JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars fans are ready for the postseason.
The AFC South Champion Jaguars (10-5) will host a game on Wild Card Weekend January 6-7, marking the first playoff game in Jacksonville since January 2000. How high is demand?
Not only did the team sell out its first available inventory in a little more than an hour Wednesday, it received permission from the NFL and two sponsors – Navy Mutual and the Florida Department of Transportation's "Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow" campaign -- to remove tarps that typically cover 3,501 seats at EverBank Field.
Those seats sold out in less than five minutes Friday morning with 1,200 more standing-room tickets selling out shortly thereafter.
"It's amazing," Jaguars Owner Shad Khan said in a statement. "I'm also not surprised in the least. Our fans have been waiting too long to unlock the passion they have for their team and city. The chance to show the world how great Jacksonville is as a football town is finally here and our fans came through, just as I knew they would.
"Winning pays off, but nonetheless we are grateful for the response. I only wish we could accommodate everyone."
Tickets sold thus far for the first-round playoff game: 69,132.
