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PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Sun Belt Conference (SBC) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will return to Pensacola from March 4-10, bringing 14 teams to compete for a spot in the NCAA Division I tournament. The Sun Belt basketball tournament has been held in Pensacola annually since 2021, and Pensacola will continue to host the conference through 2030.
The single-elimination tournament will take place at the Pensacola Bay Center, with all Sun Belt Conference schools participating: App State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Louisiana, ULM, Marshall, Old Dominion, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas State, and Troy. The men’s and women’s champions, determined on March 10, will receive automatic bids to the NCAA tournament.
“The Sun Belt Conference’s student-athletes, coaches, and fans have established traditions around starting March Madness in Pensacola each year,” said Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill. “We look forward to once again showcasing the rising brand of Sun Belt basketball in a community that continues to support and embrace us.”
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In addition to the tournament, attendees can enjoy several family-friendly community events. The Sun Belt Fan Fest will be held outside the Bay Center on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a DJ, school spirit teams, games, and food vendors. The 2025 Sun Belt Dribble Drive, a free event for children ages 3-12, will take place at 2 p.m. on March 8. Advance registration is required, and spots are limited to 650 participants. Participants will receive a t-shirt, basketball, and two tickets to the women’s quarterfinal game at 2:30 p.m.
Darien Schaefer, president and CEO of Visit Pensacola, encouraged visitors to enjoy the tournament and explore the city. “We invite everyone to enjoy not only the incredible basketball action but also our stunning beaches, vibrant downtown, and fantastic local dining. We’re honored to be the home of this championship and can’t wait to see the excitement unfold.”
Tickets for the tournament are available online through Ticketmaster, with group tickets starting at $5 per person. A $99 box office promotion offers lower-level seating for all tournament games and is available in person at the Pensacola Bay Center through March 4.
More information on the tournament schedule and events is available at visitpensacola.com/sunbelt.
