Rich history, miles of beautiful beaches and waterways, deep and diverse musical and cultural roots, incredible restaurants… there are infinite reasons why this proud military town is recognized around the country as one of the best places to live and raise a family. But did you know that in addition to Jacksonville’s constant art markets, concerts, and festivals, there is also a professional sporting event occurring almost every week? Allow me to kick off your gameday on the right foot with our guide as to what to expect when you go, so you can avoid any game delays.
Football: Jacksonville Jaguars
There is one phrase known around the world that is synonymous with Jacksonville, Florida. You’ll hear it at random places around town, on national television, and anytime something exciting happens within the 904 area code. I even heard it from the border crossing guard who checked our passports coming back from Alaska and Canada into the continental U.S.! The phrase that perpetually sings in the hearts of all the locals is: DUUUVAL! This glorious phrase praising Jacksonville’s largest county was derived from superfans at the Jags football games. With their announcement in 1993 and the first season in 1995, many of us in this group grew up with the team. The Jags — win or lose — have such a special place in our hearts and can do no wrong.
And if anyone ever asks you: Myles Jack WAS NOT down.
What to expect when you take your family to a Jags game:
To have fun before the game starts. Don’t wait until game time to show up! There is a Fan Entertainment Zone right outside of Daily’s Place with giveaways, games, and coloring walls. Inside Daily’s Place is even cooler (literally and figuratively). Kiddos can run football training maneuvers, jump in bounce houses, meet players and cheerleaders past and present, watch the D-Line perform, and beat the heat in the shaded practice field. It opens three hours before every home game and is definitely worth the wait in line.
To have a blast. The game kicks off with a local military air salute, fireworks, and fun pyrotechnics.
To meet a crazy mascot. Our mischievous mascot, Jaxon De Ville, who has been inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame is also responsible for many of the NFL’s mascot rule changes. He’ll keep everyone on their toes, whether he’s bungee jumping off of the scoreboard or just causing constant mayhem in general.
For it to be HOT! Or Wet. Or Cold. Florida weather, need I say more? Our current stadium is open air, meaning for the majority of the game, you’ll be at the mercy of the Florida sun, especially depending on which side of the stadium you are in. Make sure to slather on the SPF, drink A LOT of water, and take shade breaks inside if you need to. On our few cold game days, you’ll miss that sun and want to bundle up. We are in the process of planning a new stadium with a covered roof, so major changes will be coming in the next few years.
Nursing rooms. There are a few designated clean, quiet, air-conditioned rooms for mamas who are nursing or need to take little bits out of the heat.
Sensory aids. Not too far from the nursing Mom Pods, there is a sensory room. You can also go to Guest Services to check out a sensory bag that includes noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and mood meters.
Get a birthday or first game certificate. If you happen to be celebrating a first game or birthday, you can request a special button and award from Guest Services. This can be done in advance or sometimes on gameday, and it’s a souvenir that not many folks know about!
Don’t expect monetary change. They are on a cashless system, so be prepared to use your card everywhere.
Outside food is allowed. All guests are allowed one bottled water per person, and if you have an intolerance or allergy, unwrapped outside food placed inside a one-gallon clear plastic bag is permitted but subject to inspection.
Babies need a lap pass. If your little is under 23 months old, you’ll need to get a free lap pass ticket from the game day box office. If they are older than that, they will need an actual ticket purchased for them.
Florida-Georgia Bonus: Once a year, our beloved Jaguars at EverBank are painted over with a grumpy bulldog and a hungry alligator. Why, may you ask? Well for none other than to host the almost 100-year rivalry of the Florida-Georgia SEC football game. Jacksonville has been hosting this epic event, known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” since 1933, as it was the closest place both teams could meet by train. Outside of when Jacksonville hosted the Super Bowl in 2005, this is the most attended (and tailgated) game at EverBank Stadium each year.
EverBank Stadium: 1 EverBank Stadium Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Jaguars.com | Schedule | Buy Tickets
Hockey: Jacksonville Icemen
Steamy North Florida and ice hockey don’t sound like they could go together, but trust me, it’s a match made in sports heaven! In fact, our Jacksonville Icemen have the record largest fanbase of any other ECHL or AHL team! This is hands (or sticks) down one of the absolute best family events you can attend in Jax. From the moment you walk into the arena to the moment you leave, there is nothing but constant fun.
What to expect when you take your family to an Icemen game:
For it to be cold despite the Icemen bringing the heat! The arena is about 54F on game days, making it a great way to beat the Florida heat. Make sure to bring a jacket or blanket to snuggle up in and stay warm.
Bring a clear bag. Clear bags are preferred in the Vystar Veteran’s Arena, and they aren’t real fond of outside food or drinks. For instance, we won prepackaged kettle corn from one of their sponsored vendors right outside the arena, and we were not allowed to bring it inside. But we haven’t yet had an issue with baby food or bottles.
Another hilarious mascot! A rascally Husky named Fang who wears jersey K-9, is a beloved member of the Icemen team. Known for wildly roaming the crowd throughout the game, don’t be surprised if you get popcorn dumped on your head or a T-shirt tossed to you from across the arena.
Giveaways galore! You will more likely than not walk away without some kind of souvenir from this game. Whether it’s a free donut, ice cream, coffee, or tickets to a show, you name it, they give it away! They even have cat and dog statues parachuting prizes from the ceiling!
Arrive early. We made the mistake the first few games of coming right around game time. Now we know that coming an hour early will give us access to indoor and outdoor games, vendors passing out swag bags, and you may see a sloth or some of the other animals local societies bring in to share and highlight their cause. You can also watch the teams warm up and catch a stray practice puck if you’re lucky!
Chants. if you don’t know this on your first visit, it’s not your fault. However, if you don’t catch on by the end of the game, “it’s all your fault!” There are numerous fun and often cheeky chants to take part in.
Huge audience interaction. Whether it be the chants, dance cams, the beginning of the 3rd-period riot light show, or the utter mayhem after a goal is scored, there is always something going on to keep the audience engaged.
Intermission performances. During the period breaks, you’ll be entertained by local dance teams, choirs, bands, and more.
For it to be a little rowdy. One thing about hockey is things can get a little bit dicey at times. There is a very strong chance that you will witness one if not many fights on the ice, especially if the gloves come off! Just be prepared and know that that is a normal occurrence for hockey games.
Child tickets. Kiddos over age 2 will need their own ticket purchased.
Games take place on different days and times. Unlike many of the other Jax sports teams, the Icemen play on different days and at different times throughout their season. You can catch a morning, afternoon, or night game on most Wednesdays through Sundays, and even a Tuesday game once in a while.
Theme nights. Almost every night has some sort of theme you can participate in: Marvel, Harry Potter, Pucks and Paws where you can bring your dog; just about every game is built around something special above and beyond the awesome hockey.
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena: 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32202
JacksonvilleIcemen.com | Schedule | Buy Tickets
Arena Football: Jacksonville Sharks
When the ice melts, the sharks come out! These 4x IFL Champions also play at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, but on the True Vet field. They turn their opponents to “Chum”!
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena: 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32202
jaxsharks.com | Schedule | Buy Tickets
Baseball: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Root, root, root for the home team and make your way out to the 121 Financial Ballpark for a Shrimp game! Named after our bustling Mayport shrimping industry, the Minor League Baseball Jumbo Shrimp have been shelling out wins since 2016. Our AAA level team has an emphasis on affordable family fun and boasts ticket prices starting at $5. There’s no better way to celebrate summer nights than taking part in this great American pastime!
What to expect when you take your family to a Jumbo Shrimp game:
Baseball’s never been hotter! For a team appropriately known as the Jacksonville Suns for 54 years, the ballgames can get understandably hot. Make sure to load up on SPF and bring a ball cap, especially for little ones.
Peanuts and cracker jacks. But better yet, delicious $2 hot dogs! No outside food is allowed, but we haven’t had any issues with baby food and bottles.
Kid Zone. For a $5 wristband, your kiddos will have access to multiple inflatables, pitching games, and more. The Kid Zone opens an hour before game time and remains available for reentry up until the 7th inning.
Bring your mitt. You never know when you may be the lucky one to catch a foul ball!
No baggage. Small purses and diaper bags are allowed, but that’s about it.
Friday night lights. After every Friday game, there is a fireworks spectacular.
Thirsty Thursday. Beers are available for $2 on Thursdays. This draws in quite a younger crowd, which at times can be a little uproarious…
Save a seat! Children 3 and under do not need a ticket unless they need their own seat.
Run the bases. After Sunday games, kids are able to come down and run the bases.
Rain delay. If a storm puts a damper on the event, the game can either be delayed or rescheduled. Check the Shrimp website for rain updates on game days and you may even be able to get a replacement ticket.
Cozy outdoor seating. If stadium seats are not your favorite, you can purchase a berm seat. Bring your own blanket and enjoy the game at your leisure from the grass.
Tiki Terrace. Just past the berm lies the Tiki Terrace, where you can grab a specialty drink and watch from a high-top table.
Southpaw and Scampi. It wouldn’t be a Jacksonville sports team without a mascot… or two! The Jumbo Shrimp have a fuzzy pink shrimp, appropriately named Scampi, and good old Southpaw from the Suns era.
121 Financial Ballpark: 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32202
milb.com/jacksonville | Schedule | Buy Tickets
Note: All of these major venues above are conveniently located in the same area in Downtown Jacksonville. It makes being familiar with the area easier but can be a problem for parking when multiple games are being played at the same time.
Soccer
The Jacksonville Armada sailed into a new league, MLS NEXTPRO, in 2023 and will start playing again in 2025.
Sporting JAX is our future USL professional men’s and women’s soccer teams owned by hometown heroes Tim Tebow and Fred Taylor. Their seasons will kick off in 2025(W) and 2026(M). Stay tuned!
Basketball: UNF Ospreys
While technically not a professional team, our UNF Ospreys have swooped into some pretty awesome standings. They went “sky high” in 2015 when they qualified for the NCAA Division I tournament for the first time and have continued to “soar” ever since.
University of North Florida: 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
unfospreys.com/sports/mens-basketball | Schedule | Buy Tickets
As you can see, we have no shortage of professional sports in Jacksonville, Florida. By becoming a fan of each team, you’ll have something to do with your family all year long!
