As the Jacksonville Jaguars were in London in the days preceding the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Wembley Stadium, owner Shad Khan was available for his annual media session across the pond. It was here that Khan announced he had purchased full ownership of the Four Season Hotel Toronto, a detail that was probably ignored by most, except for trolls perpetuating rumors that this meant the Jags were moving to Canada. However, this news did strike a chord with me, and what it could possibly mean for the city of Jacksonville moving forward.
Back in August, Khan and the Jaguars held a media presentation for the soon-to-be Daily’s Place amphitheater and covered flex field. After the presentation, Khan took part in a Q and A session with local media, where he was asked about the new facilities, and what it meant for the Shipyards project and the rest of the downtown development plans. Khan then expressed interest in a new convention center with an attached high end hotel across the street from the stadium along the riverfront.
“It would be a great opportunity for a high-end hotel, convention center, which, really, this town needs.” - Shad Khan on the Shipyards project.
When it comes to high end hotels, Four Seasons is a common name. With Shad Khan’s recent purchase of the Toronto location, would he have his eyes set on a second location here in Jacksonville, adjacent a new convention center? It’s too early to tell at this point, but Khan’s news in London could give us an indication of where he would like to take this project in the future.