Pelicans, Wizards to play in Jacksonville

Tickets go on sale Friday for Oct. 8 NBA preseason game

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the second consecutive year, Jacksonville will play host to the NBA, Mayor Alvin Brown announced Monday.

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards will take the court inside Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena for a preseason game on Oct. 8.

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"We're honored to welcome the NBA back to Jacksonville," Brown said. "This game continues our great partnership with the NBA, and it's another opportunity to showcase Jacksonville as a go-to place for sports."

Last year, the Orlando Magic hosted the New Orleans Pelicans in front of a crowd of over 8,000.

The Pelicans and Wizards represent two young NBA franchises on the rise, with the Wizards winning its first playoff series in over a decade this past season. Each team features a young star coming off of his first All-Star Game appearance -- Anthony Davis of the Pelicans and John Wall of the Wizards. Both men played college basketball at the University of Kentucky.

Former Florida Gator and Jacksonville native Patric Young also signed a two-year contract with the Pelicans over the weekend.

The game will serve as the pinnacle of a two-day celebration of basketball and sports, including NBA Legends participating in events throughout the community.

Brown also announced a partnership with the United Service Organizations to provide tickets to service members. Military members will be able to get discounted tickets through the USO offices at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport leading up to the game.

Game day will feature a pregame NBA Fan Fest on the plaza outside of the arena with interactive displays, games and music.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Prices start at $15 and are available at the arena box office, ticketmaster.com or by calling 904-630-3900.