Northeast Florida, encompassing Jacksonville and the counties of Duval, Baker, Clay, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns, boasts a vibrant and diverse sports landscape. The region is home to a range of professional, minor league, and collegiate teams, offering residents and visitors numerous opportunities to engage with various sports.
Northeast Florida (Jacksonville & St. Augustine) Sports Scene
Jacksonville has a strong football culture, with the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) and powerhouse high school programs shaping the local scene.
Popular Sports: Football, Surfing, Golf, Rugby
- Football thrives at all levels, especially with the Jacksonville Jaguars and strong high school programs.
- Surfing is huge along Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine, with top competitions held annually.
- Golf is massive, with Ponte Vedra Beach home to TPC Sawgrass, site of THE PLAYERS Championship.
- Rugby is growing, with Jacksonville boasting competitive club teams.
- Minor league baseball adds to the region’s diverse sports portfolio
Professional Sports Teams
Jacksonville Jaguars
As the region’s NFL franchise, the Jaguars play their home games at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. In October 2024, NFL owners unanimously approved a $1.4 billion stadium renovation deal, ensuring the team’s presence in Duval County for the next 30 years. The renovation is set to begin after the 2025 season, with completion expected in 2028.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
This Minor League Baseball team competes in the International League and plays at 121 Financial Ballpark in downtown Jacksonville. The franchise has been a staple in the community since 1962, providing affordable family entertainment.
Jacksonville Icemen
An ECHL ice hockey team, the Icemen began playing in the 2017–18 season. They host their games at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, offering fans exciting hockey action.
Jacksonville Sharks
Competing in the Indoor Football League, the Sharks have been part of Jacksonville’s sports scene since 2010. They also play at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and have a passionate fan base.
Jacksonville Armada FC
This professional soccer team is set to resume play in MLS Next Pro in 2025. The Armada has been an integral part of the local soccer community since its establishment in 2015.
Collegiate Athletics
University of North Florida (UNF) Ospreys
Located in Jacksonville, UNF competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Ospreys offer a variety of sports programs, including basketball, soccer, and baseball.
Jacksonville University (JU) Dolphins
Also based in Jacksonville, JU fields NCAA Division I teams across multiple sports and is known for its competitive athletics programs.
Youth and Amateur Sports
The region places a strong emphasis on youth and amateur sports, with organizations like the North Florida Sports Association (NFSA) supporting various school athletic programs. The NFSA includes schools from Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties, fostering competitive play and sportsmanship among young athletes.
Additionally, i9 Sports offers youth sports programs in Jacksonville, Clay County, and Orange Park, providing leagues in flag football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. Established in 2004, this organization has been recognized for its commitment to fun and safety in youth sports.
