Know Your Opponent: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
With the start of the 2021 season approaching, a lot has changed since the Bulls last played in September 2019. That includes a new league and division structure across the minor leagues. In the leadup to the season, we'll educate you on each Southeast Division opponent the Bulls are scheduled
With the start of the 2021 season approaching, a lot has changed since the Bulls last played in September 2019. That includes a new league and division structure across the minor leagues. In the leadup to the season, we'll educate you on each Southeast Division opponent the Bulls are scheduled to play.
In addition to some familiar teams Bulls fans may know from previous seasons, a few new squads have joined Durham in the Triple-A Southeast Division, including the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
Prior to joining the Triple-A level prior to this season, Jacksonville was a member of the Southern League, serving as the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. That relationship with the Marlins, which dates back to 2009, continues at the Triple-A level. The franchise was previously known as the Jacksonville Suns before re-branding as the Jumbo Shrimp prior to the 2017 campaign.
Jacksonville has played at 121 Financial Ballpark (previously known as Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville) since 2003 with a capacity of 11,000. Prior to that point, the franchise played at Wolfson Park from 1962-2002. This is not Jacksonville's first foray at the Triple-A level, having played in the International League from 1962-68, which included a league title in their final season in the circuit in 1968. In addition to that championship, Jacksonville won six Southern League titles, the most recent coming in 2014.
This is the part where normally we would mention the head-to-head records between the two clubs, but the two teams have never faced off in their history. That first matchup is scheduled to come on Opening Night at the DBAP on Tuesday, May 11. Though Bulls fans may never have seen this team play before, they will get plenty of opportunities to learn about them, as the two teams will face off 36 times over the course of the 2021 campaign, including 18 matchups at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Along with the opening homestand from May 11-16, the Jumbo Shrimp are also scheduled to play at the DBAP between July 13-18 and August 17-22.
Tickets are now available for Durham's first series versus Jacksonville at the DBAP between May 11-26. Individual tickets for all May home games can be purchased by clicking here. For more information on 2021 tickets, please click here.