Sporting JAX move up ticket sale date, announce home game themes
'We've been floored by the incredible response from the First Coast community since launching our season ticket sales in April,' says Sporting JAX President and CEO Steve Livingstone. 'With rising demand and only 9,400 seats at Hodges Stadium, we want everyone to have a chance to be part of this historic first season. But our club has always stood for something bigger than soccer, and our themed match nights reflect the spirit of the First Coast to ensure every fan feels seen, inspired, and connected.'
▶ Listen to Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews
Sporting JAX announced the following theme nights for the club's preseason and regular season matches:
Preseason Matches: International Women's Soccer Series, presented by Visit Jacksonville
Saturday, Aug. 2: vs. Hibernian FC (Scotland)
Inaugural Match: Sporting JAX takes the field for the very first time to face off against Scottish Women's Premier League champions Hibernian Women FC.
Sunday, Aug. 10: vs. Wrexham AFC (Wales)
Superhero Night/Back to School: Celebrating educators and students with a night of fun, giveaways, and a cameo by Deadpool!
2025/2026 Inaugural Season Home Match Schedule
Saturday, Aug. 23: vs. DC Power FC (Home Opener)
First official Gainbridge Super League match: Presented by Ascension St. Vincent's, experience the excitement of the league's first match with pre-game festivities, Fan Zone debut, and a spectacular post-match fireworks show.
Saturday, Sep. 6: vs. Dallas Trinity FC
Healthcare & Hispanic Heritage Night: Honoring healthcare heroes and celebrating Hispanic heritage across our region.
Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Carolina Ascent FC
International Night: A global celebration through food, music, and community.
Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC
Soccer For All/Disability Awareness Night: A night for fans and athletes of all abilities, along with the club's Florida Cup rivalry series kickoff.
Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC
Military Appreciation Night: Saluting active-duty service members and veterans with powerful tributes and in-game recognition.
Saturday, Dec. 13: vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC
Youth Sports Night presented by adidas: Highlighting future stars of the game with special appearances and programming for local youth teams and clubs.
Saturday, Dec. 20: vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC
Holiday Celebration: Festive fun for the whole family with seasonal entertainment, holiday giveaways, and joyful surprises.
Saturday, Jan. 31: vs. Carolina Ascent FC
Heroes Night presented by Ascension St. Vincent's: Honoring first responders, healthcare workers and everyday heroes who make a difference in our community.
Saturday, Feb. 7: vs. DC Power FC
Lift Every Voice Celebration: A tribute to Black heritage, leadership, and legacy across Jacksonville and beyond.
Wednesday, Feb. 11: vs. Spokane Zephyr FC
Student Night presented by UNF: A high-energy night dedicated to students with discounts and giveaways.
Saturday, Mar. 28: vs. Spokane Zephyr FC
Women in Jax: Recognizing women who lead, inspire, and shape the future in sports, business, and beyond.
Saturday, April 4: vs. Brooklyn FC
High School Soccer Night presented by Episcopal School of Jacksonville: Showcasing the talent and passion of high school soccer programs throughout the First Coast.
Saturday, April 25 vs. Lexington SC
Faith & Family Night: A night of fellowship, shared values, and uplifting community moments.
Sunday, May 3 vs. Brooklyn FC
Fan Appreciation Night: A heartfelt thank you to the best fans in the league, featuring surprise giveaways and celebration-worthy moments.
[This post is based largely on a press release from Sporting JAX]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
10 minutes ago
- New York Times
Teddy Bridgewater, Bucs QB, opens up about ‘difficult' suspension from Florida high school
In his introductory press conference with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater opened up about the suspension levied against him by Miami Northwestern Senior High School, his alma mater. Bridgewater served as the head football coach at the school for the 2024 season, leading his team to a Class 3A state title in his first year at the helm. Advertisement Bridgewater was suspended by the school amid an investigation by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) into alleged impermissible benefits provided by Bridgewater. The week before he was suspended, Bridgewater asked Northwestern fans on Facebook for donations for player expenses, including pregame meals and Uber fares. 'I think everyone knows that I'm a cheerful guy, a cheerful giver, as well,' Bridgewater said on Wednesday. 'And I'm a protector. I'm a father first, before anything. When I decided to coach, those players became my sons. I wanted to make sure that I just protect them in the best way that I can. I think that's what came about. 'Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood and sometimes things can happen when kids are walking home and different things like that, so I just tried to protect them, give them a ride home instead of them having to take those dangerous walks.' According to US News and World Report, 75% of Miami Northwestern students are considered economically disadvantaged. 'It was very — it was difficult,' Bridgewater said. 'I have so many relationships with those young men down there in South Florida at Miami Northwestern… it's a great group of kids, man. They see so much hope when they look at me. I always said, it's food for my soul. It's the way I feed my soul and it allows me to stay young, being around those kids. 'I think now that I'm back in the league, it's actually going to be extra motivation for them as well because they'll get to play a game on Friday night and probably get to drive across the state and come watch the Bucs play and see Coach on the sideline.' Bridgewater, who was a star football player at Miami Northwestern in the late 2000s, said that there are 'a lot of changes' that he'd like to see within the Florida high school football landscape to help support the kids that need it. Bridgewater said he hopes that those changes happen in due time, but added that he couldn't wait for those things to be implemented. Advertisement 'I can't change who I am because of the rules,' Bridgewater said. 'I have a big heart. I get it from my mom. I always said that I was once those kids. I know what it's like to be in their shoes. I know what it's like to walk those halls at Miami Northwestern and to have your stomach growling and rumbling at 12 o'clock in the afternoon because you didn't have any lunch money or you don't get the free lunch. 'I can't change who I am. I'll still give to those kids because I know what it's like. When I say give, it's not even about money. It's about my time and my presence because a lot of time, you see your idol on TV and it's like, 'Man, I wonder what it's like to be that person.' But when they see me in the flesh and see how I'm an open-spirit person and I'm happy, I'm around them. They fit right in with me and I fit in with them.' For Bridgewater, 32, the Bucs are his eighth team in the NFL. Bridgewater provides Tampa Bay some veteran leadership and experience to pair with Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. Michael Pratt, their No. 3 quarterback, is currently week-to-week with a back injury. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jaguars veteran DT Arik Armstead now has a back injury that's sidelining him in camp
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Arik Armstead has yet to play a down in Jacksonville's training camp, a lingering absence that has the Jaguars concerned about his availability for the season opener. The 31-year-old defensive tackle opened camp last month watching from the sideline in what coach Liam Coen equated to giving him 'a little bit of a veteran start.' Now, two weeks later and with Armstead still without a practice rep, Coen said he is dealing with a back injury that has him on the shelf indefinitely. Although Coen expressed optimism that Armstead could be ready for the team's opener against Carolina on Sept. 7, he added 'it's hard for me to say right now.' 'Ultimately, he'll probably know how to get himself ready to go, I would hope,' Coen said Tuesday. 'The key is just making sure that he's healthy and ready to go for the first game. Ultimately, it's a long season, as we know. 'Not to say that early (games) aren't obviously as important as late ones, but it is a long season, and we're really just trying to get him to be as healthy as possible.' Armstead signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with Jacksonville in 2024 that included $28 million guaranteed. It was an eye-popping deal for a 6-foot-7, 290-pound player on the wrong side of 30 who missed 13 games over his final two seasons in San Francisco. Making the signing even more of a head-scratcher, Armstead was brought in to be a backup behind starting edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker — a decision the team believes will be fixed with Armstead now playing inside. 'Just being out there more I'm going to be more productive," Armstead said. 'They're not paying me as a situational player.' Although Armstead saw action in all 17 games last season, he finished with just two sacks. His lack of production prompted him to ask coaches in mid-October to move back to his more natural position as a tackle. They declined. But it was far from a lost year for Armstead. He received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, given annually to one of 32 nominees to recognize their humanitarian efforts off the field. It was a career achievement that put Armstead in an exclusive club. But did it buy him any extra grace amid a new regime? Coen, first-year general manager James Gladstone and first-year executive vice president Tony Boselli already have dismantled most of what's widely considered the worst free-agent class in Jaguars history. Last year's group included cornerback Ronald Darby (cut), receiver Gabe Davis (cut), returner Devin Duvernay (cut), center Mitch Morse (retired) and safety Darnell Savage (fighting to make the 53-man roster). Armstead's roster spot appears safe for now, especially since he has a guaranteed salary of $14 million this season. The Jaguars also liked what they saw from him during organized team activities and believe the position switch inside could get him closer to being the guy who had 33½ sacks in nine years with the 49ers. 'I've got a good five years left in me,' Armstead said in the spring. 'I got a lot to prove, a lot to do, a lot to accomplish. I'm not stopping anytime soon. I still feel great. I know I can play at a high level. When that day comes where I feel like I can't play at a high level, I'll shut it down. But I don't see that happening anytime soon.' ___ AP NFL:
Associated Press
40 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Jaguars veteran DT Arik Armstead now has a back injury that's sidelining him in camp
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Arik Armstead has yet to play a down in Jacksonville's training camp, a lingering absence that has the Jaguars concerned about his availability for the season opener. The 31-year-old defensive tackle opened camp last month watching from the sideline in what coach Liam Coen equated to giving him 'a little bit of a veteran start.' Now, two weeks later and with Armstead still without a practice rep, Coen said he is dealing with a back injury that has him on the shelf indefinitely. Although Coen expressed optimism that Armstead could be ready for the team's opener against Carolina on Sept. 7, he added 'it's hard for me to say right now.' 'Ultimately, he'll probably know how to get himself ready to go, I would hope,' Coen said Tuesday. 'The key is just making sure that he's healthy and ready to go for the first game. Ultimately, it's a long season, as we know. 'Not to say that early (games) aren't obviously as important as late ones, but it is a long season, and we're really just trying to get him to be as healthy as possible.' Armstead signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with Jacksonville in 2024 that included $28 million guaranteed. It was an eye-popping deal for a 6-foot-7, 290-pound player on the wrong side of 30 who missed 13 games over his final two seasons in San Francisco. Making the signing even more of a head-scratcher, Armstead was brought in to be a backup behind starting edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker — a decision the team believes will be fixed with Armstead now playing inside. 'Just being out there more I'm going to be more productive,' Armstead said. 'They're not paying me as a situational player.' Although Armstead saw action in all 17 games last season, he finished with just two sacks. His lack of production prompted him to ask coaches in mid-October to move back to his more natural position as a tackle. They declined. But it was far from a lost year for Armstead. He received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, given annually to one of 32 nominees to recognize their humanitarian efforts off the field. It was a career achievement that put Armstead in an exclusive club. But did it buy him any extra grace amid a new regime? Coen, first-year general manager James Gladstone and first-year executive vice president Tony Boselli already have dismantled most of what's widely considered the worst free-agent class in Jaguars history. Last year's group included cornerback Ronald Darby (cut), receiver Gabe Davis (cut), returner Devin Duvernay (cut), center Mitch Morse (retired) and safety Darnell Savage (fighting to make the 53-man roster). Armstead's roster spot appears safe for now, especially since he has a guaranteed salary of $14 million this season. The Jaguars also liked what they saw from him during organized team activities and believe the position switch inside could get him closer to being the guy who had 33½ sacks in nine years with the 49ers. 'I've got a good five years left in me,' Armstead said in the spring. 'I got a lot to prove, a lot to do, a lot to accomplish. I'm not stopping anytime soon. I still feel great. I know I can play at a high level. When that day comes where I feel like I can't play at a high level, I'll shut it down. But I don't see that happening anytime soon.' ___ AP NFL:
