Fans and local businesses around Everbank Stadium erupted in celebration as the Jaguars clinched a home playoff game with a commanding 41-7 victory over the Titans.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Everbank Stadium was alive with energy as over 66,000 fans gathered to witness the Jaguars capture a division title, nearly reaching a complete sell-out.
As the enthusiastic crowd exited the stadium after the team’s impressive win against the Tennessee Titans, the air was filled with the unmistakable chants of “Duuuuuvalll.”
The buzzword on everyone’s lips? Super Bowl.
Fans are brimming with confidence in their team, more than ever before. Among them is a familiar supporter who has been loyal through last season’s struggles, now savoring the team’s remarkable regular season success.
“People doubted us because of our small market, but now it’s our time,” declared Uncle Bubba, a dedicated Jaguars tailgater.
For decades, Uncle Bubba and company have been a weekly fixture at Jaguars home games, tailgating right outside of Gate 1.
While he’s with the Jags no matter what, the tailgates are certainly a bit more fun when the team pulls off a division title.
“It’s just building, man, it took us a minute, but we’re here,” said Uncle Bubba. “That’s all that matters. Let’s see where we go. I think we’re going all the way this year.”
Uncle Bubba wasn’t the only one cooking up a storm during the game — as good Jags football means good business for Paddle Pub & Grub, just outside the stadium.
“We did 125 pizzas today and probably 85 or 90 hot dogs,” said Paddle Pub & Grub Owner Chance Gerisch.”We were all cheering in here the whole game, it was awesome.”
Fans filled Paddle Pub & Grub after the win over the Titans to keep an eye on the afternoon slate of games to determine what team the Jags would face next.
Gerisch said it didn’t matter what timeslot the Jaguars wound up with in the Wild Card game. Regardless, he’d be open with the pizza ovens on.
“Now we’re really excited, we get a home playoff game,” said Gerisch. “It’s the perfect thing for us.”
After such a decisive win, Uncle Bubba didn’t have an opponent preference either.
“One thing about when you’re winning, you don’t care who it is. We don’t fear nobody,” said Uncle Bubba.
The afternoon games ultimately decided that the Jaguars will play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at 1 p.m.
While the Jags have a Round 1 game at home, if another win takes them on the road, Gerisch says Paddle Pub & Grub will have a watch party for any fans who can’t make the trek.
Uncle Bubba has a little bit of work to do to prepare for next week, after his tailgating TV went out.
“I’m going to get rid of that one and get another one,” said Uncle Bubba.
