What You Need to Know - Education Appreciation Night

Presented by IDEA Public Schools

JACKSONVILLE – The 2019 Defending NAL Champion Jacksonville Sharks face the Orlando Predators tomorrow at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena at 7 p.m. This is the Sharks first game since winning the 2019 NAL championship in Jacksonville and a welcome back to the greatest fan base in arena football. The much anticipated return of the Sharks in 2020 was met by an abrupt arena football hiatus making this year-round wait for the arena football in Jacksonville a memorable must see event. Saturday will also serve as the rival Orlando Predators second game of the season after their 40-55 loss against the Columbus Lions in Georgia. The Predators are now led by college football & arena football legend Ben Bennett who was a record-breaking quarterback for Duke University under Steve Spurrier, played in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Oilers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Chicago Bears. Bennett became a household name in arena football as the starting quarterback of the Orlando Predators during some of the teams best years in team history (1991-1995) where Bennett took Orlando to the AFL playoffs four out his five seasons with the team. Bennett last coached the Orlando Predators in 2012 as an offensive coordinator and the New Orleans Voodoo of the Arena Football League in 2011 as an offensive coordinator. The last time the Sharks were up against the Predators was in 2019, and the Sharks came out on top winning 85-30. 

Whether you’re a longtime season ticket holder, or about to head to your first Shark’s game, here’s everything you need to know for this Saturday. The home opener will host Sharks’ Education Appreciation & Country Night presented by Idea Public Schools. 

Education Appreciation & Country Night (Presented by IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS)

The Sharks will be recognizing our hard working education system through the team’s annual Education Appreciation & Country Night, presented by Idea Public Schools. A long-time favorite amongst many in Shark Nation, fans can enjoy their favorite country hits in the arena while watching BIG HITS on the field against the Orlando Predators. Rep your favorite cowboy hat or rock your best daisy dukes while the Sharks look to put a good ol’ fashion whoopin’ on the Predators. 

BOGO Ticket Offer for all Teachers, Faculty and School Employees

For Saturday’s game, all students, educators and school employees and their families will receive a special buy one, get one free ticket offer*. We take pride in having the best fans around and want to reward our local educators, faculty, and employees. So whether you are a teacher or know someone who is in the education system, let them know about the Sharks Education Appreciation & Country Night, presented by Idea Public Schools. The Sharks will also recognize several teacher’s of the year and outstanding local school staff members at the game. *maximum of 8 total tickets

Cash Free Arena
This season the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena will be cash free from box office to concessions. Please bring a credit or debit card to make purchases.  Cash cards will also be available at the customer service desk at the top of the main entrance escalator.

Mobile Game Program
This season the Sharks game day program will be completely mobile to see tomorrow’s night game program scan one of the several Sharks Bites Game Program QR codes placed throughout the arena. The home opener program will be available to view on your mobile device before kickoff. You can also check out our game program online at jaxsharks.com by clicking the fan zone tab. 

Sharks Safety Tips
Please help the Jacksonville Sharks, the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena staff, and the city of Jacksonville by encouraging wearing a mask while inside the arena and anytime you are around large crowds. Our recommendation is that we strongly encourage wearing a mask for the safety of all fans but we are in no way enforcing the use of masks if you decide not to wear them for Saturday's game. We would like all fans to feel safe & comfortable so please make the best decision for yourself & your guests so we can continue to bring family, affordable fun to the Shark tank. 

Jacksonville Sharks Single Game Tickets

Get a great deal for this week’s game, tickets start at only $10. Visit the Arena Box Office on game day or get your tickets now by calling (904) 621-0700 or going online at www.jaxsharks.com.

The Return of the Shark Blimp

When you dive into the Sharks Tank Saturday, don’t be afraid to look as a familiar in-game element has returned to the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. This season marks the return of the Shark Blimp. The Shark Blimp will fly high this season for the first time since 2016, thanks to our new sponsor Duval Motor Company and its many first coast locations Duval Acura, Duval Ford, and Duval Honda.  Our newest sponsor who has partnered with the Sharks for multiple in-game promotions. Duval Motor Company will add a variety of elements to the games this season. The Sharks first down will now become the “Duval Motor Company Service First First Down.” They will also sponsor the Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams players of the week, which will be displayed on both the Sharks social media and website.

Where to Watch

You can catch this week's game and all of our other games on the CW17 or WCWJ. Games will also be available via livestream on the National Arena League’s YouTube channel. Check out our watch party at the participating DICK’S WINGS restaurants this season during Sharks away games. Locations to Shark watch parties will be posted on Sharks social media and website. The next Sharks away game is next week Saturday, June 19 as the Sharks face the Columbus Lions in Columbus, GA.

SharkFest

SharkFest is happening this Saturday and all game days to come. Starting at 5 p.m., it's fun for all ages, kids and adults prior to the game as we get pumped for kickoff. For Education Appreciation & Country Night, presented by Idea Public Schools, we will have live music and local vendors available and handing out free swag. Come join us for a fun time at SharkFest! There will also be a pregame autograph season inside the main arena entrance with our new 2021 Attack Dance Team!

Hometown Heros

This year, USAA is recognizing two hometown heroes during Saturday night's home opener game against the Orlando predators. Be sure to watch as we continue our tradition of honoring our heroes in Jacksonville, with an extra merit in retrospect of Memorial Day.

Boy Scout Night

Boy Scouts from all of Northeast Florida can come to the Sharks game for some fun and excitement. If interested email groups@jaxsharks.com or call (904) 621-0700 ext. 702. 

Doors Open

On Saturday, the Veteran’s Memorial doors open at 5:30 p.m. for season ticket holders, and 6 p.m. for the general public— Sharkfest will still kick off at 5 p.m.

Season ticket holder Entrances

The entrances for Sharks season ticket holders will be open starting at 5:30 p.m., one at the Suite entrance off Duval street and the other at the main entrance off of A Phillip Randolph.  After that, remaining ticket holders may enter through the same entrance.

Halftime

The season opener will have a fun and exciting  performance by Disconnected K9s. This frisbee dog act is sure to be a hit. These high flying K-9s are ready for high flying fun as the Sharks swim into the 2021 season. If you are interested in meeting or booking the Disconnected K9s email emerald@jaxsharks.com. 

Post-Game

There will be a 35-minute post game autograph session with Sharks players, coaches, and the Attack Dance Team. This event is open to all fans, we ask while you are waiting to meet a player please practice safe social distancing from fans around you. As well as avoid direct physical contact with Sharks players & coaches. 

Attack Dance Team Calendar 2021-2022

The Attack Dance Team is proud to announce their 2021-2022 calendars are on sale now for $15 as they just hosted a calendar release party last wednesday with our friends at Intuition Ale Works in downtown Jacksonville. 

Fling-A-Football
During the halftime show, our Fling-A-Football promotion gives you a chance to win a game-worn jersey from years past, or 150 in Shark Bucks. At just $1 per throw, or six throws for $5, you might as well give it a shot! Be sure to have your mini-footballs ready when halftime rolls around. Fling-A-Footballs are available for purchase inside the arena on the main concourse until the middle of the second quarter.

In-Game Fun Promotions & Prizes

Tune in tomorrow on jaxsharks.com to see a full article on the new in-game promotions the Jacksonville Sharks and it’s corporate sponsors have in-store. You can also read the article in the Sharks digital game program.  

Jr. Attack Dance Camp

The Junior. Attack Dance Camp is now back in session and kicks off Friday night, July 16th. Registration is now open, visit: www.jaxsharks.com/dancers/junior-attack-dance/ to sign up online. Jr. Attack Dance Camp will be this weekend, July 17 with a special halftime performance by the Jr. Attack! All campers will receive a free t-shirt for the camp and will be given lunch for the June 8 game. 

Youth Football Camp

If you have a child between the ages of 6-16 years old, make sure to sign them up for the Sharks Youth Football Camp. Camp kicks off June 26, 2021 and sign up online visit: http://www.jaxsharks.com/community/youth-football-camp/ 

You can also visit the FIN-formation table in section 107 before or during the Sharks game. For questions about the camp, email dave@jaxsharks.com . 

Arena Club/Reef and Cove Suites Buffet Menu 

Drink Specials:

Sharknado $16 - served in a Mason Jar with swimming shark gummies. 

Reef & Cove Menu:

Nacho Bar - Chips, Chili, Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa, Jalapenos, Refried Beans, Grilled Chicken, Mexican Rice, Tossed Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette and Ranch. Beverages will include beer, wine, bottled water and assorted sodas. 

Arena Club Buffet:

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches $14- Mini Brioche Buns, Southern ColeSlaw, House Made Kettle Chips, Assorted BBQ Sauces.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions and play all home games at the Vystar Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. SINGLE GAME TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.  To become a Shark Nation member or for more ticket information please call (904) 621-0700 or visit jaxsharks.com  Follow the Sharks on Facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.