Kansas City Mavericks at Jacksonville Icemen

ECHL Hockey Heats Up Downtown Jacksonville

The Kansas City Mavericks roll into VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Wednesday, February 24th at 7:00 PM to face the Jacksonville Icemen in what promises to be a hard-hitting ECHL matchup. These mid-week games bring an energy that sets them apart from weekend crowds—serious hockey fans who appreciate the speed and physicality of minor league play without the crush of a Saturday night sellout. The 7:00 PM puck drop gives working fans time to grab dinner downtown and still catch the opening faceoff.

What to Expect:

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena delivers professional-level hockey in a setting where the glass-rattling checks and quick passes feel immediate from any seat. The Icemen's February home games typically draw a dedicated crowd that knows the game, creating an atmosphere where every scoring chance gets a reaction. Both teams will be deep into their season by late February, making this the kind of game where playoff positioning could be on the line and the intensity shows in every shift.

Insider Tips:

- The Sports Complex Parking Garage fills quickly but sits just 92 meters from the arena entrance, making it worth arriving by 6:15 PM to claim a spot
- Concession stands on the main concourse move faster than the lower bowl options during intermissions
- Sections 108-110 behind the Icemen's attacking net for two periods offer the best view of offensive zone action
- February evenings in Jacksonville can be mild, but the arena keeps it cool—bring a light layer
- Check the Icemen's game-day promotions before heading out, as mid-week games often feature discounted concessions or special giveaways
- The arena's bag policy is strict, so leave large purses and backpacks at home to speed up entry

Getting There:

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena sits at 300 A Philip Randolph Boulevard in the heart of downtown Jacksonville's sports district. The Arena Garage, located 93 meters away on East Adams Street, provides covered parking and connects directly to the venue. Surface lots Z and V along Arlington Expressway and East Ashley Street offer additional options within a short walk. Lot P has two locations—one on North Georgia Street and another on East Duval Street—both about 250 meters from the entrance. The arena's location right off Interstate 95 makes it accessible from anywhere in the Jacksonville area, with clear signage directing traffic to the sports complex. Walking from any of these lots takes less than five minutes, and the well-lit pathways make navigation simple even for first-time visitors.

Local Scene:

Downtown Jacksonville's brewery scene clusters perfectly around VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, making pre-game planning easy. Intuition Ale Works sits just 254 meters away on East Bay Street, pouring local craft beers in a space that fills with hockey fans before puck drop. Manifest Distilling on East Forsyth Street offers craft cocktails 246 meters from the arena for those wanting something beyond beer. Ruby Beach Brewing provides another locally-owned option about 1,020 meters away, perfect for groups wanting a more relaxed pre-game atmosphere. Post-game, Keane's Tavern delivers the sports bar experience where fans dissect the game over late-night bites. For those looking to extend the evening beyond hockey talk, Myth Nightclub on East Bay Street sits 878 meters away, while Decca Live offers live music just slightly farther at 917 meters.