UNF alum to perform pregame show at Jaguars game

This Sunday, the Jaguars aim to keep their winning streak alive as they host the Seattle Seahawks. Before kickoff, they're calling on University of North Florida alumnus Andrew Sapin ('14) to set the tone and energize fans with the pregame performance at Daily's Place.

A Jacksonville native, Sapin grew up playing sports, never imagining one day becoming a musician. He stayed local to attend UNF, joined the basketball scout team and later worked with the Athletics Communications department.

"I found myself learning how to live input stats, write player bios, craft weekly stories, do post-game recaps, edit videos and even manage the interns," he said.

While he was working on his business management degree, Sapin taught himself how to play the guitar, gradually building the confidence to perform publicly. One of his first shows was for an audience made up almost entirely of UNF Ospreys coaches, staff and student-athletes.

After talking with a friend who was a full-time musician, Sapin realized he had a chance to turn his passion into a career. After graduation, he went all in.

"No backup plan, no other job, just fully betting on myself," he said.

Fast forward to 2023, Sapin performed the pregame show before the Jaguars played the Falcons in a nearly sold-out Wembley Stadium in London.

"There's something really special about how music brings people together," he said about connecting with people from all over the world.

While that show was a dream come true, he says it doesn't matter whether he's playing for tens of thousands in a stadium or one person at a bar, he's always going to give everything he's got.

"The real highlight is simply performing for anyone willing to take time out of their day to listen to me play," he said.

Sapin has grown as a businessman as he grew as a musician, figuring out how to pitch himself to venues, negotiate contracts, design flyers and run his social media. He said his experience at the Coggin College of Business helped guide him in the right direction.

"I was my own marketing team, HR department, legal advisor and graphic designer," Sapin said. He credits his amazing support system of friends and family, who helped wherever they could, saying he's forever grateful for everyone who's been on this journey with him.

Sports meant everything to Sapin growing up, so he feels like he's come full circle. While the original dream may have been to play in stadiums as an athlete, playing as a musician is just as special. In addition to Jaguars games, he's also performed at The Players Championship, NASCAR and All Elite Wrestling.

"It's amazing to be able to combine my love for sports and music like this," he said.

As he continues to perform live shows throughout the state, Sapin is currently working on an album he plans to release in 2026. Then he plans to head out on tour.