When Mandarin and Raines kick off at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18, renewing a Gateway Conference rivalry in Jacksonville's most anticipated high school football game in years, there's something a little different for fans to keep in mind.
Tickets. In 2026, they're sold out.
School officials announced a sell-out for the battle of Duval County unbeaten programs a week before the kickoff, a rarity in Northeast Florida high school sports. So fans who don't have a ticket at this point won't be able to get in.
Because of the expected crowd, several specific procedures are in place for the Mandarin-Raines game. As listed by the Raines athletic department, here are regulations for fans.
- Gates open at 5 p.m. ahead of the 6:30 p.m. kickoff. Re-entry is not permitted.
- Fans should not validate their tickets in advance. Game workers must be able to validate the live ticket, and screenshots cannot be used.
- All gates will close for entry at the end of halftime.
- Coaches' cards, DCPS IDs and passes will not be accepted for entry.
- Vehicles parked in reserved parking spots or blocking emergency entrances or exits will be towed at owner's expense.
- Children age 10 and under are admitted free with a paid parent or guardian.
- Middle school-aged children cannot be dropped off and must remain with their parent or guardian for the entire game.
- High school students must have a valid, current, physical school ID. Pictures of IDs will not be accepted. High school students who do not attend a Duval County public school must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Friday's game is a clear-bags-only (subject to search) or no-bags event.
- No "rest in peace" or all-black attire, or facemasks, hoodies or skull caps.
- If seats are available, spectators are expected to sit and enjoy the game. No loitering on sidewalks, along the fence, outside restrooms, near concession stands or in open areas.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Mandarin-Raines: Fan
guide for Friday's sold-out high school football
