Tillie K. Fowler: “on November 30, 1993, Jacksonville, FL, was declared the final winner in the hotly contested race to become a National…”

“on November 30, 1993, Jacksonville, FL, was declared the final winner in the hotly contested race to become a National Football League expansion city. Due to the heroic efforts of ``Touchdown Jacksonville,'' Wayne Weaver, Tom Petway, and the entire community, Jacksonville--against great odds--broke away from the competition and crossed the finish line victorious. In choosing our city, the NFL officially recognized northeast Florida as part of a vital and expanding area, with a promising future. They also recognized the appetite for football in the home of the Gatorbowl, and their faith was not misplaced. Jaguars ticket sales took off like a rocket, leading to sellout status within 40 days of the announcement-- with 70,000 tickets sold for each of the next 3 years. I am proud of our city, and I have no doubt that our new team will mirror the determination and enthusiasm of their fans. I am also confident that their opponents will soon learn what those of us in northeast Florida already know--the Jaguars are on the prowl.”