📅 When
November 23, 2026 – November 24, 2026
📍 Where
100 College Blvd W, Niceville, FL 32578
About this event
The Emerald Coast Classic returns for its 2026 edition with a field of four NCAA women's basketball programs descending on Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College. Virginia Tech, Michigan State, UT Martin, and Alcorn State face off in a weekend tournament that packs big-time college hoops into a cozy, fan-friendly arena just 20 miles east of Destin.
The tournament offers a rare chance to watch high-level college basketball in an intimate venue — no nosebleed seats, no 20-minute lines for parking. Games run back-to-back across both Saturday and Sunday, so a single-day ticket can put two matchups on your schedule. Families, sports fans, and visitors looking for something beyond the beach will find the drive to Niceville well worth it.
Tickets go on sale in September; check the official site for the full bracket schedule once it is released closer to tip-off. The arena is air-conditioned and concession-stocked for a comfortable afternoon or evening of hoops.
Best for: Sports fans, families, and college basketball enthusiasts looking for a fun indoor outing away from the beach
What to expect: Two days of back-to-back NCAA women's basketball games in a small, intimate arena with great sight lines and easy access from the Destin-Fort Walton area
Planning tip: Grab tickets online as soon as they go on sale in September — the arena is relatively small and popular games can sell out. Niceville is about a 20-minute drive east of Destin via US-98.
Cost: Ticket prices to be announced; check emeraldcoastclassic.com for updates
