WWE
Jacksonville

What Is WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

WWE Friday Night SmackDown is one of WWE’s two flagship weekly television programs, airing live every Friday at 8:00 PM ET on the USA Network. SmackDown features its own dedicated roster of Superstars competing for exclusive championships including the Undisputed WWE Championship and the WWE Women’s Championship. The blue brand is known for its cinematic storytelling, faction warfare—most notably the ongoing Bloodline saga—and a roster that blends seasoned veterans with rising stars. SmackDown events draw passionate crowds, and the Jacksonville audience has always been known for bringing electric energy to wrestling events.

Post-WrestleMania 42 Stakes on SmackDown

WrestleMania 42 takes place on April 18–19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the second consecutive year. By the time SmackDown reaches Jacksonville on May 8, the fallout from WrestleMania will be in full swing. Championship reigns may have changed hands, alliances may have crumbled, and new contenders will be stepping up to prove themselves. Post-WrestleMania SmackDown episodes have historically delivered surprise returns, emotional confrontations, and the seeds of rivalries that carry through the summer. The SmackDown roster heading into WrestleMania includes “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and the Bloodline faction, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and many more.

About VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

Originally known as the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, the facility was renamed in 2019 when VyStar Credit Union entered a 15-year sponsorship agreement that includes annual contributions to a trust fund supporting programs for local veterans. The arena was built as part of the Better Jacksonville Plan and replaced the outdated Jacksonville Coliseum. Since opening, it has hosted an impressive array of events including Elton John’s inaugural concert in 2003, NCAA Tournament games, UFC pay-per-views, and countless major tours. The arena is home to the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL) and the Jacksonville Sharks (Indoor Football League).

The venue is conveniently located in downtown Jacksonville, easily accessible from I-95 and with multiple parking options nearby. Public transportation and rideshare services also serve the arena effectively, making it straightforward for fans across Northeast Florida to get to the show and back.

How to Get WWE Jacksonville Tickets on BigStub

1. Check the listings above. Browse available WWE SmackDown Jacksonville tickets, sorted by price and section. Use the seating chart to visualize your view from any part of VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
2. Pick your preferred seats. All tickets listed on BigStub come from verified sellers. Prices are competitive and all-inclusive—what you see is what you pay, with no additional service fees added at checkout.
3. Complete your purchase securely. BigStub processes all transactions with buyer protection guarantees, so your tickets are authenticated and guaranteed valid for entry.
4. Get your tickets delivered. Tickets are delivered electronically via transfer, email, or mobile, ensuring you have them well before the event.

Getting to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The arena is located at 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202. From I-95 South, take the Union Street/Riverfront exit (353B), continue approximately 2 miles, then follow signs to the Sports Complex and turn right on A. Philip Randolph Blvd. From I-95 North, take the Main Street exit, cross the Main Street Bridge, then follow Bay Street east to A. Philip Randolph Blvd. Multiple parking facilities are available near the arena, and rideshare pickup locations are clearly marked for post-event departure.

Frequently Asked Questions About WWE SmackDown in Jacksonville

When is WWE SmackDown coming to Jacksonville in 2026?

WWE Friday Night SmackDown will take place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET. This event was announced by WWE on February 26, 2026, as part of a batch of eleven new post-WrestleMania dates.

Where is the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena?

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is located at 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202, in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. It is accessible from I-95 and surrounded by multiple parking options.

How many seats does VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena have?

The arena has a capacity of up to 15,000, though the configuration varies by event. For WWE wrestling events, floor seating surrounds the ring with tiered bowl seating above, creating an immersive atmosphere where the crowd is close to the action.

When do tickets go on sale for WWE SmackDown in Jacksonville?

General public tickets go on sale Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time through Ticketmaster. A presale begins Thursday, March 5 at 10:00 AM. Verified resale tickets are also available through BigStub at all-inclusive prices.

Which WWE Superstars are on the SmackDown roster?

The SmackDown roster for 2026 includes Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and the Bloodline, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Bayley, Kevin Owens, and many more. Exact match cards for weekly SmackDown episodes are typically confirmed closer to the event date.

Is this event part of the post-WrestleMania tour?

Yes. WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18–19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Jacksonville SmackDown on May 8 falls within the exciting post-WrestleMania period, when title pictures shift and new rivalries emerge.

What channel does SmackDown air on?

WWE Friday Night SmackDown airs live on the USA Network every Friday at 8:00 PM ET. Fans attending the live event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena will experience the show in person as it broadcasts to the nation.

Is BigStub an official WWE ticket outlet?

No. BigStub is an independent resale marketplace that is not affiliated with WWE. BigStub connects fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive, all-inclusive prices with buyer protection on every transaction.

Is there parking at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena?

Yes. There are multiple parking facilities near the arena in downtown Jacksonville. Parking prices vary by event and lot. Rideshare services are also a popular option, with designated drop-off and pickup areas near the venue.

What is the bag policy at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena?

The arena enforces a clear bag policy for security purposes. Small clutch bags and clear bags meeting specific size requirements are permitted. Large purses, backpacks, and non-clear bags are generally not allowed. Check the official VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena website for the most current entry policies before attending.

Has Jacksonville hosted WWE events before?

Absolutely. Jacksonville has a strong professional wrestling heritage. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena has hosted multiple WWE live events over the years, and the city was also the base for AEW programming for an extended period. Jacksonville wrestling fans are widely considered some of the most passionate in the country.

What time should I arrive for SmackDown in Jacksonville?

Doors at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena typically open 60 to 90 minutes before event time. For a 7:30 PM start, plan to arrive by 6:00 PM or earlier to allow for parking, security, and settling into your seats. Pre-show dark matches sometimes begin before the televised broadcast starts.