DTWD

Review from August 10, 2021
​Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Charlotte Knights
“Blake Bortles Rules” was our first lesson on Jacksonville pride. This was a repetitive quote from the NBC sitcom “The Good Place” referencing the former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback. For years this raised our intrigue about the town. In conjunction, Daily’s Place amphitheater became the home of AEW professional wrestling during the pandemic. Not by coincidence, the same ownership group, the Khan family, owns both professional sports franchises. While being saturated with Jacksonville, Minor League Baseball reorganized.

Due to the state of the town and the geographical proximity, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp bumped from the AA Southern League to the new AAA East as of 2021. This put them in the same division as our local Charlotte Knights… and that sounds like a ballpark adventure. 

After a few beach days in Florida we came back to Jacksonville to watch the Tuesday night game beginning the 6 game series. We loved the bridges and water leading into town.  We loved the uniqueness of the stadium. We loved the brick main entrance. We loved the logos emblazoned all around. We loved the palm trees. We loved the shrimp food options. We loved the merchandise and came back with several items. We loved seeing a ballpark that looks like no other in which we have visited. And you know what, we love the fact that our local team actually won a game. Special bonus… seeing a ballpark for the first time, and wearing the visiting team’s clothes and they actually won the game. Such a fun and memorable night in Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida, United States!!! DTWD!

121 FINANCIAL BALLPARK
Jacksonville, FL

HOME OF THE:
JACKSONVILLE JUMBO SHRIMP

MLB AFFILIATE:
MIAMI MARLINS

BUILT: 2003
CAPACITY: 11,000
LEAGUE: TRIPLE-A EAST

OUR RATING:
​49 / 50

TICKET VALUE 10/10

  • $7 Berm/ Bleacher (GA)
  • $13 Field, $16 Dugout
  • All seats $2 cheaper purchased in advance
  • Local could buy tickets ahead and be at a AAA game for $5
  • Prices well below league comps like Charlotte, Durham…still very reflective of AA as Jacksonville just bumped AAA during 2021 realignment

CONCESSIONS  10/10

  • All the standards at what seemed reasonably priced for level and state
  • In addition, many seafood options especially SHRIMP
  • $19 Shrimp and pulled pork nachos IN A HELMET (unique and delicious)
  • $9 Souvenir soda cups (teams offering cups in the 2021 season has been very rare)
  • $8 helmet ice cream

FAMILY FRIENDLINESS  4/5

  • Mascots Scampi and K-9
  • Extensive kid zones behind centerfield, plenty of safe space to play; felt separate from the game (Tuesday we attended was not busy so may be more activity on a weekend)
  • Many areas for kids to sit: berm, tiered grass area behind home bullpen, bleachers
  • Ice cream helmets

ATMOSPHERE  10/10

  • Many styles hats/clothing in team store epitomizes the town
  • ​Feeling of a big time sports area with NFL stadium in complex
  • Palm trees and other beach type themes around park
  • Beach style seating behind outfield fence
  • Prominent displays of logos aplenty (J, alternate Florida Logo)
  • Ushers showing pride and excitement to being bumped up in level
  • Quality programs offering rosters and stories about players on the team

CHARACTER  10/10

  • Home plate shaped grass cutout at home plate, similar to Smokies Stadium
  • Many varieties of seating to please any price point which allows varying views
  • Multiple party areas, nice outdoor lighting in group picnic area
  • Seats above dugout and down the line are angled to offer a better view of the field
  • Theme of days was recognizing Jacksonville minor league baseball history 
  • Palm trees indicative of being in Florida
  • NFL stadium in view provides major league feel to ballpark
  • Merchandise featuring “DTWD” Duval Till We Die, referencing the pride in Duval County which encompasses most of the city of Jacksonville

PARKING  5/5

  • $5 parking in paved lots shared by the entire complex that houses TIAA Bank Field (Jaguars), Daily’s Place (AEW wrestling home during pandemic), etc.
  • Several golf carts “volunteering” to drive patrons to close gates for tips.
  • ​Excluding tipping the driver, price is on par with league.

TICKET VALUE
(10 points)

• Ticket Prices
​• View from Seat

​CONCESSIONS
​(10 points)

• Variety, Quality & Price of Food
• Variety of Drinks / Souvenir Cups
• Length of Lines at Concession Stands

​FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
​(5 points)

• Play Areas
• In-Between Inning Activities & Contests
• ​Mascot
• Family Bathrooms

​ATMOSPHERE
​(10 points)

• Local Experience
• Sound-Effects & Music
• Programs
• ​Restrooms

​CHARACTER
​(10 points)

• Home Team Uniforms & Colors
• Architecture of Stadium
• History of Stadium
​• Tributes to MLB Affiliate / Local Players
• Location of Stadium & Surrounding Scenery

​PARKING
(5 points)

• Price for Parking
• ​Size, Quality & Location of Lot