COLLEGE HOOPS
Russ Potts Productions, Inc. (RPPI) and the Pensacola Bay Center announced a three-event slate of Division I men’s college basketball this fall, branded the Pensacola Hardwood Series. It’s the arena’s biggest run at major-conference college hoops in years, and it puts a Power Four matchup, that involves teams from the ACC, SEC and WCC, plus Division 1 newcomer, the University of West Florida, all under one roof between October and November.
The Southern Tip Off — Saturday, October 10
The series opens with Florida State (ACC) vs. Mississippi State (SEC), an exhibition that won’t count toward the all-time series but revives a matchup the two fan bases haven’t seen since 2015, when FSU won 90-66. The all-time series sits tied at 5-5.
“This Power Four matchup will deliver an exciting night of college basketball for Pensacola and sports fans throughout the Panhandle,” said Zach Franz, President of RPPI.
- FSU head coach Luke Loucks enters his second season leading the Seminoles
- Mississippi State is coached by Chris Jans
- Both teams have strong fan bases in this area.
The Coastal Classic — Thursday, November 12
South Alabama (Sun Belt) meets Loyola Marymount (WCC) in a matchup the two programs haven’t played in over 20 years. South Alabama, under eighth-year coach Richie Riley, went 21-12 last season. LMU is led by seventh-year coach Stan Johnson.
- Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May, whose District 3 includes the Bay Center, welcomed the announcement, calling it a chance to “showcase our community as a destination for sporting events.”
Battle at the Bay — Sunday, November 29
The finale returns Florida State to Pensacola to face the University of West Florida, part of UWF’s first season competing at the Division I level. UWF made its move to Division I official on April 2, 2026, joining the Atlantic Sun Conference for most sports and the United Athletic Conference for football.
Local tie-in: FSU coach Luke Loucks shared, “Personally, I have a lot of connections to Pensacola, with my wife Stevi being from Gulf Breeze, so being able to bring our team to the community and share Florida State basketball with our fans there makes this opportunity even more meaningful.”
UWF head coach Tanner Smith said the game against a program like Florida State gives his players “another memorable night of basketball in Pensacola.”
Tickets and Details
- Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. CT, Friday, Aug. 28 at pensacolabaycenter.com
- Game times and broadcast info are still to be announced
- All three games are at the Pensacola Bay Center
Mayor D.C. Reeves said the city’s ties to college athletics run deep, adding that he expects visiting teams and fans “will have a wonderful experience in our community.” Bay Center general manager Michael Capps of Legends Global framed the series as further evidence Pensacola is “the City of Champions,” alongside existing tenants like the Ice Flyers.
RPPI, a Virginia-based promoter, has organized more than 900 college and pro sporting events over 40 years and is running more than a dozen similar showcases nationally this season.