For the first time in over a decade, Vystar Ballpark will play host to playoff baseball this week.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For the first time in over a decade, Vystar Ballpark will host the first playoff game for the Jumbo Shrimp in over a decade.
And the wait has been even longer at the highest level of Minor League Baseball. Jacksonville hasn’t hosted the Triple-A playoffs since 1968.
As the Jumbo Shrimp prepare for their first home playoff game in over a decade, excitement is building for Tuesday night’s Game One in this three-part series at Vystar Ballpark.
Despite the significance of the event for everyone involved, the team isn’t altering their usual game day routine—just don’t count on any fireworks to conclude the evening.
Fans can purchase a ticket and t-shirt package for both Game 1 and Game 2. Should the series extend to a crucial Game 3, those with the bundle will get complimentary admission on Thursday night—a can’t-miss opportunity for locals on the First Coast.
“This team is exceptionally talented, a once-in-a-decade or even once-in-a-quarter-century occurrence,” stated Scott Kornberg, Media and Public Relations Manager for the Jumbo Shrimp.
Given current ticket demand and the midweek timing of the playoff games, Jumbo Shrimp announcer Scott Kornberg noted that while a full house is not predicted, a substantial turnout is expected Tuesday night, similar to other games since the stadium’s recent upgrades.
“We’re noticing a trend where attendance in many communities has declined due to economic factors and other reasons, yet we’re an exception. It’s a tremendous response to the stadium’s renovations and additional efforts,” he elaborated.
According to Kornberg, the team set a franchise record this season and finished with the second-most stolen bases in Triple-A.
They also matched the franchise record for total players used in a single season, with 90 players taking the field.
If the Jumbo Shrimp win this series, they will head to Las Vegas this Saturday to play in the Triple-A National Championship Game. A one-game showdown against the winner of the Pacific Coast League Championship Series.
