It's BYOF at Jaguars games this year. At least it's optional.
The team announced this week that fans will be allowed to bring their own food into EverBank Field for NFL games. Fans have not been allowed to do this before.
There are some conditions to the new policy.
It must be unwrapped and placed inside a one-gallon clear plastic bag no larger than 11-by-11-inch standard freezer bag.
The food bags are still subject to inspection by security personnel who can deny entry of the food. The policy also applies strictly to food and not beverages. Fans requiring food or beverage for medical reasons are asked to contact its services department.
Team spokesman Dan Edwards said the new policy was motivated by enhancing fan enjoyment rather than responding to the current tough economic conditions.
"We have this offseason spent a lot of time thinking about and working on and planning ways to make the game day experience better, more inviting and something that people will look forward to and enjoy," Edwards said Friday. "This is one of several things that we talked about and we feel if this helps some people and it's well received, it's something that's good to do."
The security and facility oversight are run by SMG Jacksonville, and the company's service contract with the city is up for renewal. Edwards said SMG was consulted before implementing the bring-your-own-food policy.
"This had nothing to do with that [contract]," Edwards said. "It was something that we discussed with them [SMG] and it's a policy that we feel is the right one going forward."
A voice mail left with the SMG Jacksonville management offices Friday was not returned.
Edwards said the Jaguars are the only NFL team that allows fans to bring their own food into a stadium, as far as he knows,
Two messages left with NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy were not returned Friday.
The price of food at NFL stadiums has long been at the center of complaints from fans who have griped about escalating prices for going to just one game.
Fan were ecstatic in email comments to the Times-Union Friday.
"I think it is a great idea," said David Starr, an original season ticket holder since the Jags franchise began competition. "It will help the fans with kids. No $8 burgers! Also, some people cannot eat the [food] served down there."
Jaguars fan Michael Larson said the decision to allow fans to bring their own food into the stadium will provide for a more financially manageable trip to the game.
"It will lower the total cost of a game day experience, especially for families, leading to more people in the stands," Larson said. "Good times are ahead for Jacksonville with [Shad] Khan as our owner."
Jags fan Robert Ellison said the move is "too little, too late" and he'd prefer to see the team rack up a winning season. But still, Ellison said he is encouraged by the move.
"Finally, a good idea from the Jags organization," Ellison said. "Up until this, it has been all about the money. … Letting us bring our own food could be the deal for the Jags. It would make attending a game much more affordable, what with $8.50 hot dogs, and $6 co*kes that the Jags currently sell."
Jags fan Sissy Guinn said she sees up- and downsides to the move.
"It is good for the people who can't afford to purchase food from the concessions," Guinn said. "On the other foot, I can see where this could create a huge cleanup issue for the individuals that clean the stadium after the games. This could result in bugs, ants, odor, etc., issues and the list could go on and on."
Edwards said the self-brought food from fans won't create any extra maintenance than what would be required with concessions.
He added the team is anxious to see the fans use the new policy. But it will also monitor how it goes this year and will decide if it continues beyond the 2012 season.
drew.dixon@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4098
