News Summary
For the first time in nearly 50 years, Jacksonville will host the state championship games for both boys and girls high school basketball at the University of North Florida’s arena. This move marks a significant shift from Lakeland, where the championships have been held for the past three decades. The Florida High School Athletic Association is keen on promoting local community engagement as part of a new partnership ensuring the championships take place in Jacksonville for the next three years, revitalizing interest in local athletics.
Jacksonville to Host State High School Basketball Championships for First Time in Nearly 50 Years
Jacksonville is set to host the state championship games for both boys and girls high school basketball for the first time in almost 50 years. This significant announcement was made today by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). The championship games will be held at the University of North Florida’s basketball arena in the spring.
This decision marks a notable change, as the championships have taken place in Lakeland for the past three decades. The FHSAA expressed enthusiasm about bringing the high school basketball finals to Jacksonville, emphasizing the importance of local community support and participation.
Alongside the announcement of the championships, a new partnership between the city of Jacksonville and the FHSAA was introduced. The agreement guarantees that the championship games will be hosted in Jacksonville for the next three years, creating a long-term opportunity for local sports fans and teams to engage with the event.
Venue Details
The University of North Florida’s basketball arena can accommodate up to 5,400 attendees, making it a suitable venue for both the games and the anticipated crowd. The championship will include various classifications; rural classified schools are scheduled to hold their championship games on the last weekend of February. Meanwhile, teams classified between one and seven ‘A’ will compete from March 3rd to March 14th.
Community Engagement
The FHSAA aims to fill the UNF arena, encouraging fans from Jacksonville’s major sports teams to attend and support their local high schools. This event provides an excellent opportunity for strengthening community ties through shared experiences in school athletics.
Background Context
High school basketball championships have a storied tradition in Florida, and bringing them to Jacksonville is expected to revitalize interest and investment in local athletics. The last time the championships were hosted in the city was nearly half a century ago, which adds a sense of nostalgia and excitement among longtime residents and fans. The FHSAA hopes this move will inspire a new generation of basketball players and fans in North Florida.
As schools prepare for the upcoming championships, the local community is encouraged to engage and participate in this significant sporting event. The FHSAA believes that by hosting the championships in Jacksonville, they will not only create lasting memories for the athletes but also build a stronger community connection to the sport itself.
This year’s championships are a vital step toward revitalizing high school sports in Jacksonville, reflecting the growth and enthusiasm for basketball in the region. With the support of local fans and organizations, the FHSAA is optimistic about achieving not only high attendance but also fostering a vibrant atmosphere during the games.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV: Jacksonville to Host State High School Basketball Championships
- Jacksonville.com: FHSAA High School Boys Basketball Third Round Preview
- Wikipedia: Basketball
- Jacksonville.com: FHSAA Boys Basketball Power Poll Week 10
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Basketball
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.
