Match Day Jacksonville: Pro Hockey Throwbacks and Hardwood Battles
A Packed Sports Saturday in the Bold City
Jacksonville is buzzing this Saturday, January 24, 2026, as the city plays host to a diverse lineup of professional and top-tier collegiate sports. While the NFL playoffs move toward the conference championships elsewhere, local fans have plenty of reasons to head to the arenas today. From a nostalgic professional hockey showdown at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena to a double-header of Atlantic Sun Conference basketball action, here is everything you need to know for today's Match Day.
Jacksonville Icemen vs. Iowa Heartlanders
The headline event for professional sports fans tonight is the Jacksonville Icemen taking on the Iowa Heartlanders. This isn't just a standard ECHL matchup; it is the centerpiece of the highly anticipated "Lizard Kings Weekend." The Icemen will be throwing it back to 1995, honoring the city's hockey history by donning the iconic colors of the Jacksonville Lizard Kings.
- Venue: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
- Puck Drop: 7:00 PM EST
- What to Watch: Keep an eye on Icemen standout Bennett MacArthur, who enters tonight’s contest on a three-game point streak. The Icemen look to leverage their disciplined play—currently ranked as one of the least penalized teams in the league—against an Iowa squad making their first-ever trip to the Bold City.
North Florida Ospreys vs. Bellarmine Knights
On the hardwood, the UNF Ospreys are looking to defend their home court in an afternoon clash against the Bellarmine Knights. This Atlantic Sun Conference battle is crucial for the Ospreys as they look to climb the standings in the latter half of the season. Fans can expect a fast-paced environment at the UNF Arena as the Ospreys aim to bounce back from recent conference struggles.
- Venue: UNF Arena
- Tip-off: 2:00 PM ET
Jacksonville Dolphins vs. Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Just a few miles away, the Jacksonville University Dolphins host the Eastern Kentucky Colonels for "Small Business Day" at Swisher Gymnasium. The Dolphins are slight favorites in this matchup, led by the defensive prowess of Jaylen Jones, who currently leads the team in steals. They face a Colonels team that has struggled on the road but remains dangerous behind high-scorer Juan Cranford Jr.
- Venue: Swisher Gymnasium
- Tip-off: 3:00 PM ET
Whether you are looking for the hard-hitting action of professional hockey or the high-stakes drama of Division I basketball, Jacksonville has a seat waiting for you today. Be sure to arrive early at the venues to secure the best spots and take part in the various game-day promotions happening across the city.