College Basketball Tournament Heads to FGCU’s Alico Arena This November

This November, Alico Arena at Florida Gulf Coast University will host the Coconut Hoops basketball tournament. The six-day event runs November 24-30, 2025, with 16 Division I teams competing. This marks a shift from Hertz Arena, where the Gulf Coast Showcase ran for 12 years.

"FGCU owns a terrific venue for basketball, and I want to thank Director of Athletics Colin Hargis for sharing the vision of playing host to what will become one of the best events in the sport," said Brooks Downing, founder and president of bdG Sports, according to FGCU Athletics.

The men's competition is split into two groups. FGCU joins Kennesaw State, Rice, and Oral Roberts in the Tarpon Bay Division for round-robin play. Troy battles Belmont and Toledo squares off against Saint Francis in the Royal Palm Division's bracket format.

Eight strong teams make up the women's bracket. NCAA Tournament veterans Oklahoma, Florida State, Indiana, and Iowa State stand out as top contenders. The field rounds out with skilled squads from Gonzaga, Marquette, Missouri State, and Coppin State.

Basketball expert Debbie Antonelli spoke about the event's significance. "We are excited and proud to showcase a top-tier brand of hoops in Florida once again as we continue to grow and expand women's basketball and our events," she said.

The three-year agreement between FGCU and bdG Sports includes an extension option. When eligible, FGCU teams will compete every other year, starting with the men's squad this November.

Games start Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. EST as Toledo meets Troy. Women's games begin Nov. 28, with Marquette taking on Iowa State at 11 a.m. EST.

Catch every game on FloHoops. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Oct. 2 at noon EST on the FGCU Athletics website.