JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. \u2013 The Jacksonville Jaguars\u2019 home opener against the Cleveland Browns is Sunday, and fans are already turning out in force at team apparel stores after the team\u2019s deep playoff run last season.<\/p>\n
Nease High School\u2019s dance team spent the morning at Sports Mania on Jacksonville Beach helping sell Jaguars merchandise as the city gears up for the new season. The store was crowded with fans who said last year\u2019s success \u2014 and new and returning players \u2014 have raised expectations.<\/p>\n
Mathew Smith, who owns Sports Mania, said fans are excited about players such as Parker Washington, Brenton Strange and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh my goodness. Everybody is excited,\u201d Smith said. \u201cTrevor Lawrence putting weight on, showing command of the football field.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many shoppers recalled watching games in the stadium pool at EverBank Stadium last season. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe started the season in the pool watching the game,\u201d Melissa Klipp, a Jaguars fan, said. \u201cIt was fun. When Jaxson DeVille belly-flopped, that was distracting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Store staff said they\u2019ve seen interest from across the country and beyond. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had people in from Chicago recently … Minnesota … we actually just helped someone from Japan yesterday, so Jags nation is spread nationwide and worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n
Monday marked the start of the Jaguars\u2019 official spirit week, with businesses across the city \u2014 from neighborhood bars to national chains such as Firehouse Subs and Culver\u2019s \u2014 holding team-themed events at select locations.<\/p>\n
There is one key difference this season: construction at EverBank Stadium is expected to reduce stadium capacity and shrink traditional tailgating areas. <\/p>\n
Organizers and local business owners say that will likely push many fans who don\u2019t attend games to watch and celebrate at parties, restaurants and bars throughout Duval County.<\/p>\n
The Jaguars host the Browns on Sunday. Fans planning to attend should check traffic, parking and venue updates as construction alters usual game-day routines.<\/p>\n
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