A-Sun moves its headquarters to Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With a move planned for this summer, the Atlantic Sun is moving its headquarters to Jacksonville on the day it was announced a deal for the Jaguars’ new stadium would be unveiled next week.

A-Sun Commissioner Jeff Bacon said the A-Sun, which counts UNF and JU as members, will become the first and only Division 1 conference headquartered in Florida. He called the city a destination market and this provided the conference with a unique opportunity. They plan to move near the 295 ring road.

Council President Ron Salem said A-Sun’s decision was “historic.” The conference is currently based in Atlanta.

“It’s too big a state to not have one of us here,” Bacon said.

He pledged that the conference would be taken into account in the economic development of the city. He said the conference could reach 20 million households through its markets of Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando and Louisville across its 23 sports.

“It helps us tell the story of Jacksonville,” Bacon added.

The press conference also announced the launch of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization intended to catalyze economic development through sports and showcase Jacksonville as a premier sports city. Financial partners are being sought for the 501(c)(3).

It will emphasize high-quality sporting events, from small ballparks to EverBank Stadium.

The collaboration is in partnership with Visit Jacksonville. Visit Jacksonville CEO Michael Corrigan said the targeted events ranged from “archery to Zumba.”

Mayor Donna Deegan said sporting events generated $178 million in revenue last year.

“It’s a significant number and it’s going to increase,” Deegan said.

The city has hosted NCAA tournament games and athletic championships in the past.