"The Venue Excellence Award demonstrates the Jaguars' vision for EverBank Field to be the ultimate game day experience and event destination," said Mark Lamping, President of the Jacksonville Jaguars. "The soon-to-be-constructed amphitheater and flex field will continue this momentum of making EverBank Field a world class entertainment venue."

EverBank Field, which is owned by the City of Jacksonville, has increased the number of events hosted at the stadium and surrounding parking lots continuously over the last few years, all during construction of the world's largest videoboards, Jaguars Tailgate Cabanas and US Assure Clubs. After the completion of the current construction projects, EverBank Field will have two fully renovated Clubs, a new 5,000 fixed-seat amphitheater and a multi-purpose covered field, which combined with the improvements mentioned above, will offer an unparalleled guest experience. In and around these recent fan-enhancing improvements, the Jaguars' game day at EverBank Field continued in 2015 to rank at or near the top of several game day experience categories in the "NFL Voice of the Fan" Survey while achieving a Level 1 rating by the NFL in accordance with best practices for Security and Fan Conduct.

 "The City of Jacksonville is honored by this recognition of the IAVM and proud to share it with the Jacksonville Jaguars and SMG," said Mayor Lenny Curry. "EverBank Field is an incredible asset to our community and continues to deliver on the promise of creating an unparalleled experience and unique destination for the thousands of fans who attend the numerous events it hosts."

The award was announced during the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon on Monday, July 25, 2016 at the Minneapolis Convention Center as part of the VenueConnect Annual Conference & Trade Show. General Manager of SMG Jacksonville and EverBank Field, Bill McConnell, was present to accept the award on behalf of EverBank Field.

"SMG is proud to have the privilege of managing EverBank Field on behalf on the City of Jacksonville and to work in collaboration with the Jaguars to present EverBank Field to the highest of standards," McConnell said.  "SMG is thrilled at IAVM's recognition of the amazing work being done at EverBank Field, and it is just the beginning of an ongoing transformation in Jacksonville.  We look forward to being a part of this great team for many years to come as EverBank Field and the City of Jacksonville continue to reach new heights."

EverBank Field joins AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. as the most recent winners of the Venue Excellence Award in the stadium category.