Page "Jacksonville Jaguars" Paragraph 9

However, Jacksonville had other assets and a number of powerful supporters.

It had a very strong regional football culture, evidenced by the high level of support for the Florida State University Seminoles and University of Florida Gators college football teams, as well as a solid ownership group and a location in the growing and attractive Southeast region.

Supporters of Jacksonville's bid included NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, President Neil Austrian, Vice President Roger Goodell, Bud Adams of the Houston Oilers, Rankin Smith of the Atlanta Falcons and Ken Hofmann of the Seattle Seahawks.

Encouraged by Tagliabue, Jacksonville interests revisited the issue, and the city agreed to fund $ 121 million in renovations for the Gator Bowl including sky boxes and club seats.

The stadium's 10, 000 preferred seats were sold in just ten days, and Jacksonville officially returned to the bidding.