JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida (UNF) announced an $8 million gift from the estate of Kernan R. Hodges to support renovations and upgrades at Hodges Stadium. The stadium is home to UNF men’s and women’s soccer and the university’s track and field teams, as well as professional Sporting Jax soccer teams.
Hodges Stadium and the Visit Jax Track have drawn major sporting events to Jacksonville, and university materials say those events have produced more than 200,000 hotel room nights and $160 million in economic impact since 2012. The new gift is intended to boost the facility’s community and economic role.
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“We are thankful for this transformational gift from the Hodges family that will help UNF recruit future Ospreys, strengthen community connections and enhance campus life,” said UNF Interim President Angela Garcia Falconetti.
The 9,400-seat Hodges Stadium includes a lighted field, a nine-lane international track, the Browning Athletic Training and Education Center and UNF Athletics Department offices. Recent investments funded by the gift have added national broadcast–level lighting and a digital video board.
The gift, together with $6 million allocated by the City of Jacksonville in 2025, will also support restroom and locker room renovations, an upgraded press box and infrastructure improvements. UNF officials say they are exploring premium seating options as part of the project.
“These enhancements to Hodges Stadium will elevate the experience for our student‑athletes and strengthen UNF’s ability to attract national and international events which will further amplify the stadium’s significant economic impact on our community,” said Nick Morrow, UNF Athletics Director.
Hodges Stadium opened in January 2004 and was named for George and Kernan Hodges after a $2 million gift in October 2006. The venue’s competition and practice track was resurfaced after the Duval County Tourist Development Council committed $950,000 and the track was named Visit Jax Track in 2021, according to UNF.
It has been a frequent site for NCAA and regional track competitions, including eight NCAA East First Round meets (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025) and the ASUN Conference Outdoor Track Championships annually since 2009.
Hodges Stadium has also hosted Florida high school state track and field championships, the USATF Masters Championships, American Track League meets, the Bob Hayes Invitational, the USATF Junior Olympics and AAU Club National Championships. The field has been used as a practice facility for one of the teams in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl and served as the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice site when Jacksonville hosted Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005.
UNF is scheduled to host the NCAA East First Round in 2027, the NCAA Division II National Championships in 2028 and FHSAA Track & Field Championships through 2028.