Jacksonville Match Day: Pro Hockey and Soccer Take Center Stage Today

A Premier Saturday for Jacksonville Sports Fans

Jacksonville is the place to be for professional sports today, Saturday, January 31, 2026. The city’s sports calendar is highlighted by two major professional matchups across two different venues, offering fans a choice between high-stakes soccer on the pitch and fast-paced hockey on the ice. Whether you are a fan of the Gainbridge Super League or the ECHL, today’s "Match Day" schedule has something for everyone.

Sporting Club Jacksonville vs. Carolina Ascent FC

The action begins early this evening at Hodges Stadium as Sporting Club Jacksonville hosts Carolina Ascent FC. This match is a pivotal clash in the Gainbridge Super League (GSL) standings, featuring two of the league’s top three teams. Sporting JAX enters the game with a 7-3-4 record, looking to maintain their position at the top of the table after a mid-season break. Key players Ashlyn Puerta and Paige Kenton are expected to lead the offensive charge for the home side.

• Venue: Hodges Stadium
• Kickoff: 5:00 PM EST
• Theme: Heroes Night, honoring military and first responders.

Fans attending the soccer match should prepare for colder conditions, as local temperatures are expected to drop significantly throughout the evening. The club has advised supporters to bundle up and wear scarves as they cheer on the first-place squad.

Jacksonville Icemen vs. South Carolina Stingrays

As the sun sets, the focus shifts to the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for professional hockey. The Jacksonville Icemen are set to face off against their South Division rivals, the South Carolina Stingrays. This ECHL matchup is part of one of the most popular promotional events of the season: Star Wars Night. Fans can expect a "cosmic showdown" both on and off the ice, with themed character appearances and galactic entertainment throughout the game. It is also designated as Scout Night, welcoming local youth organizations to the arena.

• Venue: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
• Puck Drop: 7:00 PM EST
• Promotion: Star Wars Night / Scout Night

Game Day Outlook

With two professional games happening concurrently in the city, Jacksonville continues to prove itself as a premier destination for sports in the Southeast. If you are heading out to support the home teams today, be sure to account for game-day traffic around the Downtown and UNF areas. It’s a great day to wear your teal, white, and blue as we look for a double-win Saturday for Jacksonville’s professional clubs.