VyStar Ballpark — Attraction in Jacksonville

121 Financial Ballpark provides a beautiful setting in which to enjoy a minor league baseball game. The stadium is home to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, a Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. Why jumbo shrimp? Certainly not because of shrimp's fierce reputation or baseball skills. The name comes from Jacksonville's history in the shrimping industry. It was the first baseball game I've attended that had a shrimp as a mascot. Theirs is aptly named Scampi. Another mascot, a dog named Southpaw, roams the stadium during games as well, but I could not figure out the dog's connection to jumbo shrimp.

The stadium features a beautiful brick exterior and a spacious interior with plenty of room to walk around the concourse without bumping into others. As I explored the concourse, I discovered likenesses of major league baseball stars adorning the steel support columns, players that have played for the Jumbo Shrimp before getting called to "the show." I was impressed to find names such as Hank Aaron, Tom Seaver, Randy Johnson, Dave Roberts, and Clayton Kershaw. Pretty cool!

We sat on the second level, third base side, even with home. The seats were perfect, with enough seating area and leg room to enjoy a three-hour game without squirming from discomfort. We attended on a night with beautiful weather, about 75 degrees with a gentle breeze, which added to our enjoyment of the game. From our seats we could see EverBank Stadium beyond the right field fence, home of NFL Jacksonville Jaguars.

The stadium offers a large variety of food and drinks, anything from turkey corn dogs to jumbo shrimp (of course!). We attended on a Thursday evening which turned out to be two-dollar beer night, a perk that many in attendance took advantage of.

We found the employees to be friendly and welcoming and the facilities to be clean and inviting. There is ample parking across the street at a parking garage, though you must be prepared to pay to park. About the only negative thing I can say concerning the stadium is that their PA system could be improved. The voice of the stadium announcer was often difficult to understand, much like a cheap speaker at a second-rate fast food drive-through. But that was certainly not enough to damper our enjoyment of the game, and I would certainly recommend 121 Financial Ballpark and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to anybody in the area who enjoy minor...

Great Budget-Friendly Fun for Families at 121 Financial Ballpark!

If you're looking for a fun, affordable family outing in Jacksonville, 121 Financial Ballpark is a great option.

We like to arrive early so the kids can enjoy the activities like face painting, balloon artists, and other fun games set up just for them. It’s such a nice way to get the kids excited before the game even starts!

The food and drinks inside are reasonably priced, but you can always bring your own plastic water bottle or an empty tumbler to fill with ice at the stadium. It’s a great way to keep drinks cold on a hot day without spending extra.

Plus, there’s a grassy area where the kids can run around and play with other children while you relax and watch the game. It’s also a perfect spot to try to catch a baseball from the players!

For keeping the kids cool in the summer, I always pack a small handheld fan or a misting spray bottle—it works wonders!

And don’t forget, there are fireworks at the end of each game, which is always a huge hit with the little ones.

There is paid parking nearby, usually around $20 per vehicle, so plan accordingly.

Overall, 121 Financial Ballpark is a fantastic spot for family-friendly fun without...

If you’re looking for a great baseball experience, 121 Financial Ballpark is a must-visit. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

Fantastic Staff The staff, from the owner to the ticket and gate workers, are fantastic. Their friendliness and helpfulness really enhance the game day experience.

Decent Food The food features classic ballpark fare like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. It’s not gourmet, but it’s decent and satisfying.

Well-Maintained Facilities The field and ballpark are in excellent shape—clean and well-maintained, making for a great game-watching experience.

Parking and Accessibility Parking is around $10 but can be challenging for those with disabilities. Also, when there are nearby events, traffic can be frustrating.

Current Construction There are no bleachers right now due to ongoing construction, but new seating options are on the way.

Family-Friendly Fun It’s a fun, family-friendly place where fans of all ages can enjoy a game.

Final Thoughts 121 Financial Ballpark offers a fun, well-maintained environment with great staff. Minor issues like parking and construction don’t overshadow the overall...