Jacksonville Jaguars Indoor Practice Facility

Jacksonville Jaguars Indoor Practice Facility

Built around a deadline that couldn’t move

Some projects allow room for adjustment. This one didn’t.

With the 2023 NFL training camp set on the calendar, the Jacksonville Jaguars needed a new performance center ready for use with no extensions, no delays. At the same time, the facility had to support every aspect of football operations, from training and recovery to strategy and day-to-day team functions.

That combination, fixed timing and complex requirements, shaped how the project came together.

Working with Harrell Construction Co., Inc., a Varco Pruden^™ Builder, the team developed a 98,000-square-foot indoor practice facility as part of the broader Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. The approach focused on coordination early, allowing structure, systems and program elements to align before construction reached the field.

As Jaguars President Mark Lamping noted, “With a firm completion date in advance of Training Camp 2023, and despite the tight schedule, supply chain issues, and market labor challenges, the team demonstrated an ability to face every issue head-on and make immediate decisions to mitigate any effect on schedule and budget.”

That mindset carried through every phase of the project.

Space that supports performance

At the center of the facility is a 220-foot clear span indoor practice field, stretching 420 feet in length. The scale allows uninterrupted training space, giving players and coaches the flexibility to run full-speed drills regardless of weather conditions.

Achieving that span required a coordinated structural approach. A combination of rigid frame, conventional steel and Continuous Beam systems work together to support the building’s size while maintaining open interior space.

The roof system, built with the SSR™ Roof System, integrates clerestory framing and translucent wall panels to bring natural light into the practice field. This reduces reliance on artificial lighting while creating a more consistent visual environment for training.

Beyond the field, the facility connects directly to adjacent outdoor practice areas, allowing teams to transition between environments without disruption. That continuity supports daily routines and keeps operations moving efficiently.

Inside the broader performance center, the layout brings together locker rooms, training and medical spaces, meeting rooms and offices. The positioning of these areas is intentional, each function connects logically to the next, reducing travel time and supporting communication across the organization.

Coordination across systems and teams

Delivering a project of this scale on a fixed schedule required more than strong design. It required alignment across every team involved.

Structural systems had to support not only the large spans of the practice field but also the integration of mechanical, electrical and performance technologies throughout the building. At the same time, the facility needed to accommodate public-facing spaces, including areas used during training camp and events.

That level of complexity meant decisions couldn’t happen in isolation.

Teams worked in parallel, coordinating structural design, fabrication and construction sequencing to keep progress steady. Steel components were planned and delivered in a way that supported efficient erection, reducing time spent on site without sacrificing accuracy.

The result is a building where systems fit together as intended without the need for extensive adjustments during construction.

More than a training facility

While the primary focus is on performance, the facility also plays a role in the broader development of downtown Jacksonville.

The Miller Electric Center is part of a larger effort to reimagine the area surrounding the stadium, creating a destination that supports both the team and the community. Public spaces within the complex allow fans to engage with the team during training camp and events, extending the building’s reach beyond daily operations.

Material choices reinforce that connection

A combination of metal, glass and concrete creates a durable exterior, while selective use of natural materials adds warmth to key areas. Daylighting strategies help blur the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, bringing a sense of openness to the facility.

These decisions support both function and experience, creating a space that feels connected to its surroundings without losing its focus.

A facility that delivers on its purpose

Completed in February 2023 and recognized as a 2024 Hall of Fame “Best of Category” winner in Recreation, the Miller Electric Center reflects what can be achieved when coordination, timing and purpose align.

For the Jaguars, the facility provides a consistent environment for training, recovery and preparation. For the project team, it demonstrates how complex requirements can be translated into a clear, buildable solution.

And for the broader community, it represents a step forward in shaping a more connected and active downtown.

In the end, the success of the project comes back to how it performs, not just on opening day, but every day that follows.