The proposed lounge would be located on the level above the main concourse and be closer to the field than existing stadium suites. -- Special

City tab for Alltel upgrades may jump
Delaney reconsiders contribution level

By David DeCamp
Times-Union staff writer

Jacksonville would pony up about $4 million more than previously promised under the Jaguars' plan to pay for upgrades to Alltel Stadium for the 2005 Super Bowl.

The National Football League and the team would still bear most of the burden, sharing nearly $31 million of more than $40 million in changes, according to three sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the plans.

But Mayor John Delaney said yesterday he would strongly consider spending the extra money above the $6 million to $7 million he originally pledged as a limit, given the increased potential amount of private investment.

The NFL's portion, if it hits ballpark estimates of $15 million, would be using an unprecedented means and level to support permanent stadium improvements for a Super Bowl host, Jacksonville and other Super Bowl observers said. The league's owners are expected to vote on it at next week's owners meeting in Pittsburgh.

The league would provide the money through Super Bowl-related revenue from fans, perhaps money from tickets and concessions, local organizers have said. Because Alltel's capacity is somewhat larger than more recent Super Bowl hosts, they anticipate more revenue.

The stadium's press box would be relocated from its midfield section to the north end zone in two phases. Suites could also be added. -- Special

The Jaguars would cover the remainder to reach about $31 million. Each side's exact share remains uncertain because league owners must approve Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver's proposal.

Weaver and the Jaguars have declined to elaborate on the details before the owners meeting, though renderings commissioned by the Jaguars this summer show new suites and club seating, a north end zone press box, a south end zone canopied deck, and escalators from plazas along the perimeter. The overall method of financing and the specific changes to Alltel remain undisclosed. Team representatives could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Under the plan, $10 million to $11 million would come from the city's pocketbook. The mayor pledged to provide only $6 million to $7 million in taxpayers' money for a new south end zone deck, justifying it because the deck would be used to add seating for the annual Florida-Georgia college football game. When he made the pledge last year, the proposed changes to Alltel were estimated at $20 million.

"Depending what comes out of the owners meeting and what Wayne comes back with the latest proposal ... sinking Jaguar money into a stadium for a little bit of city money is intriguing," Delaney said.

Delaney said the source of the additional money is undecided and could be picked once the NFL and Jaguar commitments are officially secured.

Proposals for Alltel Stadium's south end include a concourse, club seating and lounge for 800 people, a veranda and terrace for canopies over a deck. The canopies could be removed in favor of 6,000 more seats. -- Special

The city also is beginning to create a sports complex trust fund estimated to draw several million dollars in ticket surcharges and naming rights fees annually. Some of that money might pay for landscaping prior to the Super Bowl at Alltel and the city's new ballpark and arena to be built in the Better Jacksonville Plan. But Delaney said that money will not go toward the stadium renovations.

Officials in recent host cities have said the league's participation would reach a new high because permanent stadium changes using NFL money are normally reserved for smaller projects.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said recently the league traditionally has paid for the construction of relatively small, temporary projects at host stadiums, such as auxiliary press seating. Costs of other projects, including adding a jumbo video screen at Tampa's previous stadium, have been split between the league and private sources, such as the team, organizers or the city, because the changes were permanent.

Paying for upgrades The Jaguars want to make $40 million in upgrades to Alltel Stadium for the 2005 Super Bowl. Here is how the bill could be paid: Jaguars...$16 million NFL...$15 million Jacksonville...$10-11 million

However, Aiello has declined to comment on the Jacksonville proposal.

Almost exactly a year ago, Weaver told the owners that giving him the 2005 Super Bowl would help him get $40 million to $50 million in improvements at Alltel. Owners' trust and respect for Weaver was credited in helping get the Super Bowl to Jacksonville, which will be the smallest market to host the championship event.

Weaver has been communicating in recent weeks with other owners in preparation for a presentation to a joint committee of fellow owners Monday. The full ownership could vote on the proposal Wednesday.

The league's ultimate amount -- drawn from money fans spend -- depends on what the league's owners decide. But NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has often expressed affinity for Weaver and the Jaguars' success after starting as an expansion team in 1995. In fact, members of the league administration proposed the Alltel financing concept, one source said.