Jaguars, Bold Events, to begin phase one of re-opening amid coronavirus

The Jaguars and Bold Events are set to begin phase one of their re-opening plan in accordance to league guidelines on May 26th.

All personnel have been restricted from re-entering the facility since March 12th, and have been operating on a virtual basis amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The reopening of the Jaguars office under established NFL guidelines represents a positive next step toward the return of Jaguars football,” said Jaguars President Mark Lamping in a statement released by the team this morning.

“The Jaguars have remained open for business throughout the last several weeks, and I’m exceptionally proud of how our employees transitioned to virtual collaboration. They maintained the same high standard of customer service our fans have come to expect and have found creative ways to keep fans informed, engaged, active and entertained. Just as we will do for our fans, players and coaches, the Jaguars will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of our staff.” 

The Jaguars organization have worked diligently in working out how to re-open, safely, led by Lamping, head coach Doug Marrone, general manager Dave Caldwell, chief legal officer Megha Parekh and head athletic trainer Scott Trulock, who will become the team’s newly appointed Infection Control Officer.

“ Following NFL protocol for the reopening of club facilities, the Jaguars have established an Infectious Response Team (IRT), which consists of team leadership, medical personnel and employees from the security, operations and legal departments. 

“The IRT, led by Head Team Physician Kevin Kaplan, Team Internist Mike Yorio and Infectious Disease Physician Ken Meyer, has been in constant communication to ensure that the health and safety of all employees is paramount and have enacted the following protocols in conjunction with all NFL guidelines and advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local and state government,” the team said in a statement.

In conjunction with the league rules, NFL teams are not permitted to allow any coaches into the facility in an effort to establish a fair re-opening during phase one. Not all states in which NFL teams reside will have the capability to re-open in accordance to their local government’s protocols.

 With the IRT, the Jaguars will be able to screen all employees - requiring training exercises, questionnaires, and multiple temperature checks -, and may allow a maximum of 75, but no greater than 50% of the team’s football staff to return to work at the facility beginning on May 26th.

Groups permitted to return to the facility, include: football operations, strength and conditioning, athletic training, equipment, facility management and technology.

“Between now and May 26, the team is finalizing and testing its safety protocols before admitting new employees. The safety protocols include adding additional signage, education about respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene, ensuring social distancing where possible, placing markings on the floor to help with social distancing, and implementing a process to audit cleaning protocols.”

Employees that return to the facility will all do so on a voluntary basis and masks must be worn by all employees working in the stadium unless they are alone in their office. If the employees work closely, the Jaguars will have a “strategic entry plan” to maintain proper social distancing, instituting a rotational work schedule based on office location and timing.

“Coaches and players, besides those players currently undergoing medical rehabilitation, are not permitted to be at the club facility at this time. In addition, to maintain the integrity of the team’s safety procedures, all non-employee visitors are also not permitted at TIAA Bank Field at this time. Fans and vendors with questions are encouraged to contact the Jaguars ticket office at (904) 633-2000 with any questions.”