We would like to welcome the American Quarter Horse Exhibitors back to the Equestrian Center this week for the American Quarter Horse Association Region 10 Championship Show! The event starts today and extends through the weekend.

The American Quarter Horse is an American breed working horse. These horses perform at cattle events, Western Pleasure, jump and barrels.

Spectator admission is FREE and open to the public. Attendees can expect exciting competitions and unique shopping.

SPECTATOR ADMISSION & PARKING IS FREE!

Event Dates and Times:

Thursday, May 16 – Saturday, May 18 – 8:00am – 8:00pm

Sunday, May 19 – 8:00am – 5:00pm

Spectators are encouraged to arrive in the morning or early afternoon as it is the peak time for activity. For more information please visit www.region10experience.com or contact the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 904-573-4895.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is managed by SMG and is located at 13611 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221. Regarded as one of the premier equestrian facilities on the east coast, the Equestrian Center offers the Jacksonville community a variety of entertainment opportunities. For more information on upcoming events, please visit www.jaxevents.com or call 904-573-4895.

###

Get ready for a night of soul stirring old school and new school classics from the Grammy Award winning, R&B and Soul Diva, Mary J Blige. Come party the evening away as we bring you her long awaited Liberation Tour with special guests, Grammy Award winning singer Chrisette Michelle, Grammy Nominated singer Eric Benet, singer/song-writer Bridgette Kelley and comedian Jay Lamont.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 17th at 10:00 AM online through WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM. Ticket prices and additional show information will be posted to www.jaxevents.com as they become available.

With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 29 nominations) and four American Music Awards, Blige is only getting started. “I know who I am and what I can do. With each album, it’s just me continuing to grow,” said Blige in a pure, unadulterated and empowering manner. Since her 1992 multi-platinum debut album, that’s been her calling card. The singer/songwriter’s musical strong suit has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums.

As she continues her multi-faceted journey, one constant remains for Blige: her fans. “Being connected with their lives is what keeps me going,” she says. “They’re the reason why I am where I am.”

Tickets on sale at ticketmaster.com and the Veterans Memorial Arena Box office May 17th, 2013.

As is often the case when a team from the South Division squares off against one from the West, these two squads do not have much recent history. In fact, Jacksonville has only played one game against the SaberCats in the team’s three-and-a-half-year franchise history, dropping an 83-70 decision in San Jose during the 2011 season.

The 2013 Sharks will take the field on Saturday with the goal of snapping a two-game losing streak, as the team fell to the San Antonio Talons by a count of 34-30 last Saturday night. Despite the loss, the Sharks remain atop the South Division, one game ahead of the 5-3 Tampa Bay Storm as the season nears the halfway mark. Jacksonville also currently holds the No. 1 seed in the American Conference.

In what has become a recurring theme, the Sharks turned in a stellar defensive performance their last time out. Led by a pair of sacks by both Jerry Turner and Matt Marcorelle, the Sharks’ front four brought down Talon quarterback Nick Hill a total of five times. The team also forced four turnovers, including interceptions by both Terrance Smith and Tracy Belton.

The Sharks take the field with the top-scoring defense in the league, allowing just 43.5 points per game. The team has held three of its last five opponents under 35 points, and the defensive line leads the league with 25 sacks in eight games. What makes the Jacksonville pass rush so difficult to neutralize is that pressure can come from any spot on the field. While Turner leads the league with seven sacks, Marcorelle, Mac linebacker Aaron Robbins and defensive lineman Rashaad Duncan all rank in the top 10.

This week, the Sharks will look to overpower a SaberCat offensive line that has allowed just nine sacks to this point in the year. Generating consistent pressure will be key in disrupting the rhythm of San Jose quarterback Russ Michna, who has tossed 15 touchdowns against just two interceptions since joining the SaberCats prior to Week 6. The southpaw quarterback has a talented group of receivers at his disposal, including a pair of former Sharks in Jason Willis and Jamarko Simmons. Willis leads the SaberCats in every major receiving category (52 receptions, 574 yards, 13 touchdowns), while the imposing Simmons has caught nine touchdown passes while adding six scores on the ground in goal-line situations.

On the other side, the Jacksonville offense is looking for improved production after scoring just four touchdowns against the Talons last week. Though the Sharks led 20-14 at halftime of that game, Jacksonville only mustered 10 points in the second half. The team was stopped on downs on their second possession of the game and turned the ball over three times, unable to capitalize on the dominant play of the Jacksonville defense.

In fact, the Sharks have topped the 50-point mark just once in the last four weeks after scoring 60 or more in each of the team’s first four games of the season. The team’s offensive stars have continued to produce, as Jeron Harvey has totaled 12 touchdowns in the last four games, and Jeff Hughley made nine grabs for 105 yards in his return to the team after attending Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ mini-camp. But the Sharks must work to finish drives and eliminate mistakes going forward.

Doing so won’t be easy on Saturday, as the SaberCats’ defense has allowed 38, 36 and 34 points during San Jose’s current three-game win streak. The Sharks will have to keep an eye on veteran defensive back Clevan Thomas, who leads the team with five interceptions in his first AFL season since 2008. Thomas has helped mentor a SaberCat secondary that also includes two-way starter Huey Whittaker, who has two interceptions at Jack linebacker to go along with his nine receiving touchdowns.

San Jose’s pass rush is potent as well, as the SaberCats rank second to the Sharks with 17 sacks this season. The unit is led by defensive lineman Jason Stewart (five sacks) and reigning All-Arena Second Team Mac linebacker Francis Maka (four sacks).

In a game that has a good chance to feature a down-to-the-wire finish, special teams could play a pivotal role on Saturday. The Sharks’ kick coverage unit will need to pay special attention to their assignments, as SaberCat returners Mervin Brookins and Fred Williams have combined to bring back three kickoffs for touchdowns this season.

Saturday is Military Appreciation Night on Sea Best Field, as all active and retired military members and their families are eligible for Buy One, Get One Free tickets with the presentation of a military ID at the arena box office. in addition, the Sharks have teamed up with the Armed Forces Families Foundation for a second consecutive year. Military T-Shirts and Attack Dance Team Military Posters will be available in exchange for a small donation to AFFF, while the team will hold a Postgame Jersey Auction during which fans may bid on the Sharks’ game-worn camouflage jerseys. Proceeds from the auction will also go to AFFF.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and back-to-back-to-back South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Season Tickets for the 2013 season are now available, two tickets as low as $137. To reserve your season tickets or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.

About the AFL

Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased its fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. CBS Sports Network will broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week on Saturday nights for the entire regular season and postseason through the semifinal round. The ArenaBowl XXVI Championship Game will air on the CBS Television Network on August 17, 2013.

** In honor of Memorial Day and those who serve our country, the LFL will be offering “Military Discount Tickets.” Those who show their Military ID will be able to purchase up to 10, $10 tickets. *Offer only available at Box Office.

**The Breeze players and coaches are available for in studio and phone interviews from now until game day. Please coordinate all media appearances with my office.

Game Preview: Available Monday, May 20th.

Video Clip (Angie Williams) – www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5QM7nu7tS0

Link to Buy Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/lingerie-football-league-jacksonville-florida-05-25-2013/event/22004962D6A775B7?artistid=1306107&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=102

Jacksonville Breeze Remaining Schedule:
Baltimore Charm vs. Jacksonville Breeze – Saturday May 25th, 8PM, Veterans Memorial Arena
Jacksonville Breeze vs. Omaha Heart – Saturday June 1st, 8PM, Ralston Arena, Omaha, NE
Jacksonville Breeze Vs. Philadelphia Passion – Saturday June 15th, 8PM, PPL Park, Chester, PA

Multi-platinum musical artist Mannheim Steamroller will perform live in a holiday show featuring Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano, Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen, along with many others.

The show will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 7:00pm at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Tickets go on sale this summer, the date and time will be announced soon.

Hosted by Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi and three-time U.S. champion Michael Weiss, the star-studded cast, in addition to Boitano and Cohen, is scheduled to feature:

•World and U.S. champion Kimmie Meissner
•U.S. champion Ryan Bradley
•Two-time World professional pairs champions Elena Leonova and Andrei Khvalko
•Olympians and seven-time British national ice dancing champions Sinead and John Kerr

No holiday ice show would be complete without signature holiday music from Mannheim Steamroller who, with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide (27 million in the holiday genre), are the largest-selling Christmas music artists of all time. Mannheim Steamroller will perform live for the entire show, and will be joined for several songs by Grammy®-winning artist Martina McBride, a four-time Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year.

“PANDORA is thrilled to see a number of our amazing sponsorships come together for this year’s Holiday Moments on Ice special,” said Angel Ilagan, Vice President of Marketing for PANDORA North America. “Over the last several years, we’ve been able to be a part of these performances featuring many of the world’s top skaters and Mannheim Steamroller’s unique holiday music. Bringing in a signature talent like Martina McBride for this year’s celebration is an amazing moment for us both as fans of these performers and as a reflection of the PANDORA brand.”

The show will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sunday, December 1, 2013 (4:00 to 6:00pm EST); the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. Following the initial telecast, there will be two rebroadcasts of the show on AXS TV.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

About DISSON
Disson Skating annually produces nationally televised figure skating spectaculars, all featuring celebrity guest artists on NBC. Disson Skating’s shows continue to capture large television audiences with every event and Disson Skating has earned the reputation as the leading producers of televised ice skating spectaculars in the United States.

About PANDORA
For more than 30 years, PANDORA has been making its mark in the international fine jewelry industry and is world-renowned for its high-quality, hand finished designs made from genuine materials at affordable prices. The collections inspire women to embrace their individuality with romantic and feminine pieces that capture the unforgettable moments of life. The strength of the PANDORA charm bracelet is the detailed design, the high quality and the unique threaded bracelet system (U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,507). The affordable luxury collections include customizable charm bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and watches made from sterling silver and 14K and 18K gold. Perfect for any occasion, PANDORA jewelry is sold in over 70 countries on six continents in over 10,300 locations, including approximately 900 PANDORA branded concept stores. To view the PANDORA collection, build a personal piece online or locate a jeweler, please visit PANDORA.net. For news and updates, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, PANDORA employs over 6,000 people worldwide, of whom more than 4,000 are located in Gemopolis, Thailand, where the company manufactures its jewelry. PANDORA is publicly listed on the NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen stock exchange in Denmark. In 2012, PANDORA’s total revenue was DKK 6.7 billion (approximately EUR 893 million). For more information about PANDORA, please visit www.pandoragroup.com.
# # #

The 28-year-old Hughley (5’8”, 175) was originally placed on Other League Exempt on Thursday, May 2, after receiving an invitation to participate in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie mini-camp that was held this past weekend.

Hughley is in the midst of a stellar season with the Sharks, ranking second on the team with 47 receptions for a team-high total of 516 receiving yards. Hughley caught a pair of touchdowns in each of the Sharks’ first four games and is third on the team with nine touchdown receptions overall. He caught a season-high 13 passes for 146 yards and two scores in the Sharks’ season-opening win against the Tampa Bay Storm, and scored four total touchdowns in Week 3 against Cleveland.

A threat on special teams as well, Hughley has totaled 557 yards on 28 kick returns this season. He has also logged two missed field goal returns for a total of 79 yards, notching the first missed field goal return touchdown in Jacksonville franchise history in the team’s Week 4 win over the New Orleans VooDoo. Hughley was selected as the J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week for Week 4, and that missed field goal return was named the AFL Highlight of the Week as well. Hughley currently ranks second in the league in all-purpose yards (1,155), and is also second among AFL players with an average of 192.5 all-purpose yards per contest.

Hughley is in his fourth season in the Arena Football League, returning to Jacksonville after spending 2012 with the Philadelphia Soul. He was originally assigned to the Jacksonville roster on a three-year contract in November of 2012. The reigning Ironman of the Year, Hughley was a major part of the Sharks’ run to the ArenaBowl XXIV title in 2011, earning a spot on the All-Ironman team that year as well.

Before joining the Sharks, Hughley made his AFL debut with the Tulsa Talons in 2010, catching 113 passes for 1,258 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also notched four rushing touchdowns and returned a pair of kickoffs for scores. Hughley also spent time with the Talons when the team was a member of af2, earning af2 Ironman of the Year honors in 2009. Hughley played collegiate football at Averett University.

Following the day’s transaction, the Jacksonville roster stands at the League maximum of 24 active players.

About the Jacksonville Sharks


The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and back-to-back-to-back South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Season Tickets for the 2013 season are now available, two tickets as low as $137. To reserve your season tickets or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.

About the AFL
Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased its fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. CBS Sports Network will broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week on Saturday nights for the entire regular season and postseason through the semifinal round. The ArenaBowl XXVI Championship Game will air on the CBS Television Network on August 17, 2013.

Producers Steven Van Zandt and Maureen Van Zandt, Marc Brickman, Larry Magid and BASE Entertainment are thrilled to announce that following a critically acclaimed, sold-out Broadway engagement, THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM will embark on a tour to play venues across North America. The tour kicks off May 24, 2013 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM will play at the Times-Union Center Moran Theater on May 31 for one performance only.

A hybrid of a rock ‘n’ roll concert and a Broadway show, THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM marks the first time The Rascals, America’s classic blue-eyed soul band, have played together since 1970. Original band members Felix Cavaliere (keyboard & vocals), Eddie Brigati (vocals), Dino Danelli (drums) and Gene Cornish (guitar) will present a complete concert performance including songs that captured the spirit of America in the 1960’s, such as their smash hits “Good Lovin’,” “Lonely Too Long,” “It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “How Can I Be Sure” and “Groovin’.” The production will also feature the history of the iconic group told through archival footage, narration, and dramatic film segments viewed on the latest LED screen technology. THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM made its debut at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. Originally scheduled to play three performances in December 2012, an additional three shows had to be added to accommodate the demand for this unique concert experience.

THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM, premiered on Broadway to critical acclaim this spring selling out 15 performances. The show is directed by Steven Van Zandt and Marc Brickman, with music by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati. THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM has stage, video and lighting design by Brickman and has music production and is written by legendary guitarist Van Zandt. Performances began Monday, April 15th at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street), and play through Sunday, May 5th. Opening night was Tuesday, April 16th.

Tickets for THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM go on sale on Friday, May 3 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

# # #

BIOS:

THE RASCALS, formerly known as The Young Rascals, are one of the most influential, and artistically important American bands in Rock and Roll history. In a time dominated by the English rock acts of the British Invasion, The Rascals not only survived but thrived. The post-twist New York, New Jersey, and Long Island club scenes bred the band, an outfit whose sound grew more sophisticated as time went on but stayed rooted in the blue-eyed soul that was its first reason for being. At first a hard-hitting band reminiscent of the early Animals, the Rascals drew from the same well that fed the then-burgeoning garage rock scene. They would go on to lead the way for Blue Eyed Soul to Folk Rock to Protest to Civil Rights, blending white Pop melodies with black soul and R&B muscle. Though they never brandished their politics like some bands, the Rascals truly lived theirs, fighting discrimination by demanding that a black act appear on the bill at each of its concerts.

Their music would span the entire decade from the early Go-Go dance parties right through the psychedelic era – and beyond. The band released numerous top ten singles in the mid- and late-1960s, including “How Can I Be Sure”, “Come On Up”, “You Better Run”, “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long”, “Beautiful Morning”, and the #1 hits “Good Lovin’”, “Groovin’”, and “People Got to Be Free”. They went their separate ways in the early 70′s, finally reuniting for one night in May of 1997 when Steven Van Zandt inducted them into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And now the day music historians never thought would happen, The Rascals’ original lineup—Felix Cavaliere, Gene Cornish, Eddie Brigati and Dino Danelli—have reunited for their first public performances in 40 years with “Once Upon A Dream,” a combination concert/theatrical event produced and directed by Steven Van Zandt and lighting/projection wizard Marc Brickman. Ladies and Gentleman….THE RASCALS ARE BACK!

STEVEN VAN ZANDT (Producer / Writer / Director / Music Producer) is a Musician, Songwriter, Performer, Arranger, Record Producer, Actor, Writer, Human Rights Activist, and International Radio DJ. He is a founding member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and an original principal cast member of The Sopranos. Steven’s current projects include Starring, Co-Writing, Co-Producing, and Co-Scoring “Lilyhammer”, which was chosen as the first original programming for Netflix, America’s first digital network. He is Music Supervisor, Music Producer, Music Arranger, and Executive Producer of David Chase’s (creator of Sopranos) first film Not Fade Away. He continues to host his internationally syndicated Rock and Roll radio show Little Steven’s Underground Garage (now broadcast in over 180 countries with over 1 million listeners in North America alone), and is touring the world with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Steven has also founded The Rock and Roll Forever Foundation (www.rockandrollforever.org) dedicated to the development, preservation, dissemination, and continuing support of Rock and Roll, past, present, and future – which is currently developing an online curriculum on the history of Rock and Roll and its role in American culture to both provide music education and defeat America’s High School dropout epidemic with a pilot program set to launch in schools in 2013.

MAUREEN VAN ZANDT (Producer) is co-founder of the With Out Papers Theatre Company, where she produced and acted in numerous productions. She appeared as Gabriella Dante in the HBO series The Sopranos for six seasons. She is also the creator and choreographer of the dance group Garage Girls A Go Go, who have worked extensively in video, tv and onstage. Maureen recently served as dance supervisor on the upcoming David Chase film, Not Fade Away. She is currently working on a production of a new play, 40 CPS, with Sopranos and theatre company colleagues Vincent Pastore and Robert Funaro. She would like to thank Stevie Van Zandt because without him there is no dream.

MARC BRICKMAN (Producer / Director / Staging / Video / Light Design) is a world renowned visual designer/director whose work and profile have been featured in publications and broadcasts including the New York Times, the television program “48 Hours” and others. Recognized as a cutting edge creative force and innovator in the industry, Brickman’s awards and accolades include Emmy Awards and Cable Ace Award nominations for production design and best director. His work with Pink Floyd is legendary having been viewed by millions worldwide. Other projects include the worldwide expansion of The Blue Man Group. Artists Keith Urban, McCartney, Springsteen, Cirque Du Soleil “Viva Elvis,” and The Black Eyed Peas all have called on Brickman’s talent.

LARRY MAGID (Executive Producer) has been involved with over two dozen Broadway shows, beginning with Bette Midler’s “Clams On The Half Shell”. He is a two time Tony Award winner with 4 Tony nominations, an Outer Critics Circle Award for Off Broadway, 5 Bar Area Drama Awards and a Heppleman Award (Australian Tony). Currently, he is co-producing “I Will Eat You Last”, starring Bette Midler, and will be bringing “Diner, The Musical” to Broadway next fall. In 2005, his production of Billy Crystal’s “700 Sundays” not only won a Tony, but set a record for the largest grossing non-musical in Broadway history. In addition, Larry Magid is considered an architect and leader of the modern concert business. With over 16,000 concerts to his credit and still counting. He has produced national and international tours for Richard Pryor, Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder, Robin Williams, Kristin Chenoweth, Earth Wind & Fire, YES, Il Divo, The Allman Brothers Band, Patti LaBelle, and Grover Washington Jr. In 1985 Larry Magid co-produced the American portion of Live Aid. In 2005 he was the producer of Live 8. His book, My Soul’s Been Psychedelicized, came out in 2011. And in 2012, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate, from Temple University, in Humane Letters.

BASE ENTERTAINMENT (Executive Producer) develops, produces and manages intellectual properties generated for live entertainment stages in North America, South America and Asia. BASE’s current production activity in Las Vegas includes the following: Peepshow at Planet Hollywood, Rock of Ages at The Venetian, Jersey Boys at Paris, Absinthe at Caesars Palace, Defending the Caveman and Million Dollar Quartet at Harrah’s. Previous production activity in Las Vegas includes: Phantom at The Venetian, Wayne Brady – Making It Up at The Venetian, and Stomp Out Loud at Planet Hollywood. In addition, BASE operates the Showroom and PH Live at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. At Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, BASE programs both the Grand Theater, previously home to both The Lion King and Wicked, and the Sands Theater, where Jersey Boys recently launched a world tour (in partnership with Dodger Properties and Showtime). In Brazil, BASE, in partnership with Geo Eventos, recently produced Priscilla Queen of the Desert in Sao Paulo. Currently presented at Discovery Times Square in New York City, Spy: The Secret World of Espionage represents the premiere museum quality exhibition developed and presented by BASE. Beginning February 2014 in Toronto, BASE will also present the world premiere of the tango rock musical Arrabal. BASE Entertainment’s headquarters are in New York, and its founders include industry veterans Brian Becker and Scott Zeiger. For more information please visit www.BASEentertainment.com.

Street Closures

Please note your typical route to the arena may be altered by the “One Spark” festival downtown. To access a complete list of street closings for the festival, please CLICK HERE.

Additionally, the Mathews Bridge will be closed in both directions from 7:00 p.m. until Saturday morning.

Austin Adamec

Tonight is Faith and Family Night, and this game will feature a special performance by up-and-coming local artist Austin Adamec. A Jacksonville native, Adamec will sing the National Anthem at tonight’s game and play a brief set on the field during halftime. Following the conclusion of the game, Shark fans will have the opportunity to meet Austin as part of our weekly Postgame Autograph Session.

Second Harvest Food Drive

For the third consecutive year, the Sharks have teamed up with Second Harvest North Florida for a canned food drive designed to help end hunger in our local community. Last season, Shark fans contributed a total of over 10,000 lbs. of donations, and with your generosity we can top that figure in 2013!

Second Harvest volunteers will be set up outside the arena to collect donations as fans enter the building. The organization is also able to accept cash donations from those who would prefer to contribute in that manner.

SharkFest

We’re ready to kick off the night at SharkFest! Check out our pregame block party just outside the front entrance of the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, where you can ride the giant inflatable Shark Slide (weather-permitting) and enjoy some great Sea Best Seafood.

Also at SharkFest, you have the chance to help save lives by participating in The Blood Alliance’s blood drive. The drive will run from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Donate now so you will be eligible to contribute again before the end of the season!

Many of our other corporate partners will be on hand, so be sure to stop by their displays as well. SharkFest is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

Gates Open

Tonight, gates will open at 6:30 p.m. for season ticket holders and 7:00 p.m. for the general public.

Season TIcket Holder Gift PIckup

Season Ticket Holders who qualified for Season Ticket Holder Gifts will be able to pick up those items at this week’s game. In order to receive your items, bring your Tailgate Chair and Helmet Keychain vouchers to the merchandise booth located in the main lobby on street level. The redemption booth will be open before, during and after the game, but please note that you MUST present your voucher in order to receive your items.

In addition, Season Ticket Holders who renewed during the Early Bird period (before October 31) but have not yet picked up their Beach Towel gift may do so on Friday. Beach Towel pickup will be available in the same location as pickup for the other Season Ticket Holder gifts.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and back-to-back-to-back South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Season Tickets for the 2013 season are now available, two tickets as low as $185. To reserve your season tickets or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.

About the AFL

Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased its fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. CBS Sports Network will broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week on Saturday nights for the entire regular season and postseason through the semifinal round. The ArenaBowl XXVI Championship Game will air on the CBS Television Network on August 17, 2013.

Atlantic recording artist Cody Simpson has announced plans for a major North American headline tour. The 36 city “Paradise Tour”, part of AEG Lives’ worldwide touring partnership with Simpson, will get underway May 30th at The Moran Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida. Supporting Simpson on all dates will be Ryan Beatty and opener Before You Exit.

Presale tickets will be available exclusively to members of The Angels & Gentlemen’s Beach Club, the official Cody Simpson Fan Club, beginning Thursday, April 25th. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Saturday, April 27th. For up-to-the-minute tour and ticket information, please visit www.codysimpson.com/tour.

“Cody Simpson is much more than a teen heartthrob. He is one of those rare artists whose talent transcends trends. His live performances are among the finest on the road today and those fans lucky enough to catch his headlining tour are in for an incredible concert experience,” according to Randy Phillips, President & CEO of AEG Live. “We are extremely lucky and proud to be Cody Simpson’s partner in what will be a very long and eventful career.”

The summer tour will be heralded by the new single, “Pretty Brown Eyes,” set for release at all DSPs on Tuesday, April 23rd. “Pretty Brown Eyes” precedes the arrival of Simpson’s much anticipated second album. The as-yet-untitled collection – which follows last year’s debut, “PARADISE” – is set for release this summer. Complete details will be announced shortly.

Simpson – who has spent much of the past year on the road, with highlights including his first-ever European headline tour as well as dates on Justin Bieber’s world-conquering Believe Tour – will be performing “Pretty Brown Eyes” at the upcoming Radio Disney Music Awards. Cody is among the night’s top nominees, earning nods for “He’s The One – Best Male Artist,” “XOXO – Crush Song” (for “Wish U Were Here (Feat. Becky G)”), and “So FANtastic – Fiercest Fans.” The Radio Disney Music Awards will be presented live from Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Saturday, April 27th and broadcast across multiple platforms, including Vevo, The Disney Channel, Radio Disney and their respective websites. For complete details, please see radio.disney.go.com/win/music/ol/rdma/index.html

In other news, Simpson has announced the release of his first book, entitled Welcome To Paradise: My Journey. Featuring never-before-seen photos and exclusive details about Cody’s incredible life on and off stage, the official autobiography will be published by HarperCollins on October 24th.

With over 4.6 million Twitter followers, more than 4 million Facebook likes, and an astonishing 141.5 million YouTube views, 16-year-old Cody Simpson is a true pop sensation. The Queensland, Australia-born singer/songwriter arrived on the scene in 2010 and quickly made a name for himself via a series of singles and videos as well as innumerable TV and concert appearances.

Simpson’s debut album, “PARADISE,” arrived in October 2012. With its refreshing blend of contemporary high-energy with acoustic guitar-driven beach pop, the album – which includes the hit singles, “Wish U Were Here (Feat. Becky G)” and “Got Me Good” – confirmed Cody as more than just a worldwide multimedia phenomenon – he’s a distinctive and original artist in his own right.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, see www.codysimpson.com, www.facebook.com/codysimpsonmusic, http://twitter.com/#!/CodySimpson, and www.youtube.com/codysimpsonmusic.