Jaguars game day fan guide vs. Panthers: When to arrive, where to park, activities in store

It's been an unusual home season for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jags have won only two games at EverBank Stadium, against Indianapolis and Tennessee but their 5-2 road record has kept them atop the AFC South entering this week.

They've got one more chance to win at home on Sunday as the Jags (8-7) play host to the Carolina Panthers (2-13) at 1 p.m. It's also a must-win game to remain on top of the AFC South standings.

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The Jaguars are 14-14 in their final regular-season home games but have won three of their last four. Last year's 20-16 victory over the Titans at home clinched the AFC South.

As usual, the team is asking fans to arrive early because of construction and street closures around the sports complex.

Stadium lots will open four hours before kickoff. Mobile tickets and parking passes should be downloaded on phones before arriving on-site so they can be easily scanned entering the parking lots and the stadium.

First Duuuval

The first Duuuval will be delivered by the Jaguars Fan of the Year, Satchel Whetsel.

Commonly known as “The Commish of Duuuval,” Whetsel can be spotted on game days in his gold mask, Jaguars chains and Jaguars championship belt. He was born and raised on the Northside and attended his first Jaguars game in their inaugural season of 1995 at the age of 11.

Game Day Patriotism

∎ The National Anthem will be performed by Victoria Johnson. At 16 years old, Johnson will be on the upcoming season of American Idol, premiering February 18.

She works nationally, regionally and locally in television, movies, theater, singing competitions and performs with the NFL, NBA, MLB, universities and many other organizations.

Karina Kalis will interpret “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the hearing impaired.

∎ The colors for the game will be presented by members of the NAS Jacksonville Color Guard.

∎ Ryan Gray will be honored as the Bell Ringer for Sunday’s game. Gray has spent 12 years in the U.S. Navy, with more than seven years stationed in Jacksonville, returning recently after four years serving in Italy.

∎ Vice Adm. Rick Snyder will be honored as Veteran of the Game. Synder retired from the U.S. Navy in 2021 after serving for 38 years as a helicopter pilot and ship captain. Vice Adm. Snyder completed eight deployments across the globe in support of the Cold War, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

His final tour was as the Inspector General for the Department of the Navy. Since retirement, Vice Adm. Snyder founded a strategic consulting company and served as the Chairman of Mayor Donna Deegan’s Military and Veterans Affairs Transition Committee.

Halftime entertainment goes to the dogs

In this year’s edition of the "Duuuval Derby," 10 corgis will compete in a dog race. The last time the Jaguars hosted the race was in 2021, when participating pup, Pepper, was named champion.

Pepper will be returning to the matchup on Sunday to compete, where all contestants will be wearing superhero costumes. The corgis travel the state with their handlers in races. Jaguars on-field emcee Tee-Roy will be hosting the race.

Color scheme

The Jaguars will wear teal jerseys and white pants against the Panthers.

Fan reminders

Clear bag policy: The NFL’s clear bag policy is in effect at EverBank Stadium.  Fans are encouraged to leave all bags at home but if one is necessary, it should be either a clear bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” or a non-clear bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5.” Non-clear belt bags and fanny packs are prohibited.

Hydrate: Fans are permitted to bring one, commercially branded, factory-sealed, plastic bottle that is 16.9 oz. or less. A Cooling Bus will be available at Ramp 4 and Ramp 2 with water coolers nearby.

Cashless Transactions: Cash is no longer accepted anywhere in the stadium. In addition to traditional scan and chip options, all fixed points of sale will offer tap or scan payment options including JagsPay, Apple, Google and Samsung Pay.

Tobacco-free: EverBank Stadium is a tobacco-free facility. All tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) are prohibited. No guest re-entry will be permitted. 

Arrive Early: Guests arriving at the stadium complex after 11 a.m. should expect moderate to heavy traffic delays.

No Drone Zone: Drones are not permitted to fly anywhere over EverBank Stadium or any of its adjacent parking lots.

Game day schedule

9 a.m. — All stadium parking lots open; game day ticket office opens (North End Zone between Gates 2 and 3); Miller Electric Center opens for team store, photo ops and cornhole.

10 a.m. — Gates 1 and 4 open; Fan Entertainment Zone opens (South End Zone between Gates 1 and 4).

11 a.m. — All other stadium gates and areas open.

12:48 p.m. — First "Duuuval."

12:49 p.m. — Jaxson de Ville aerial stunt.

12:50 p.m. — The Roar of the Jaguars performance.

12:53 p.m. — Jaguars offensive player introductions.

1 p.m. — Kickoff.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jags vs. Panthers: What fans should know in final regular-season home game