Sports stats



NASL Jacksonville Armada FC

Armada FC Open Community First Park with a Bang; Armada Matchday Experience Makes Debut

February 20, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Jacksonville Armada FC News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (February 20, 2015) - The Armada FC's debut at Community First Park next Saturday, Feb. 28, promises to be as fun and spectacular an occasion as the club's inaugural match on Feb. 7, with a huge post-match fireworks display presented by Community First Credit Union scheduled to launch the Armada with a bang.

The Armada FC's first match at Community First Park at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers will be preceded by a three-hour, pre-match block party which will take place on East Duval and Georgia Street around the stadium. The Armada Matchday Experience, hosted by The Beat 99.3 FM's T-Roy and presented by PRI Productions, is free to all match-goers and runs from 4-7 p.m. It features live music on a large entertainment stage, the Coors Light Beer Garden, merchandise and concessions areas and The Armada Soccer Experience - a range of inflatable soccer attractions for fans of all ages. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the experience.

Fans will also be able to join the Armada FC March to the Match from the main stage into the stadium via East Duval Street and A. Philip Randolph Street, at 6:45 p.m.

Armada FC owner and CEO Mark Frisch will continue the club's pre-match, flag-raising tradition and become the first to hoist the Armada FC club flag over Community First Park at 7:20 p.m. The team will also sport their home blue uniforms presented by Winn-Dixie and Key Auto for the first time.

Former Jacksonville Tea Men and U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame goalkeeper Arnie Mausser raised the flag for the first time at EverBank Field, linking the old North American Soccer League club to its modern-day successor, the Armada - a bond which Frisch will ceremonially complete on Saturday night.

Community First Credit Union President John Hirabayashi will join the match officials at midfield to conduct the pre-match coin toss shortly before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff. The Strikers - now part-owned by Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo - and Tea Men enjoyed an at times hostile in-state rivalry during the early days of the NASL. That rivalry is set to continue with the Armada. Cannon fire and fog-horn blasts will herald any Armada goals during the match.

The half-time show stars Disc-Connected K-9's, a 13-strong Frisbee dog troop with three dogs performing and a surprise special guest will be introduced to the crowd during the second half.

Armada FC fans are encouraged to stay in their seats following the match for a spectacular fireworks show that will light the sky over Community First Park.

Seats, starting at just $10, are selling fast, and fans are being urged to purchase before match day as capacity at Community First Park is limited. Pre-match day parking is available starting at $5 on a season basis. Parking is available in the Sports Complex Garage and in Lots P, M, N and R. Match tickets and parking are available by calling 1-844-2-ARMADA or by visiting armadafc.com. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets and parking prior to match day to receive the best pricing, availability and avoid long lines at the ticket windows.

• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...

North American Soccer League Stories from February 20, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Jacksonville Armada FC Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central