Jacksonville IceMen vs. Greensboro Gargoyles

St. Patrick's Day Hockey Heats Up Downtown Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Icemen face off against the Greensboro Gargoyles on Wednesday, March 17th at 7:00 PM, bringing professional hockey action to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on St. Patrick's Day. This mid-week matchup promises the kind of fast-paced, physical hockey that makes minor league games so compelling, with both teams likely sporting green-themed jerseys for the holiday. The 7:00 PM puck drop gives fans plenty of time to grab dinner downtown before settling in for two-plus hours of hard-hitting action on the ice.

What to Expect:

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena creates an electric atmosphere for Icemen home games, with the lower bowl bringing fans close enough to hear skates cutting ice and bodies hitting boards. The St. Patrick's Day timing adds an extra layer of energy to the crowd, typically drawing a mix of die-hard hockey fans and groups looking for festive evening entertainment. The Gargoyles bring a competitive edge that should keep the game tight, making this more than just a holiday spectacle.

Insider Tips:

- Arrive by 6:30 PM to catch warm-ups and avoid the rush at merchandise stands offering holiday-themed gear
- The Arena Garage fills quickly for evening games, so consider the Sports Complex Parking Garage as a reliable backup
- Lower bowl sections behind the goals offer the best value for watching end-to-end rushes and goaltender battles
- Concession stands on the main concourse move faster than the club level during intermissions
- Dress in layers—arena temperatures can swing between chilly ice-level air and warm upper sections
- Check the Icemen's social media for any St. Patrick's Day promotions or giveaways announced day-of

Getting There:

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena sits at 300 A Philip Randolph Boulevard in downtown Jacksonville's sports district. The Arena Garage and Sports Complex Parking Garage both sit within 100 meters of the main entrance, offering covered parking that fills fast but provides the shortest walk. Lot Z on Palmetto Street and Lot V on Lafayette Street serve as solid surface lot alternatives within a few blocks. For those approaching from I-95, take exit 351A and follow signs toward the Sports Complex. A Philip Randolph Boulevard runs parallel to the St. Johns River, making the arena easy to spot from most downtown approaches. The venue shares the block with other sports facilities, so the area sees regular event traffic and maintains well-lit pedestrian paths.

Local Scene:

Downtown Jacksonville's brewery scene clusters perfectly around the arena for pre-game gatherings. Intuition Ale Works sits just 250 meters away on East Bay Street, pouring local craft beers in a space that fills with hockey fans before puck drop. Manifest Distilling offers spirits and cocktails about 250 meters from the arena on East Forsyth Street, perfect for those wanting something beyond beer. Ruby Beach Brewing provides another craft option roughly a kilometer away, making it ideal for a more leisurely pre-game experience. Post-game crowds often drift toward Myth Nightclub on East Bay Street for late-night entertainment, though the St. Patrick's Day timing means most downtown spots will be running holiday specials. Keane's Tavern fits the sports bar mold for those wanting to extend the evening with game recaps and highlights.