Itinerary: Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championship

March Madness takes over the country every year with competitive teams and thrilling comebacks.

But before March Madness gets its start, Pensacola is swept up in a basketball craze during the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championship.

You're in luck - the upcoming Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championship is March 4–10, 2025! It's time to start planning all the fun.

Sun Belt Basketball Championship

Every year, hoop fever spreads around Pensacola when the Sun Belt Basketball Championship comes to town. Both men’s and women’s teams from the Sun Belt Conference’s 14 schools compete at the Pensacola Bay Center for a chance to claim the Sun Belt crown and earn a spot into the NCAA Division 1 basketball tournament.

Over the span of this seven-day tournament, 16 total basketball games are played. The 8 women’s games are played in the morning, and the 8 men’s games are played in the evening. Tickets for the Sun Belt Conference tournament can be purchased either as ticket packages or as single-game tickets.

Fan Fest

The basketball mayhem extends beyond the Pensacola Bay Center at the free Sun Belt Fan Fast celebration. This family-friendly, outdoor event builds up excitement and team spirit. Including a DJ, spirit teams and bands, games, food, and drinks, the Fan Fest is a must-visit experience. For early arriving fans, the Bay Center Arena offers special access for photo ops with the championship trophy.

Things to Do

In between games, take some time to adventure around Pensacola. If you want to stay close to the Bay Center, hang out in Downtown Pensacola. For an historic adventure, take a self-guided tour of America’s First Settlement Trail in Downtown Pensacola or check out Historic Village. You can also visit Downtown's Museum of History or the Museum of Art.

If history isn’t your cup of tea, take a stroll through the shops on Palafox Street instead. If you want to move your adventure beyond Downtown, consider a water tour, amusement park, or paddling excursion.

Beaches

A trip to Pensacola isn’t complete without a stop on one of our sugar-white sandy beaches. Pensacola Beach is located a convenient distance from the Bay Center and offers both relaxation and aquatic adventure. While you're there, be sure to stroll down the Pensacola Beach Pier and enjoy the views. If you’re interested in a little beachside shopping, stop in the shops along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Perdido Key also offers miles of beautiful coastline waiting for you to explore. Enjoy the laid back lifestyle on the key and stop in at the world-famous Flora-Bama and enjoy some live music.

Check out our public beach access finder and decide which beach will suit your fancy. Don't forget, safety first! Before visiting the beach, familiarize yourself with all things beach safety.

Food and Drink

Pensacola overflows with delicious local eateries. Whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up, snack, or meal between games, Pensacola has something for you. Downtown Pensacola has a variety of coffee shops if you need a little energy before watching the next game.

If you want something a little stronger than coffee, check out some of the bars that are not too far from the Pensacola Bay Center. Some good stops include Perfect Plain Brewery, Casks & Flights Wine Tasting Room, O’Riley’s Irish Pub, and Seville Quarter. If you’re looking for a place to get some grub near the Pensacola Bay Center, check out our downtown dining.

Family Fun

Pensacola offers a variety of indoor and outdoor family-friendly activities for your whole family to enjoy before and after catching the game. For endless outdoor adventure, check out Big Lagoon State Park and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. If you’re looking for some indoor entertainment, Pensacola boasts kid-friendly museums such as the Pensacola Children’s Museum, the M.E.S.S. Hall, and the National Naval Aviation Museum.

For families seeking thrills, Laguna’s Adventure Park offers go-karts, zip rails, and a splash pad all located on the beautiful setting of Pensacola Beach. For a little after-dark entertainment to close out your day, consider a Glow Paddle adventure in the Santa Rosa Sound.

Places to Stay

Don't forget to explore all of our places to stay while you're planning your trip. From beachfront stays to campgrounds and more, Pensacola has it all.

Places to Stay

So, allow yourself to be infected with hoop fever and enjoy a week of basketball in Pensacola. In between games get out there and explore the unlimited adventure that Pensacola has to offer.

Explore all Pensacola has to offer!

Start planning your basketball fun now and explore things do do, food and drink, and more.