In Jacksonville, the buzz of playoff action is palpable as the Jaguars brace themselves for a showdown with the formidable Buffalo Bills. The excitement marks a significant moment, as it’s the team’s first playoff appearance since 2023.

To celebrate this milestone, the City of Jacksonville organized a vibrant event dubbed “Playoffs in the Park” on Saturday. Held at Riverfront Plaza, the gathering brought together families and fans from all corners of the city for a jubilant pregame festivity.

The event was a delightful mix of entertainment and community spirit, offering everything from lawn games and live music to face painting and a variety of food trucks, all setting the perfect stage for Sunday’s eagerly awaited postseason game.

Fans of the Jaguars, speaking to First Coast News, expressed a strong sense of confidence and optimism as they look forward to watching their team take on the Bills.

“I think we’re going to the Super Bowl because people are saying we’re the most dangerous team and it’s true,” one Jags fan said.

Another fan, Jessie Martin, says this matchup means more to him than most. Martin grew up in Buffalo and was a Bills fan from the age of 10, but at 36, he says he became a Jaguars fan, now for more than two decades.

Martin explained the moment he decided to switch teams.

“There’s a lifelong rivalry between the Bills and the Dolphins and I don’t like the Dolphins, so 2000 they beat them,” said Martin. “The Jags did 62 to 7 in the playoffs. I was a young kid, I said, ‘That’s my team’ from then on and so.”

He says Sunday’s game carries a deep personal meaning.

“Over the years I’ve had to learn to like things other than winning – being involved with the team, being involved with the culture, and now winning just feels good. You know, it means everything, and I’m excited to have this matchup against the team that I used to like and still like, but not as much as the Jags” said Martin.

Martin also expressed confidence in the Jaguars’ franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.

“I always knew Trevor was the man, but you know, it was hard to see him go through what he did with the injuries and the team success not being what I would hope,” said Martin. “But, I’m confident because he’s playing like he’s ballin’ man, he’s just, he’s hungry.”

Kickoff for Bills-Jaguars at EverBank Stadium Sunday is set for 1 p.m.