JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The first NFL stadium in the country to have a dog park inside is none other than TIAA Bank Field. First Coast News is getting a first look at the Pet Paradise Dog Park, which will be open for this year's Jaguars season.
Maybe your dog loves the Jags. Maybe he just likes to paddle around in the water. Either way, he could be one of some 250 dogs in the inaugural season of the dog park.
Today, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pet Paradise are releasing a virtual reality tour of their new dog park.
It will be on the south end zone patio above the Bud Zone and will be open for the Jags' first preseason game August 9.
Pet Paradise CEO Fernando Acosta-Rua tells First Coast News that all the proceeds will go to local non-profits, such as the Jax Humane Society. The goal is to give a total of $50,000.
Acosta-Rua is especially excited about the design of the dog park. He says the bone-shaped swimming pool for dogs is being custom made in Texas. "We expect it here in mid-July," he said.
Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo is the "Brand Ambassador" for the Pet Paradise park inside the stadium. Lambo has a rescue dog named Lana. Lambo said a friend "came across nine puppies and a mom left on the side of the road under a tarp, actually pretty close to the stadium." Now Lana is a key part of his family.
Lambo says he's happy the Pet Paradise plans include adoption events throughout the season.
Architect Jason Martucci from Kasper Architecture says the overall design mimics the stadium design. People have people pools raised over the field. The dogs will have a raised pool, as well. The dogs will even have a turf field with toy footballs.
Martucci says one key challenge was designing a dog park, which can be picked up and moved for the Georgia/Florida game for the extra seats put in every year. The entire dog park will be put back in place after the annual game.
The plan is to bring the dogs up the elevator and into the dog park. Anyone can come enjoy watching the dogs play.
Michael DeMartino, VP Corporate Partnerships for the Jaguars, says the unique plan is exactly what Jags owner Shad Kahn wants. DeMartino says, "He always challenges us to be forward thinking... We're so excited that this is new and different."
So how do you get your dog into the park? Basically, there are three options:
1) Enter the Pet Paradise Top Dog sweepstakes, which is already open online. Each week ten dog owners will be chosen to be at the dog park for free and also get free game tickets.
2) Visit jaxhumane.org/bid to bid on one of five game day pet packages for every Jaguars home game, which includes two game tickets, one parking pass and access for one dog to Pet Paradise Park.
3) Become a Jaguars season ticket member and get an extra chance to win. All season ticket holders can complete the form by clicking here.
Your dog must be up-to-date on vaccinations and get along with other dogs at a "Get-Acquainted" free day at a Pet Paradise location outside the stadium.