The Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville opened in 2003 and is a state-of-the-art multipurpose arena. The 15,000-seat venue plays host to sporting events, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and concerts, including Elton John and the Dixie Chicks. The Jacksonville University men's basketball team plays its home games at the arena. Located in the downtown area, there are many hotels nearby and the arena is centrally located with regard to golf courses in North Florida.
Hyatt Regency
With nearly 1,000 rooms, many with views of the St. John's River, the Hyatt Regency is a full-service hi-rise luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. Located just a half-mile from the Veterans Memorial Arena, the hotel has a rooftop pool/whirlpool area, fitness center and sauna on site. Guest rooms are modern and comfortable, with state-of-the-art technology, including i-Pod docking stations and flat-panel TVs. The hotel partners with the First Coast of Golf to arrange tee times at area courses.
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
225 East Coastline Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 588-1234
http://Jacksonville.hyatt.com
Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront
Located in the trendy San Marco neighborhood, less than a mile from the Veterans Memorial Arena, the Wyndham has a pool area, fitness center, business center and restaurant on site. The hotel is 100 percent non-smoking. Guest rooms are contemporary and have large work stations with ergonomically correct chairs. The hotel does not offer specific golf packages, but the concierge will arrange for tee times at area courses.
Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront
1515 Prudential Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-5100
http://wyndham.com/hotels/JAXHT/main.wnt
Extended Stay America Jacksonville-Riverwalk
A clean, simply appointed value hotel, the Extended Stay America Jacksonville-Riverwalk is located less than a mile from the Veterans Memorial Arena. Guest rooms are similar to studio apartments or larger and have kitchen areas that include a refrigerator, range, microwave and sink as well as cooking and serving utensils and dishware. Guest rooms also have work stations. Housekeeping service is weekly, though more frequent service is available for an additional fee.
Extended Stay America Jacksonville-Riverwalk
1413 Prudential Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-1777
http://extendedstayamerica.com
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
