JACKSONVILLE – The City of Jacksonville and the Jaguars are joining forces yet again.

This time, it's to help ensure the Jaguars' lone 2013 regular-season appearance on national television has a festive, prime-time feel.

Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown and Jaguars President Mark Lamping were among those in attendance on Tuesday as the city and team announced they had joined forces to present a tailgate party before the Jaguars' game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, December 5 at EverBank Field.

"It's not that often we get to showcase our community on national television," Lamping said. "We have our one chance this season next Thursday. We have a lot to be proud of here in Jacksonville. A lot of people think that our fan support is different than it actually is, so this is the one chance we have from coast to coast to let people know what a great environment this is for football.

"We're also going to try to make this as much fun as we possibly can, so we're going to have a special tailgate party."

Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley also attended the press conference Tuesday, as did Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Don Davis.

"We talk to our players about, 'We'll go anywhere, anytime for the chance to compete,''' Bradley said. "We have that opportunity a week from Thursday."

The event will be held in Lot TT at the South end of the stadium from 5:30-8 p.m.

Anyone with a game ticket will be admitted free to the event, which will include a Bud Light Beer Garden presented by PRI Productions. The event also will include corn hole and an Army/Navy Outdoor Shooting Gallery as well as music from Split Tone and Charlie Walker.

Families are encouraged to attend, with Brown not only encouraging fans to attend but encouraging Jacksonville businesses to close early that day to allow fans to attend the event and game.

"They're not just a team – this is our team," Brown said. "Next week, we all have a chance to show our support on an international level."