The Jaguars yesterday announced a "new community-based campaign called Stand United Fridays aimed at firing up more business and fan involvement with the team," according to Drew Dixon of the FLORIDA TIMES-UNION. Jaguars President Mark Lamping "called upon local businesses, schools and military organizations to get engaged in the events of the initiative." The campaign aims to "sweep the community up in activities ranging from wearing Jaguars apparel to decorating offices, schools and military organizations with Stand United decals in business windows." Team and city officials said that the effort "isn’t directly aimed at driving up ticket sales, but rather at drumming up fan engagement." Other facets of the campaign include "free Stand United fan pep rallies at EverBank Field," with the first being held tomorrow, as well as "regionwide appearances from Jaguar personnel and promotions in about 130 bars and nightclubs around the First Coast area." There also will be a "regionwide scavenger hunt on Fridays prior to every Jaguars home game where fans will search the area for a hidden Stand United Jaguars football helmet," as well as "citywide displays of Stand United with enhanced signs at Jacksonville International Airport and Friendship Fountain on the Southbank being colored teal each Friday." The organization in recent years has enlisted former NFLer Tony Boselli to "drive fan interest accompanied by special season ticket prices as part of 'Team Teal' and the 'All In' campaign featured players, coaches and even management." All facets of the community are "being encouraged to support Stand United." But Jax Chamber Chair Greg Smith said that local businesses "are key" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 9/4).
