University of North Florida Arena exterior view

Unf Arena

UNF Arena Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Jacksonville Historical Sites

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

UNF Arena, located at 1 UNF Drive on the University of North Florida campus in Jacksonville, Florida, is a cornerstone of athletic achievement, cultural events, and community engagement. Since its opening in 1993, the multi-purpose venue has become a leading site for NCAA Division I basketball and volleyball, concerts, graduations, esports competitions, and diverse community activities. With recent renovations—such as the CSI Companies Court and the Bank of England Hospitality Suite—UNF Arena offers state-of-the-art facilities and accessibility for all visitors (UNF Athletics; Visit Jacksonville).

This guide provides essential information on UNF Arena’s visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, parking, and tips for exploring nearby Jacksonville historical sites. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, esports competitor, concertgoer, or community member, use this resource to plan a seamless and memorable visit (UNF Events Calendar; Jacksonville Events Guide).

UNF Arena: History and Key Features

Origins and Construction

UNF Arena was completed in January 1993 to serve as a modern venue for athletics and public events, reflecting the University of North Florida’s growth and Jacksonville’s commitment to sports and cultural excellence (UNF Athletics; Wikipedia). Originally seating 5,800, the arena now accommodates up to 6,300 for major events (Visit Jacksonville).

Renovations and Modernization

In recent years, significant enhancements have improved the visitor experience. The 2022 upgrades include the CSI Companies Court, Bank of England Hospitality Suite, and advanced sound and lighting systems (UNF Athletics). The arena’s flexible layout features collapsible seating for multiple configurations, supporting a variety of events. Additional amenities include racquetball courts, a strength and conditioning center, locker rooms, training rooms, and athletics offices (UNF Athletics).

National Recognition and Major Events

UNF Arena has earned national recognition, hosting the 2004 U.S. Olympic basketball teams’ training and Orlando Magic’s NBA training camps (Wikipedia). The arena’s largest crowd—6,155 fans—attended the Ospreys’ 2015 Atlantic Sun men’s basketball tournament championship. In addition to sports, the arena frequently hosts concerts, graduations, and community events, making it a cultural centerpiece for Jacksonville (Visit Jacksonville).

Visitor Information

UNF Arena Visiting Hours

Event Days: Doors open typically one hour before the scheduled start.
Administrative Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Check the UNF Events Calendar for detailed schedules.

Tickets

Purchase Online: UNF Athletics Ticket Portal
Box Office: Open during event days at the arena entrance.
Pricing: Varies by event and seating category. Student and group discounts may be available.
Recommendation: Buy in advance for high-demand games and concerts.

Directions and Parking

Address: 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Directions: From downtown Jacksonville, take I-95 N to Exit 340A (Butler Boulevard), then east to UNF Drive.
Parking: Ample campus parking is available, typically free for most events. Some events may require a permit or paid parking. Follow on-site signs and staff directions.

Accessibility

ADA Compliant: Featuring accessible seating, ramps, elevators, and restrooms.
Services: Guests with disabilities can arrange assistance by contacting arena administration in advance (Accessibility Info).

Arena Facilities and Amenities

Main Arena Floor

The CSI Companies Court, upgraded in 2022, features state-of-the-art flooring and branding, enhancing play and spectator experience (News4JAX).

Seating and Hospitality

UNF Arena offers 5,800 cushioned seats with excellent sightlines, including designated student, alumni, and general spectator sections. The Bank of England Hospitality Suite delivers premium amenities and exclusive views.

Technology and Accessibility

Modern sound, lighting, and electronic ticket scanning streamline the event experience. Accessible entrances, parking, and facilities ensure inclusivity for all guests.

Concessions and Merchandise

A variety of food, beverages, and UNF Ospreys merchandise are available at concession stands and kiosks.

The Flight Deck: UNF’s Esports Arena

Adjacent to the main arena, The Flight Deck is a state-of-the-art esports and digital innovation center, enabled by a $3 million city council grant (News4Jax). Highlights include:

42 high-performance gaming stations
Competition stage and broadcast studio
Flexible console play zones
STEM outreach and community events

The Flight Deck strengthens UNF’s reputation in digital innovation and STEM education, hosting tournaments and workshops for students and Jacksonville residents (Hoodline; First Coast News).

Exploring Jacksonville: Historical and Cultural Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring nearby Jacksonville highlights:

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens (Cummer Museum)
Riverside Avondale Historic District
Kingsley Plantation
Jacksonville Landing
Theodore Roosevelt Area (nature trails near campus)

These sites offer rich cultural and historical experiences, all within a short drive from UNF Arena.

Events Hosted at UNF Arena

Collegiate Athletics: Home to UNF Ospreys basketball and volleyball, plus major sporting events and pep rallies (MapQuest).
Esports and Digital Innovation: The Flight Deck hosts tournaments, workshops, and community gaming nights.
Community and Cultural Events: Graduations, concerts, expos, charity events, and fairs.
Special Interest Activities: STEM showcases, art exhibitions, festivals, and family-friendly programming.

Consult the UNF Events Calendar and Jacksonville Events Guide for schedules.

Tips for Visitors

Arrive Early: Secure parking and enjoy pre-event activities.
Check Event Policies: Review entry requirements, bag policies, and available amenities.
Plan Accessibility Needs: Contact the arena in advance if special arrangements are needed.
Explore the Area: Allocate time to visit local historic and cultural attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the visiting hours for UNF Arena?
Visiting hours depend on scheduled events; doors generally open one hour prior. Administrative offices are open weekdays, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Consult the UNF Events Calendar for updates.

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available online via the UNF Athletics Ticket Portal, at the box office, or through Jacksonville Events.

Is parking free?
Parking is generally free for most events; certain concerts or special events may require paid parking. Check event details in advance.

Is UNF Arena accessible?
Yes, the arena is ADA compliant with accessible seating, restrooms, and parking.

Are events family-friendly?
Most events, including sports and esports, are suitable for families. Special programming is available for children and teens.

The Flight Deck Esports Arena: Hours and Visitor Info

Location: Second Floor, John A. Delaney Student Union, UNF Campus
Hours: Open to students and faculty during academic terms; public access during major events
Tickets: Purchase through the UNF Events Calendar or local event platforms.
Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant
Experiences: Competitive gaming, live tournaments, community nights, STEM workshops
Food and Beverage: Adjacent to Student Union dining; concessions available

For more details, visit UNF Esports.

Summary and Visitor Tips

UNF Arena is a dynamic epicenter for athletics, entertainment, and community in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. With a storied history, modern amenities, and innovative expansions like The Flight Deck, the arena offers a welcoming and accessible environment for all. Visitors are encouraged to check event schedules, purchase tickets in advance, and explore Jacksonville’s vibrant culture and history (Wikipedia; News4Jax; Visit Jacksonville; Cummer Museum).