem. And if we can take them down for two games this season, or even one game, it’s progress. Eventually, winning solves all of these issues" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 8/18).

READY TO CROSS THE POND: In Jacksonville, Vito Stellino noted Khan on Friday "suggested in the pregame show that an announcement the Jaguars will play a game in London next season could come in a few days" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 8/18). Khan, who recently attended the London Games, said, "It was great to go out there and London did a fabulous job. We got a lot of great ideas for the homefield experience" (ACTIONNEWSJAX.com, 8/18).

WORKING TOWARD COMPROMISE: In Jacksonville, Gene Frenette noted a City Hall committee Friday "chose Global Spectrum over SMG (the Jaguars' preference), and that recommendation will go to Mayor Alvin Brown." A potential compromise "would be having SMG manage EverBank Field beyond the 2012 season and let Global Spectrum run the other facilities." The Jaguars and the city "appear to be building a trust that should serve them well over the long term" (JACKSONVILLE.com, 8/17).