25 Mar Sun Belt Basketball Championships Deliver a Winning Week for Pensacola
by Mary Adkins | Mary@ewbullock.com
Sun Belt Basketball Championships Deliver a Winning Week for Pensacola
Pensacola was buzzing with excitement this March as the Sun Belt Basketball Championships returned to the Pensacola Bay Center for a full week of competition and community spirit. Teams, fans, and families from across the region filled the city, bringing non‑stop energy and showcasing just how perfectly Pensacola fits the role of host city for major sporting events.
Champions Crowned
The action didn’t disappoint. James Madison University claimed the women’s championship title, while Troy University captured the men’s crown. Every matchup brought its share of intensity and celebration, with crowds rallying behind their teams and creating an atmosphere that truly reflected the heart of college basketball.
Beyond the Court
The excitement spread well beyond the Bay Center. Restaurants, hotels, and local shops all felt the energy of a city alive with visitors. The tournament not only delivered thrilling games but also gave Pensacola a chance to shine as a welcoming, vibrant destination for athletes and fans alike. Moments like these remind us how events of this scale boost local businesses and strengthen community pride.
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s championships adds another milestone in Pensacola’s growing legacy as a host for top‑tier sporting events. Each season brings new opportunities to welcome visitors, share our city’s hospitality, and keep the momentum going.
About Sun Belt Conference
Established in 1976, the Sun Belt Conference now comprises 14 dynamic member institutions spanning 10 contiguous states. With a commitment to excellence, the Sun Belt excels in 19 NCAA-sponsored sports, fostering academic achievement and community engagement across its footprint. Supporting over 6,700 student-athletes, the Sun Belt Conference proudly includes institutions such as 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.
About Visit Pensacola
Visit Pensacola is the official destination marketing organization for Escambia County, representing Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Key. As America’s First Settlement, founded in 1559, and home to the #1 beach in the U.S., as voted by Condé Nast Traveler readers, the Pensacola Bay Area blends more than 465 years of history with nearly 40 miles of sugar-white sand and emerald Gulf waters. Visit Pensacola is responsible for building tourism as a key economic driver for Escambia County through destination marketing, visitor inspiration, and supporting the local hospitality community.
