Nov. 24–25 (Women) & Nov. 28–29 (Men) | Raider Arena, Northwest Florida State College, Niceville
The Emerald Coast Classic is bringing high-level college hoops back to Raider Arena this Thanksgiving week, with both the men’s and women’s tournaments set to showcase top NCAA talent in Niceville. The women’s tournament will take place Nov. 24–25, while the men’s tournament follows on Nov. 28–29. Hosted by Global Sports, the tournament will feature powerhouse programs, rising stars, and exciting matchups just minutes from the beach. Tickets go on sale later this summer at emeraldcoastclassic.com.
Men’s Tournament: DePaul, Drake, Georgia Tech & LSU Headline Thanksgiving Showdown
The 2025 Emerald Coast Classic men’s tournament features a star-studded lineup with DePaul, Drake, Georgia Tech, and LSU battling it out Thanksgiving weekend.
Semifinals – Friday, Nov. 28
- 6 p.m. CT: DePaul vs. Georgia Tech
- 8:30 p.m. CT: Drake vs. LSU
Finals – Saturday, Nov. 29
- 3 p.m. CT: Third-Place Game
- 6 p.m. CT: Championship Game
All semifinal and championship games will air nationally on CBS Sports Network. LSU returns after winning the 2021 title, while Drake enters off a record-setting 31-4 season. Georgia Tech and DePaul bring postseason experience and new leadership with high expectations for 2025.
Women’s Tournament: Two Brackets, Eight Teams, One Incredible Tip-Off
The second annual women’s Emerald Coast Classic features eight teams competing across two brackets—Bay Bracket and Beach Bracket—with games held Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 24–25.
Bay Bracket (Nov. 24–25):
- Providence vs. Middle Tennessee State – Mon. 11 a.m.
- Mississippi State vs. Alcorn State – Mon. 1:30 p.m.
- Third Place Game – Tues. 11 a.m. | Championship – Tues. 1:30 p.m.
Beach Bracket (Nov. 24–25):
- Nebraska vs. Purdue Fort Wayne – Mon. 5 p.m.
- Virginia vs. Northwestern State – Mon. 7:30 p.m.
- Third Place Game – Tues. 5 p.m. | Championship – Tues. 7:30 p.m.
Last year’s inaugural tournament crowned Alabama and Creighton as champions. This year, NCAA tournament teams Mississippi State, Nebraska, and Middle Tennessee State headline an exciting women’s field.
All games will be live streamed on FloSports. For schedules, tickets, and more information, visit emeraldcoastclassic.com.
