Sharks Announce 2016 Theme Nights

(photo credit: jaxsharks.com)

The Jacksonville Sharks have always been known for providing a great fan experience, and will continue the tradition this year with their series of theme nights during the 2016 season.

After their first two games on the road, the Sharks will come home for their April 18 game against the Orlando Predators for the third annual Redneck Night. What started as a payback theme for a billboard put up by former Predators Owner Brett Bouchy has become a celebration of mullets, flannel, and overalls. Cowford's native fans will also celebrate the raising of the 2015 American Conference Championship banner as they look for their 2nd straight win against the Predators.

When the Arizona Rattlers come to town on Saturday, April 23, they'll be greeted by the Union Jack as Jacksonville hosts the first ever British Invasion night. Sharks fans will be transported back to the days of the British Rock era of the late '60s, and will also be treated to a performance by the Beatlemaniax.

The lone home game in May will see the Portland Thunder come to town on May 21. That night, the Sharks will honor all those who have and currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces for their Military Appreciation Night. As part of the tradition, the team will accept donations to the Veteran Tickets Foundation through sales of various military-themed merchandise, as well as posters featuring the Attack dance team. Tickets are buy one, get one free for all military personnel and their families, and after the game, the Sharks will auction off special military-themed jerseys worn by the players during the game.

Jacksonville kicks off June with Superhero Night against the Philadelphia Soul on the June 4. Kids of all ages can dress up as their favorite hero (or villain, if you're so inclined) as the Sharks look for their third straight home win against the Soul, and fourth overall. At halftime, the crowd will be treated by a long-time fan favorite, as the Disc-Connected K9's will put on a show on Sea Best Field.

The June 4 game will also be Education Appreciation Night, as all school employees, including teachers and administrators, will enjoy a buy one ticket, get one free offer. For the kids, all elementary school children will get a free ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket (maximum of two free).

Two weeks later, Orlando comes back to town for Halloween in June. Dress in your October 31 best as Jacksonville will team up with The Scream Park, who will be sure to have plenty of spooky surprises in store at Veterans Memorial Arena. Fans can take a tour of the haunted house set up on the concourse, and for those who desire a night without a fright, there will be an established "no-scare" zone.

When the Cleveland Gladiators come to town on June 25, Sea Best Field may resemble the inside of the Death Star, as the Sharks will hold their second annual Star Wars night. If you can't resist the power of the Dark Side, members of the 501st Legion will be in attendance and proudly recruiting. As an extra bonus, the first 1,000 kids 12 and under in attendance will receive their own Lightsaber.

If your kids desire an opportunity to awaken the force, the Sharks will hold their Youth Football Camp the afternoon before the game. Boys and girls ages 6-16 can learn the fundamentals of the game from players and coaches.

On Saturday, July 23, it will begin to look a lot like Christmas with Christmas in July as Jacksonville plays host to the LA KISS. Always ready to get into the holiday spirit, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance as they begin to prepare their naughty and nice lists, and the Jr. Attack Dance Team will take the field at halftime to spread a little holiday cheer to break up any mid-summer blues.

Finally, for those who want to break out the platform pumps with goldfish, the wide open collars, and head out to Studio 54, the Jacksonville Sharks finish their regular season against the Tampa Bay Storm. There may not be a disco ball coming from the ceiling, but you'll catch Saturday Night Fever on a Sunday evening, and the Boogie Freaks' halftime show will make sure you won't stop 'til you get enough. They'll be joining the team for the postgame autograph session, and the first 1,000 kids age 12 and under will get a retro tin lunch box to show off to their friends.