In the NFL’s continuing quest to convince fans not to abandon the stadium experience for the comforts of home, providing fans in the stands with reliable Wi-Fi connections for their smart phones and tablets is a priority. So NFL teams are spending significant money on improving their internet connections.
But it’s not just the teams spending money. In some cases it’s also the taxpayers.
In Jacksonville, taxpayers will spend $1.25 million for improved Wi-Fi service at EverBank Field, where the Jaguars play their home games, according to WOKV. The expenditure is part of a larger $63 million upgrade at EverBank Field, of which the Jaguars are paying $20 million and the taxpayers are paying $43 million.
It’s fair to ask whether $1.25 million for Wi-Fi at NFL games is a good use of taxpayer money, but Jacksonville’s elected leaders have decided that it is. They’re committed to keeping the Jaguars in town -- and to spending the taxpayers’ money to do so.