September 26, 2025

Jacksonville Named New Host City for School Basketball Championships

News Summary

Jacksonville will take over as the host city for the Florida High School Athletic Association boys and girls state basketball championships starting in 2026, ending a 30-year tradition in Lakeland. This move marks a significant shift in the state’s high school sports scene, as the championships will be held in Northeast Florida for the first time since the 1970s. The finals will take place at the University of North Florida Arena, which offers ample seating and has hosted major events. The FHSAA anticipates this relocation will benefit both the organization and student-athletes.

Jacksonville will be the new host city for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) boys and girls state basketball championships starting in 2026, marking the end of a 30-year tradition in Lakeland. The announcement was made on September 17, and this will be the first time since the mid-1970s that the championships are held in Northeast Florida. The transition is seen as a significant shift in the state’s high school sports landscape.

The FHSAA has confirmed that the finals for rural schools and Classes 1A-3A are scheduled for February 24-27, 2026, while the championships for Classes 4A-7A will occur from March 5-14, 2026. This change follows over 30 years of the boys championship being hosted in Lakeland since 1996 and the girls tournament since 1994.

FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon has expressed enthusiasm about the move to the University of North Florida Arena, also known as CSI Companies Court, which boasts a seating capacity of over 5,100. The arena has a history of hosting significant events, including NCAA competitions, concerts, and various community programs, making it a fitting venue for such prestigious championships.

The decision to relocate the championships has been influenced by ongoing tensions between the FHSAA and officials in Lakeland. These tensions have included previous legislative conflicts that have affected the association’s operations. The change is seen as an opportunity for both the FHSAA and the student-athletes to benefit from a new and improved location.

Recent Championship Performances

In recent years, several schools have made notable performances at the state championships. Gibbs High School won the Class 4A boys state championship in 2024, their first title since 1969. In the following year, they nearly defended their title but lost 63-62 to Fort Lauderdale Stranahan in the Class 4A final. Meanwhile, Plant High School’s girls team clinched the Class 7A title in 2021 by defeating Miami High. Jesuit High School also made headlines when they captured the Class 5A boys championship in 2013, finishing with an impressive season record of 31-1.

Looking Ahead

The FHSAA is expected to provide more details regarding ticket availability for the upcoming state championships in the next few months, as they prepare for this significant shift to Jacksonville. This announcement has generated considerable interest among athletes, schools, and fans across the state, all eager to see how the relocation will influence the dynamics of the tournament.

Background on the Championships

The Florida High School Athletic Association has been organizing the state basketball championships for several decades, with Lakeland serving as a long-term venue. The move to Jacksonville signals a new chapter in the event’s history, wherein the state’s talented high school basketball players will showcase their skills in a new, larger arena. As the championships approach their new home, the excitement continues to build in anticipation of what this change will bring to the future of high school basketball in Florida.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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