Emerald Coast Classic Returns to Raider Arena This Thanksgiving Weekend – As A Women’s Tournament!

The Emerald Coast Classic, a longstanding Thanksgiving basketball event in Northwest Florida, is introducing a women’s tournament for the first time this year. Held at Northwest Florida State College’s Raider Arena, the tournament will feature eight women’s teams, including high-ranking programs like Alabama, Creighton, and Syracuse. Scheduled for November 25 and 26, the event aims to attract local and traveling fans with an accessible ticket price of $15, covering two games per session.

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Tournament director Maury Hanks, who has organized the men’s Emerald Coast Classic for over 20 years, expressed excitement about expanding the tournament to include women’s basketball, a plan he began developing over a year ago. “We’re excited about being part of the upward trajectory of women’s basketball,” Hanks said. “We’ve put together a great lineup for the first year, and we’re hoping to see a solid turnout.”

The switch to a women’s tournament this year came after scheduling conflicts with the men’s teams. While some men’s programs, such as Illinois and Georgia, were initially committed, challenges related to team matchups and the influence of new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals impacted plans. However, Hanks emphasized that the women’s tournament was always intended to be part of the event’s growth. For 2025, several notable teams have already signed on, including Providence and Mississippi State for the women’s tournament, and LSU, Georgia Tech, and DePaul for the men’s.

Fans can expect competitive games with a lineup featuring top-tier women’s programs from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Games are set to begin daily at 11 a.m., with the final game scheduled for 7:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are general admission, and fans are encouraged to arrive early for prime seating.

In reflecting on Raider Arena as the home of the Emerald Coast Classic, Hanks credited the local support and the facility itself for the event’s success. “Raider Arena offers a great setting with only 11 rows, so there’s not a bad seat in the house,” he said, adding that the dedicated support from Ramsey Ross and local businesses has played a key role in the tournament’s growth and continuity.

With women’s college basketball gaining popularity, Hanks is optimistic that this first women’s tournament will lay the groundwork for future success. He remains hopeful about bringing additional teams, like SMU, to Raider Arena in the coming years, showcasing both men’s and women’s basketball talent in Northwest Florida.