TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 12, 2023) - The FCSAA has awarded Northwest Florida State College its host site for the 2024-26 FCSAA Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships.

Northwest Florida State's bid was recommended by the FCSAA's Division I men's and women's basketball coaches and approved by the FCSAA's Council for Athletic Affairs in May. 

Located in Niceville, Fla., Northwest Florida State's Raider Arena will host the pair of eight-team championship events for the next three years, beginning with 2024 championship event, which will tip off Wednesday, March 13. The winner of each tournament will punch a ticket to the NJCAA Division I Basketball Championships in Hutchinson, Kan., (men) and Casper, Wyo. (women).  

"Northwest Florida State College is delighted and honored to host the FCSAA Division I/NJCAA Region 8 Basketball Championships for an additional three years," said NWF Director of Athletics Ramsey Ross. "Without question, the FCSAA basketball tournaments feature the BEST the NJCAA has to offer, which is why we are committed to providing the BEST experience for all of the participants."

Since opening in 2011, Raider Arena, with a capacity of 2,200, has become a popular destination for action on the hardwood. In addition to being the home of Northwest Florida State's men's and women's teams, the Arena has been the site of the Emerald Coast Classic since 2014, bringing a who's who of NCAA Division I Men's Basketball to Niceville during the Thanksgiving holiday, and has hosted the last four FCSAA Division I Basketball Championships.

"The FCSAA is excited to continue its relationship with Northwest Florida State College for its Division I Basketball Championships," said FCSAA Associate Director and Athletics Commissioner Rob Chaney. "Northwest Florida State has been a great and loyal host for the last four years and the coaches recognize that. 

"Ramsey (Ross) has done an excellent job engaging the entire Northwest Florida State College campus, as well as the City of Niceville, to create an exciting environment and provide everyone - the student-athletes, coaches and fans - with a great tournament experience."

Raider Arena first hosted the tournament in 2020.