Jacksonville Jaguars owner donates tickets to local refugees

Set to host their first playoff game since 2000, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Wednesday that team owner Shad Khan and the Jaguars Foundation donated 500 tickets to refugees from around the world who have settled in Northeast Florida. 

An additional 500 tickets for Sunday’s clash with the Buffalo Bills have been donated to Puerto Ricans living in North and Central Florida displaced by Hurricane Maria. 

“The Jaguars’ first home playoff appearance in very long time is an event that should be shared with as many people as possible, across all spectrums, who call Jacksonville their home,” Khan said in a statement on the team’s website.

“Whether it’s a home game in August or January, it’s important for the Jaguars to consistently be good citizens and do the right thing for our community. Hopefully the experience on Sunday will give our guests a well-deserved break from what can be severe challenges in their daily lives, and if we can give them a victory on the field, it will make for a perfect day.”

Transportation to the stadium for all 1,000 recipients will be provided by the Jaguars Foundation, as well as food and beverage vouchers courtesy of Delaware North Sportservice. 

Khan and the Jaguars also will be offering 1,500 tickets to local service personnel at a reduced price ($20) through a partnership with the United Service Organizations. 

“The military is synonymous with Jacksonville and we are proud, as always, to have those who serve in attendance on Sunday,” Khan said in his statement. “The playoffs are a great reward for all of our fans, but I am particularly pleased for our servicemen and servicewomen who have played a major role in the game day experience at EverBank Field and simply given us unbelievable support over the years. The long wait for playoff football in Jax ends Sunday!”