It’s always a struggle to find the perfect place to watch an away game. Thankfully, 8103 Clothing Inc. owner, Mark Braddock, teamed up with The Block Skate Supply and dedicated fan group, Generation Jaguar, to host Jacksonville Jaguars watch parties for two pre-season away games. On Aug. 22, they hosted a watch party for the Jags against the Miami Dolphins.
TVs were set up inside The Block and 8103 Clothing stores, where fans could both linger and shop while watching the game without missing a play. Walking past these stores on Main Street in downtown Jax, it’s hard to even notice the celebration, just some local shops open late with the game on.
But walking through these stores, past the clothes, TVs and registers, then, beyond the back entrance is The Block’s skate plaza, decorated in all things black and teal and with a giant 12-foot screen. The Jacksonville Jaguars tent was stocked with with beads, glasses, koozies and Jaguar goodies galore while Bold City Brewery and Relevnt poured free drinks to guests. That’s right, a free sports event with real, free drinks (just remember to tip the bartender).
The cherry of this all-Jags event was Blazin' Buffalo’s food truck parked right out back to serve up some fried chicken bites and fries to hungry fans.
“The community aspect in Historic Springfield is like no other in Jacksonville,” Braddock said, who actually grew up in Jacksonville Beach and hosted multiple pop-ups there before opening his Springfield store in July. “The synergy that's being cultivated on the block is something every local needs to experience. All the businesses on Main Street support each other and work together.”
Braddock is already planning future events, including a Sept. 22 pop-up at Jacksonville Beach’s Latham Plaza from 5 to 10 p.m., curated by 8103 Clothing Inc.
This idea of “community over competition” is what drives Braddock, according to a previous interview with the Jax Daily Record.
By collaborating with local businesses and throwing unique, community-driven events, Braddock hopes to spark “more life to the area.”
“These events are important to the community,” said Stefanie Snabes, Jaguars fan and first timer at an 8103 Clothing Inc. event. “They bring more local business awareness to Jacksonville. Most importantly, it brought all the Jaguar fans together.”
For more information on the brand and upcoming events, visit www.8103clothing.com.
