Determining which side of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ TIAA Bank Field stadium gets the most shade is an important consideration for fans attending games, especially in the hot early fall weather at the start of the NFL season. The answer depends on several factors, including the time of day, time of year, and stadium design.
Quick Answer
The north side of TIAA Bank Field tends to be in the most shade, particularly in the afternoon as the sun sets in the west. Sections in the northeast corner are shaded earliest, while the northwest corner sees shade late in the day. The east side also sees some shade in the afternoon.
What Factors Determine Stadium Shade?
There are a few key factors that impact which sections of the stadium are shaded:
- Time of day – The sun’s position in the sky determines where shadows are cast. In the morning, the west side is shaded. In the afternoon, the east side sees more shade as the sun sets in the west.
- Time of year – The sun’s angle and length of day differ throughout the year. Early in the NFL season, late September and October, the sun angle is higher, resulting in shorter shadows.
- Stadium design – The orientation of the stadium and any overhangs or upper decks can provide shade for some sections.
- Weather – Cloud cover can provide shade even if the sun is overhead.
Understanding these factors allows fans to determine which sections will be shaded based on game time and date.
When is Shade Most Important at TIAA Bank Field?
Here are key considerations around when shade is most desirable at Jaguars games:
- Early season games – August and September NFL games occur during the hottest times of year in Jacksonville. High temperatures are usually in the low 90s, with high humidity.
- Afternoon games – Games played at 1pm or 4pm occur when the sun is highest in the sky. Its rays directly hit the west stands in the afternoon.
- Clear weather – Cloudy days provide natural shade, reducing the need to pick shaded seats.
Fans attending early season afternoon games on sunny days will get the most relief from choosing seats on the stadium’s shaded side.
Which Sections are in the Shade?
Here are some of the best shaded sections in TIAA Bank Field by time of day:
Morning Games
- West Side – Sections 140-145 are under the overhang of the upper deck, providing shade in the morning.
- North End Zone – Sections 237-239 are shaded by the upper deck for most of the morning.
Afternoon Games
- North Side – Sections 131-135 have shade from the overhang during the afternoon.
- East Side – Sections 114-118 begin to see shade late in afternoon games as the sun angles to the west.
- Northeast Corner – Sections 236-237 are the first areas to get shade as the sun sets.
Fans wanting shade for early season 4pm games should target tickets on the east side or northeast corner.
When is the North Side Shaded?
The north side of TIAA Bank Field, which includes sections 131-140, tends to have the most shade during afternoon games due to the overhang from the upper deck:
- Early shade – The northeast corner sees shade around 2pm for 4pm games.
- Most shade – Between 3-5pm, most of the north side is shaded as sun angles to the west.
- Late shade – The northwest corner gets shade in the final minutes as sunset approaches.
For 1pm games, the north side shade becomes most prominent after 2pm.
Does Stadium Shade Really Matter?
Sitting in the shade may seem trivial, but there are some real benefits for fans:
- Cooler temperatures – Shaded seats can be 5-15°F cooler than seats in direct sun.
- Comfort – Less sweat and squinting makes for a more comfortable experience.
- Safety – Reduced risk of heat stroke, sun burn, and dehydration.
- See better – Improved views without glare from sunlight.
Along with hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hydration, shade is part of enjoying the game safely on hot sunny days.
When is Shade Not as Important?
While the North Side is best for shade, there are some game situations when shade may not matter as much:
- Night games – No sun means no need for shade!
- Cooler weather – Shade provides less relief when temperatures are mild.
- Cloudy days – Overcast skies provide natural shade, reducing the need to pick shaded seats.
- Indoor stadiums – Games at indoor venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta require no shade planning.
If attending a night game or late season game in December, shade should not factor into seat selection.
How to Check Shade for Specific Games
The exact sun position varies throughout the NFL season. To identify shade for a specific game date and time:
- Use a sun position calculator entered with Jacksonville’s location and game date/time.
- Consult the stadium virtual 3D stadium map, which shows sun location for historic games.
- Look at photos from games played at the same time of year to see which sections were shaded.
This research can help identify the optimal shaded seats for any game.
Best Seats in the Shade
For fans who prioritize shade, here are some of the best ticket options:
North End Zone
- Sections 234-239 have shade from the upper deck.
- Top rows get shade earliest for afternoon games.
- Allows view of both sidelines and both end zones.
Upper Sideline
- North side upper sections 131-135 avoid direct sun.
- Higher view above lower stands.
- Closest sideline view of the game.
Upper Corners
- Northeast corner 240-242 and northwest corner 140-142.
- View both sideline and end zone action.
Arriving early to tailgate also ensures getting parking spots with best shade access.
Conclusion
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ TIAA Bank Field sees the most shade on the north side during afternoon games, especially sections 131-140 and 234-239. East stands also begin to shade later in the day. Consulting sun position tools for specific game dates and buying tickets accordingly provides relief from the heat and sun. While night games and cold weather reduce shade importance, fans attending early season afternoon matchups will appreciate selecting shaded seats.