Jaguars vs. Giants: Gameday activities revolve around NFL's 'Crucial Catch' weekend
The Jaguars return home on Sunday to face the New York Giants. After a promising 2-1 start, the Jags (2-4) have lost three in a row but are unbeaten against the Giants (5-1) in three home games.
Here are the highlights for Sunday, before and during the game:
Crucial Catch
This is "Crucial Catch" week in the NFL. Since 2009 the league and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to fight cancer through awareness at NFL games, especially the burden of cancer in under-resourced communities.
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Crucial Catch promotes the prevention and early detection of cancer, which can impact anyone at any age, and increases access to lifesaving cancer screenings. Since 2009, Crucial Catch has raised more than $24 million and impacted over one million people in communities that need it most.
The money raised through Crucial Catch supports the American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates, implementing nationwide grants for empowerment and equity (CHANGE) program. This program promotes health equity and addresses cancer early detection disparities through community-based cancer prevention programs that increase access to necessary cancer screenings.
Fans will see the official multi-colored logo around TIAA Bank Field and on helmet decals, cleats, towels, sideline caps and other equipment. The Jaguars will salute cancer survivors, those still battling and the healthcare workers who care for them throughout Sunday’s game.
During the first quarter, fans will have an opportunity to honor loved ones that have been impacted by cancer. Florida Blue will provide 60,000 “I Stand For” signs where fans can write the name of a special person in their life that has been diagnosed with cancer.
Baptist Health Buddy Bus
For the second time this month, Baptist Health and the Jaguars are teaming up to bring the Buddy Bus to TIAA Bank Field during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The bus will provide the same technology, service, and atmosphere as brick and mortar sites and will only take 10 minutes to complete. There is a waiting area, private dressing rooms, and a complete exam room staffed with registered technologists. In order to receive a mammogram, guests can register here prior to gameday. Appointments will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Guests must be at least 40 years old. There is a 10-year exception to as low as 30 if a family member was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Guests will receive their results by mail following the event.
Florida Blue giveaway
This week’s game sponsor, Florida Blue, will give a foam No. 1 finger to the first 30,000 fans.
Arrive early
Jaguars fans are urged to arrive early because construction around the sports complex will impact traffic patterns. Parking lots will open four hours prior to kickoff. All parking passes have QR codes on the back that provide specific directions to each parking lot at and around TIAA Bank Field.
Pregame lineup
• The first "Duuuval!" will be performed by breast cancer survivor Michele Sahdala.
• The Jacksonville Symphony will perform the National Anthem.
• The Naval Station Mayport Color Guard will present the colors.
• Four T-38 Talons from the 325th Fighter Wing out of Tyndall Air Force Base will perform the flyover. The 325th Fighter Wing flies F-22 Raptor and T-38 Talon aircraft and sustains ready forces for worldwide deployment in support of combat operations.
Halftime entertainment
It's the Marching 100's turn. After an appearance earlier this season by the Bethune-Cookman University marching band, Florida A&M will show up and show out at halftime. FAMU has performed at five Super Bowls and three Presidential inaugural parades.
Fan Reminders
• The NFL’s clear bag policy is in effect at TIAA Bank Field. Fans are encouraged to leave all bags at home, but, if one is necessary, it should be either a clear bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” or a non-clear bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5.”
• Fans should have their mobile tickets downloaded and ready to scan prior to arriving at the entry gates. To access your tickets, download the Official Jaguars Mobile App.
• Cash is no longer accepted anywhere in the stadium. In addition to traditional scan and chip options, all fixed points of sale will offer tap or scan payment options including JagsPay, Apple, Google and Samsung Pay.
• TIAA Bank Field is a smoke-free facility. All tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) are prohibited. No guest re-entry will be permitted.
Game day schedule
9 a.m. -- All parking lots open.
10 a.m. -- Walk-up ticket office opens between Gates 2 and 3; media will call opens near Gate 1; Fan Entertainment Zone opens between Gates 1 and 4.
11 a.m. -- All stadium gates open.
12:22 p.m. -- Team warmups begin
12:47 p.m. -- Performance by The Roar.
12:49 p.m. -- Jaxson De Ville aerial stunt
12:50 p.m. -- First Duuuval! delivered by breast cancer survivor Michele Sahdala.
12:54 p.m. -- Jaguars defensive player introductions.
12:57 p.m. -- National Anthem
1:02 p.m. -- Kickoff
Contact Garry Smits at gsmits@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @GSmitter
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars vs. Giants: NFL's 'Crucial Catch' raises cancer awareness
