Jacksonville Armada's Saturday Games Relocated After Venue Cancellation!

2850 Hodges Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL, USA - In a surprising turn of events, the Jacksonville Armada has been forced to relocate two upcoming games that were initially scheduled for Saturday at Edward Waters University (EWU). The abrupt decision, communicated by EWU President Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr., has left both players and fans scrambling. An email sent to supporters announced the cancellation of „all vendor and event contracts at EWU for the foreseeable future,“ prompting immediate action from the Armada.

The games, part of the U23 National Premier Soccer League and Women’s Premier Soccer League, will now be played at Patton Park on Hodges Boulevard. The women’s match is set to kick off at 3 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. Apologizing for the sudden change, the Armada expressed disappointment, noting it as a „lack of professionalism“ on the part of the university. Attempts by News4JAX to reach EWU for further details on the cancellation were met with silence.

New Beginnings on the Horizon

But this relocation is not the only recent news surrounding the bulletproof Armada. As the club gears up for a new chapter, it is set to join the MLS Next Pro league for the 2025 season. This announcement comes with exciting developments like the groundbreaking of a brand new stadium on Jacksonville’s Eastside, expected to start in January. This venue will be the first dedicated home for the club, established in 2015, after years of playing at various local sites.

With the new stadium located on A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, close to prominent sports venues, fans can look forward to a space that will initially seat about 2,500 spectators, expanding to accommodate over 10,000 in the future. Owner Robert Palmer has committed to fully funding the project, projected to cost between $30-80 million over two stages. Significant features will include co-working office space alongside the stadium facilities, broadening its appeal beyond just soccer.

Community Engagement and Support

The passion surrounding the Armada’s transition into this new league has not gone unnoticed. Community engagement has been a key focus; the club has held soccer clinics and actively involved local stakeholders. Residents in the Eastside attended the official announcement event, showcasing their support for the crew’s professional aspirations.

Interestingly, while the Armada’s journey has been marked by ups and downs—most notably a stint as an amateur side after the North American Soccer League folded in 2018—it’s clear that the dedication of fans and local support has kept the spirit alive. The Armada’s supporters group, Section 904, has stood strong through rough patches, embodying the community’s unwavering loyalty.

As Jacksonville prepares to welcome its new stadium and the challenges and excitement of MLS Next Pro, it’s an exhilarating time for soccer in the region. With two potential professional teams on the horizon, including the JAXUSL group set to debut in the USL Championship and USL Super League, fans have plenty to look forward to.

Jacksonville is indeed a city reborn in soccer, making strides towards bolstering its status as the biggest media market in the U.S. without a professional club within a two-hour radius of downtown. One cannot help but feel that the winds of change are blowing, bringing a fresh start for the Armada and the community together.

For updates on the latest developments, visit News4JAX, Jax Today, and Jacksonville.com.