The Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida is a major entertainment and sports venue that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Some of the main performers and teams that play at the arena are outlined below.
Jacksonville Icemen Hockey
The Jacksonville Icemen hockey team plays their home games at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. The Icemen are a professional minor league hockey team that competes in the ECHL (formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League). They have played at the arena since the 2018-2019 season after relocating from Evansville, Indiana.
The Icemen play 36 regular season home games at the arena each year, facing off against other ECHL teams like the Orlando Solar Bears, Florida Everblades, and Atlanta Gladiators. The arena has a capacity of over 13,000 for hockey games. Fans can enjoy concessions, merchandise, giveaways and a lively game atmosphere when attending an Icemen home game.
Icemen Season Highlights
Some highlights of Jacksonville Icemen seasons at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena include:
- 2018-2019 inaugural season – The Icemen debuted in Jacksonville this season after relocating from Indiana. They clinched a playoff berth in their first season in Jacksonville.
- 2019-2020 season suspended – The Icemen were having a strong season when play was halted and ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2021-2022 season – The Icemen finished in 2nd place in the regular season standings and made it to the division finals during the playoffs.
Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football
In addition to hockey, arena football comes to Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena with the Jacksonville Sharks. The Sharks are a professional indoor football team that is a member of the National Arena League (NAL).
The Jacksonville Sharks kicked off in 2010 as one of the founding members of the Arena Football League (AFL). After the AFL suspended operations in 2009, the Sharks joined the NAL which started play in 2017. The Sharks have won two league championships – one in the AFL (2011) and one in the NAL (2022).
The Sharks play 9 regular season home games each year at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, typically from April through July. Fans can enjoy a fast-paced, high-scoring indoor football experience with games featuring lots of passing, receivers, and hard hits.
Notable Sharks Players
Some standout Jacksonville Sharks players over the years have included:
- Randy Gatewood – Wide receiver who holds many Jacksonville receiving records and won 2011 AFL Championship Game MVP
- Tommy Grady – Quarterback who led Jacksonville to 2011 AFL championship and has passed for over 30,000 yards in his career
- Derrick Ross – Fullback who is the AFL’s all-time leading rusher
Concerts
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena hosts major concert tours every year featuring top artists from genres like rock, country, R&B, hip hop, and more. The arena can accommodate over 15,000 fans in concert configuration using the full arena space and floor seating.
Some notable artists who have performed concerts at the arena include:
Artist | Genre |
---|---|
Eric Church | Country |
James Taylor | Rock/Folk |
Janet Jackson | Pop/R&B |
Tool | Rock |
Bob Seger | Rock |
Ariana Grande | Pop |
Fans can check the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena website and official social media pages to see upcoming concert announcements and on-sale dates for big shows coming to the venue.
Notable Concerts
Some especially memorable concert events held at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena include:
- Elton John – October 2019, part of worldwide farewell tour
- Paul McCartney – June 2019, played over 3 hours of Beatles and solo material
- Eagles – October 2018, celebrated seminal Hotel California album
- U2 – June 2017, 30th anniversary Joshua Tree tour
Other Events
In addition to the above recurring events, Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena serves as host for many other special events throughout the year such as:
- WWE wrestling events
- Monster truck rallies
- Rodeos and bull riding competitions
- Motocross and supercross races
- College basketball tournaments
- Skating and circus shows
- Graduations and community events
The versatility of the arena allows it to accommodate this huge range of family entertainment. Events are promoted through the arena’s website, social media, email newsletters and local advertising.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Here is a look at some major events happening at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena over the next few months:
Date | Event |
---|---|
October 22 | Chris Stapleton Concert |
November 5 | Monster Jam |
November 18 | Alan Jackson Concert |
December 10 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra |
January 5 | Harlem Globetrotters |
January 14 | Disney on Ice |
Accessibility and Amenities
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena offers the following accessibility options and amenities to enhance the event experience:
- ADA accessible seating and entrances
- Companion seating for guests with disabilities
- Assistive listening devices
- Sensory rooms – quiet spaces for guests with sensory sensitivities
- Mother’s room – private space for nursing mothers
- WiFi access throughout arena
- Multiple concession stands with food, beer, wine and merchandise
- Premium seating and hospitality areas
- Ability to leave and re-enter arena for most events
Parking lots surround the arena with accessible parking and drop-off areas clearly marked. Rideshare pickup and dropoff zones are also designated outside the venue.
Getting to the Arena
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena is located in downtown Jacksonville right off I-95. The address and directions are:
- 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Take I-95 to Downtown Jacksonville exit 349B toward Bay Street
- Follow signs for event parking and arena access
Public transportation options include JTA bus service to the arena as well as the Skyway monorail system with a station at the arena.
Ticketing Information
Tickets for events at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena can be purchased through the following options:
- Online via Ticketmaster – www.ticketmaster.com or arena website
- Phone – Call 1-800-745-3000
- In person – Visit the arena box office
- Resale sites – Such as Stubhub
Pricing and availability varies by event. Fans are advised to buy from official sources and beware of scalpers or counterfeit tickets.
VIP packages, meet and greets, premium seating, and accessible seating may be available for certain shows and games. Check with the arena box office for details on premium ticket options.
Season Tickets
Season tickets allow fans to purchase seats for an entire season of home games for:
- Jacksonville Icemen Hockey
- Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football
Full and partial season ticket plans provide discounts and other perks such as giveaways, presales, and exclusive events. Interested buyers can inquire through the team websites or arena box office.
Conclusion
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena provides northeast Florida with a premier venue to experience major concerts, sporting events, family shows, and community happenings. Music lovers can rock out with their favorite bands and artists when they come to town. Hockey fans can cheer on the Jacksonville Icemen skating to victory. Football enthusiasts can catch hard-hitting arena league action with the Jacksonville Sharks. There’s always something exciting happening at The Vet!