Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena

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300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Project Size: 1600 Squares

Project Overview

Advanced Roofing, Inc., a leading commercial roofing contractor in Jacksonville, FL, was selected to restore the roof of one of the city’s most iconic structures—Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. Located at 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd in the heart of Vystar Jacksonville, this arena is a cornerstone of the city’s sports and entertainment scene, hosting events ranging from major concerts and family shows to sporting competitions and community gatherings.

This extensive restoration project, initiated by the City of Jacksonville and managed by ASM Global, involved applying a silicone coating over 1600 squares of rooftop surface across eight unique sections of the building. With a total value of $1.24 million, the project required meticulous planning, innovative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of silicone coating systems to meet both budgetary constraints and ambitious durability goals.

Project Initiation: From Golf Event to Rooftop

Our involvement in the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena project began in an unexpected but fitting place—a local IFMA golf outing. During the event, our team connected with decision-makers from ASM Global, the property management firm overseeing the arena. With our strong industry reputation and competitive pricing, we quickly emerged as the ideal commercial roofing contractor in Jacksonville, FL for the job.

Client Challenges and Roofing Needs

The existing roof on Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena had outlived its original manufacturer warranty and was showing signs of age. The city required a cost-effective yet high-performance solution that would reinstate warranty coverage while minimizing long-term risk and capital expense. As stewards of public funds, City of Jacksonville officials prioritized a smart investment over a costly full tear-off and re-roofing process.

Tailored Roofing Solution

After conducting a comprehensive roof inspection, our team proposed a high-solids silicone coating system. This method offered several advantages: minimal disruption to arena operations, reduced labor compared to a tear-off, and a seamless waterproof layer to extend the life of the existing roof.

Leveraging our strong relationship with the product manufacturer, Henry Company, and distributor ABC Supply, we negotiated an enhanced 25-year Gold Seal Warranty—surpassing the typical 20-year industry standard. This strategic move saved the city potentially millions in projected future replacement costs, positioning our team as a true value-driven partner.

Tailored Roofing Solution

The roof restoration process at Vystar Jacksonville included:

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Cleaning the entire surface of dirt, debris, and biological growth.
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Identifying and removing any wet or compromised insulation.
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Priming heavily soiled areas with a specially formulated adhesion promoter.
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Applying a fiber-reinforced silicone sealant to all seams, laps, and penetrations.
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Installing a high-solids silicone coating across the full roof at a rate of 4 gallons per square.

Our crew of ten roofing professionals worked in rotating shifts to meet scheduling demands and accommodate the venue’s event calendar. Safety remained a constant priority throughout the duration of the project.

Overcoming Challenges

Working on a 130-foot-tall structure during the North Florida winter posed unique obstacles. As silicone coatings require specific surface and ambient temperatures for proper adhesion, we encountered early-morning icing and suboptimal product temperatures during January and February.

To overcome this, we procured commercial-grade heated wraps with built-in temperature controls. These wraps allowed us to maintain ideal temperatures for the silicone coating materials, ensuring consistency in quality and adherence to warranty specifications. This proactive measure prevented costly delays and guaranteed the roof system’s integrity.

Safety Measures

As experienced commercial roofing contractors in Jacksonville, FL, we place a high emphasis on safety. Our team implemented multiple protective measures, including:

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OSHA-compliant fall protection systems (PFAs)
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Safety cones and flag lines
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Safety monitors during high-risk operations

These protocols ensured a zero-incident work environment, even as we operated around scheduled shows and events hosted inside Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.

Special Project Requirements

The project came with several logistical and operational constraints. First, Henry Company issued a job-specific specification sheet tailored to the arena’s unique architecture and our proposed 25-year system. Secondly, as an active entertainment venue, the building had a packed schedule of public events. We coordinated closely with ASM Global to avoid disruptions and shift workloads around high-traffic days.

Results and Performance

Although the project extended six weeks beyond the anticipated timeline due to weather delays, it was completed safely and came in under budget. The final result was a fully restored roofing system that is now covered by an industry-leading 25-year warranty. This not only safeguards the facility but also demonstrates the City of Jacksonville’s commitment to maintaining its vital public infrastructure.

A Signature Project for Jacksonville

Beyond the technical achievement, the significance of this project lies in the structure itself. Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena is not just a building—it’s a cultural and community landmark. The opportunity to contribute to its preservation is something we take immense pride in.

For Advanced Roofing, being selected for this high-profile restoration reaffirms our standing as one of the top commercial roofing contractors in Jacksonville, FL. Our team’s ability to deliver under challenging conditions while exceeding warranty expectations underscores the value we bring to municipal and commercial clients alike.

Why This Project Deserves Recognition

This project stands out for the scale, complexity, and cultural importance of the venue. The integration of technical excellence, safety, manufacturer collaboration, and event-schedule coordination makes it a model for successful public-private roofing projects.

It’s not every day that a roofing contractor can say they helped preserve a landmark. Working on Vystar Jacksonville was more than a job—it was a badge of honor for our team.

Final Reflections

For our crew, this wasn’t just another rooftop—it was a statement. A challenge. A city centerpiece. Being able to say we were the ones who restored the roof at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena is a professional milestone and a source of genuine pride. At Advanced Roofing, we continue to deliver on our promise of quality and reliability—project by project, roof by roof. If you’re seeking proven performance and trusted expertise, look no further than the leaders in commercial roofing contractors in Jacksonville, FL.

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