SMG will continue to provide management services for EverBank Field, other facilities for three years, with the option to renew
On December 22, 2012, Mayor Alvin Brown announced that the City of Jacksonville (COJ) has reached a new three-year agreement with SMG to manage the city's facilities. SMG, which has managed the COJ facilities for the past 20 years, will continue to operate EverBank Field (home of the Jacksonville Jaguars) the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, and five other venues owned by the city.
The agreement was the result of a competitive bidding process where SMG—with its breadth of experience managing facilities worldwide, and tested strategies to generate additional revenue for the city—was chosen to retain its contract with the COJ. A final agreement is expected to be signed no later than March 31.
This agreement was made possible because of the leadership and vision of Mayor Brown. His commitment to a thorough selection process means that the COJ now has a deal that will preserve the high standard of management at its facilities, generate new growth and revenue opportunities, and save taxpayers money.
"SMG looks forward to continuing its long standing and successful partnership with the City of Jacksonville, and executing on Mayor Brown's vision to establish the city as a premier tourism, entertainment, and professional sports destination," said SMG President and Chief Executive Officer Wes Westley. "Jacksonville's venues and entertainment facilities are among its most valuable assets, and SMG is committed to achieving their maximum economic potential through world-class operation and management services."
