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Jaguars owner Shad Khan and president Mark Lamping held a "State of the Franchise" press conference on Tuesday to discuss all things Jaguars, and much of the talk had very little to do with the recently adjusted roster. Instead the talk revolved around the problem's the franchise has faced away from the field and how the team plans to address those struggles in the future.
The simple reality is that the Jaguars still are one of the NFL's least popular franchises. That's a reality that the Jaguars understand and addressed on Tuesday:
#Jaguars president Mark Lamping said the team has the smallest TV audience in the NFL.
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) May 13, 2014
#Jaguars president Mark Lamping said they're addressing ratings problem by increasing radio + TV affiliate networks, additional fan forums.
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) May 13, 2014
While the team has struggled to snag the interest of national audiences, Lamping spoke highly of the first year of the team's London project:
"London now accounts for 15% of the team's total revenue." -- #Jaguars president Mark Lamping
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) May 13, 2014
#Jaguars president Mark Lamping said #Jaguars are now the 9th most popular team in UK.
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) May 13, 2014
The focus of the press conference though, was on Jacksonville and EverBank Field, where the team has some plans in motion. Among the announced changes was the addition seats on the field that were compared to "courtside seats," the decision not to change ticket prices, potential indoor practice facilities at the Jacksonville Shipyards and a proposed renovation of the club section at EverBank Field.
Here's the proposed #Jaguars club seat upgrade. Fewer seats, enhanced experience. pic.twitter.com/dsvuAfPHzN
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) May 13, 2014
"We want to win. We will win. But the experience will be fabulous." -- #Jaguars owner Shad Khan
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) May 13, 2014
Following the press conference, Khan spoke with J.P. Shadrick of Jaguars.com about a range of topics, including wide receiver Justin Blackmon.
Khan called Blackmon's indefinite suspension and struggles an "absolute tragedy" and that he has difficulties expressing disappointment in the situation. Blackmon was the first player drafted by the Jaguars following Khan's 2011 purchase of the team.
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