Industry News

Jaguars donate tickets to refugees for crucial game

The Jacksonville Jaguars NFL American football franchise has donated 500 tickets for this Sunday’s post-season wild card game to refugees who have settled in Northeast Florida, US.

Owner Shahid Khan and the Jaguars Foundation have linked up with Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida in an effort to identify individuals who qualify for the tickets ahead of the clash with the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Field.

The Lutheran Social Services, for more than 35 years, has been aiding in the resettlement of refugees who have made the US their home after fleeing dangerous political climates or natural disasters in their own countries.

Another 500 tickets have also been donated to displaced Puerto Ricans and their families in communities throughout North and Central Florida.

For both groups, the Jaguars Foundation will be providing courtesy transportation and a souvenir. In addition, the Jaguars have partnered with Delaware North Sportservice to give each attendee a food and beverage voucher to use during the game. Recipients for all 1,000 tickets have already been identified.

“The Jaguars’ first home playoff appearance in very long time is an event that should be shared with as many people as possible, across all spectrums, who call Jacksonville their home,” Khan said.

“Whether it’s a home game in August or January, it’s important for the Jaguars to consistently be good citizens and do the right thing for our community. Hopefully the experience on Sunday will give our guests a well-deserved break from what can be severe challenges in their daily lives, and if we can give them a victory on the field, it will make for a perfect day.”

Earlier this week, the Bills appeared to take offence at a post on Twitter by the Jaguars that claimed that more tickets were available for the game due to “unused inventory from groups like the NFL, Bills, player families and internal holds”.

The Bills responded by calling the tweet “Fake news” and added: “We didn’t return any tickets. In fact, the next time you need help with a sellout, we’ll take more.”