Why do you think the Jacksonville Jaguars can't sell tickets?

[DSGB]

So far I heard many stories as far as economy, small market etc... but the one that really took the cake was a article that I read saying that racism was the reason. Many people not going because of David Garrard is a black QB. Thats BS!!!.... When Leftwich was there, they sold out just fine. And last year many of the people who sat by me were white and they said that if the Jaguars cut Fred Taylor (Who is a black running back) they will not renew their season tickets..... I think it is just the people of Jax not wanting to support the team if they're losing. But what is your opinion.

[CityEventsCalendar]

Yeah, it's hard to really pin it down to one thing. But when a team isn't winning, people don't look for reasons to go see them. I'm sure it's a combination of things...small market, mediocre team, economy, etc.

[ryan c]

I always thought that the fans in Florida were weird. It seems like the Marlins are in the World Series every couple of years and they still have attendance and stadium issues. Some markets just can't support their teams. The Jags will be gone soon enough, LA is already in the process of building a new stadium. If fans don't support, then a team has to look elsewhere in order to survive. And the racism thing is ridiculous. I did hear that the owner was talking about drafting Tebow to get fans to show up.

[secondeye]

I remember hearing the knock of racism on Tony Dungy in his Tampa Bay days as well. Writers have deadlines for stories, and they want to stir the pot. Obviously that isn't a valid reason.

What is a valid reason is that the economy IS in the tank, and you're in state with two other professional teams, and no shortage of other nearby NFL markets.

Put it this way, if only Jacksonville residents were allowed the luxury of buying the $50-500 NFL tickets, 16% of the population would have to fill up the stadium.

In short, the Jacksonville market is only going to strongly support an NFL franchise when they do well. I'm from MN, and people absolutely love football up here, but if the team has three losing years in a row, despite having a large fan base, they too won't buy the tickets. They won't want to miss the game, but they'll watch a team lose on T.V. in the comfort of their own home, not pay good money for the experience.

There really are only about a dozen franchises who will always sell out their games in any circumstance.

[Brian]

I don't buy it when a person says "if they don't re-sign this person im done with this team." Sports fans in general are very passionate and will say anything when they are mad at their favorite team. The simple fact is Jacksonville is just not a football city. It's the same reason the Phoenix Coyotes can't sell tickets for their NHL team, they just aren't into it. To prove my point look at all of the other football games that are held there weather it be championship games or bowl games. They also do not get good attendance. I remember last year the ACC title game was held there and the place was half empty. People can't use the "its the economy" excuse. Look at Pittsburgh's economy, and they have no problem selling tickets. Jacksonville is just not a city that cares that much about football.

[emiller1998]

Racism is BS.

Its a small market of bandwagon fans. When the team was good they sold tickets. When the team is bad they struggle. No more, no less.