Alright, college hoops fans, buckle up. We've got breaking news out of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Forget the travel plans, because March Madness is officially planting its flag in Jacksonville. That's right, folks, the ASUN is moving its men's and women's basketball tournaments to the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, starting in 2026.
Now, this isn't just some random location pick. The ASUN, remember, moved its headquarters to Jacksonville less than a year ago. So, you could say this is a bit of a homecoming. And with Jacksonville University and North Florida both calling the city home, it makes sense.
ASUN Commissioner Jeff Bacon is talking big numbers, projecting a cool $10 million economic impact for the city. That's 22 games over seven days in March, folks. You do the math.
"The decision to move the tournaments to Jacksonville represents a significant milestone for the ASUN," Bacon said in a statement. Translation: They're betting big on Jacksonville. And why not? They've got the facilities, the hospitality, and, let's be honest, the hunger for some tournament action.
Jacksonville City Council member Ron Salem's already on board, pushing a bill to allocate $100,000 annually to support the tournament. "I think March Madness is a national event," Salem told Jacksonville Today. "I think it's exciting that Jacksonville can be a participant in that."
And speaking of participation, JU's men's team is making waves. They're deep in the ASUN tournament right now, with dreams of their first NCAA bid since '86. Coach Jordan Mincy's got the crowd fired up, and if they can win a couple more on the road, Jacksonville could be sending a team to the Big Dance.
Meanwhile, the JU women are also battling for a conference title. The stakes are high, with an automatic NCAA berth on the line. Remember Florida Gulf Coast's Sweet 16 run in 2012? That's the kind of magic the ASUN is hoping to recreate.
Jacksonville last hosted the ASUN men's championship in 2021, but this move to a single site downtown? That's a game-changer. Mayor Donna Deegan's already talking about showcasing the city during Championship Week.
So, mark your calendars, folks. March 2026, Jacksonville. VyStar Arena. The ASUN is bringing the heat, and we'll be there to cover every buzzer-beater, every upset, and every moment of March Madness.
