Independence Excavating (IX) was contracted to perform extensive structural demolition, site preparation, and below-grade demolition as part of the Jacksonville’s Stadium of the Future (SOTF) renovations, a multi-year effort to modernize the home of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars and one of the region’s premier professional sports venues. Rather than constructing a new facility, the City of Jacksonville and team ownership elected to modernize the existing stadium, preserving its prime downtown location while maximizing project dollars toward premium upgrades, higher-end finishes, expanded amenities, and enhanced fan experiences. A key component of the renovation includes the installation of a new canopy system that will provide protection from the elements while maintaining the stadium’s open-air atmosphere. The canopy is designed to provide shade and cooler conditions during warmer months while also offering protection from rain, and other weather conditions, helping extend the venue’s usability and expand opportunities for year-round events.
Demolition activities are being performed within an active stadium environment while new construction occurs simultaneously, requiring continuous coordination between trades, designers, and ownership. The evolving nature of the project, coupled with ongoing design modifications and unknown existing conditions, has required IX to develop creative demolition sequencing and maintain flexibility throughout construction.
Major demolition activities include the removal of two reinforced concrete pedestrian ramps measuring approximately 30 feet wide by 300 feet long, four concrete and masonry stair towers exceeding 100 feet in height, seating and precast stadia throughout the lower bowl and upper concourse areas, more than 12 large concrete rakers and support columns, nine vomitories, 15 escalators, numerous interior and exterior stair systems, and approximately 25,000 square feet each of elevated concrete deck structures and topping slab.
IX also installed a 40,000-square-foot timber crane mat system on the playing field to support demolition and construction crane operations, performed below-grade foundation removal, mass excavation for utility tie-ins, and site preparation for future hardscape improvements.
Due to the stadium’s event schedule, the project has been executed through multiple phased construction windows. Initial demolition activities began during the 2025 offseason and included exterior escalator towers, elevated walkways, stairs, and excavation work. During the 2025 season, IX completed temporary structural bracing and partial demolition of one of the pedestrian ramps. The majority of demolition operations occurred during the 2026 offseason, including lower bowl demolition, stadia removal, stair tower demolition, foundation removal, and numerous owner-requested scope additions. Additional demolition and site preparation activities will continue through the 2027 offseason, with final project completion scheduled for 2028.
To date, IX has completed more than 500 crane picks of concrete and steel structures, including lifts exceeding 100,000 pounds. Peak operations have involved more than 110 laborers and operators working day and night shifts, seven days per week, utilizing a fleet of more than 12 cranes, including multiple 300-ton and 330-ton crawler cranes and a 600-ton crane. The project has surpassed 100,000 work hours with zero recordable incidents.
Material recycling and reuse efforts have diverted significant quantities of material from landfills, including approximately 5,000 tons of scrap metal and 20,000 tons of concrete processed through local recycling facilities.
