TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 12, 2023) – The Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) has chosen Northwest Florida State College as the host site for the prestigious FCSAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships from 2024 to 2026.

The decision to award Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Florida, as the host site was made based on the recommendation of the FCSAA’s Division I basketball coaches and the subsequent approval by the FCSAA’s Council for Athletic Affairs in May.

Northwest Florida State’s Raider Arena, a popular basketball venue with a seating capacity of 2,200, will serve as the host venue for the next three years, commencing with the 2024 championship event, which is set to tip off on Wednesday, March 13. The winning teams from these championships will earn a spot in the highly-anticipated NJCAA Division I Basketball Championships to be held in Hutchinson, Kansas (men) and Casper, Wyoming (women).

Expressing their delight and honor at being selected as the host institution, NWF Director of Athletics Ramsey Ross said, “Northwest Florida State College is delighted and honored to host the FCSAA Division I/NJCAA Region 8 Basketball Championships for an additional three years. Without question, the FCSAA basketball tournaments feature the BEST the NJCAA has to offer, which is why we are committed to providing the BEST experience for all of the participants.”

The awarding of hosting duties to NWFSC caps off an excellent fortnight for Ross, who was named to the FCSAA hall of fame on July 3. 

Raider Arena has proven itself as an exceptional venue for basketball since its opening in 2011. Aside from being the home court for Northwest Florida State’s men’s and women’s teams, the Arena has also been the site of the Emerald Coast Classic since 2014, attracting top NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball programs to Niceville during the Thanksgiving holiday. Moreover, Raider Arena has successfully hosted the last four FCSAA Division I Basketball Championships.

“The FCSAA is excited to continue its relationship with Northwest Florida State College for its Division I Basketball Championships,” stated FCSAA Associate Director and Athletics Commissioner Rob Chaney. “Northwest Florida State has been a great and loyal host for the last four years, and the coaches recognize that. Ramsey (Ross) has done an excellent job engaging the entire Northwest Florida State College campus, as well as the City of Niceville, to create an exciting environment and provide everyone – the student-athletes, coaches, and fans – with a great tournament experience.”

This announcement marks the second time Raider Arena will serve as the host venue for the FCSAA Division I Basketball Championships, following its successful hosting debut in 2020. With its exceptional facilities and commitment to creating a memorable experience for all involved, Northwest Florida State College is poised to deliver another outstanding tournament in the coming years.