College basketball fans in Florida will have a marquee matchup to circle on their calendars this fall. The reigning NCAA men’s basketball champion Florida Gators are set to take on the Miami Hurricanes in a high-profile showdown scheduled for November 16 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. The event will mark the renewal of an in-state rivalry that has long captivated basketball fans across the Sunshine State.
Arena officials and the Jacksonville Sports Foundation confirmed the matchup on July 11, announcing that the highly anticipated game will be part of the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown, a new event designed to bring premier college basketball contests to the First Coast. The event will be managed by Chicago-based sports marketing agency Intersport, which has played an increasing role in college basketball event management over the past few years. In fact, Intersport also organized Florida’s game against South Florida in Jacksonville last November, an event that drew thousands of fans and highlighted Jacksonville’s ability to host major college hoops contests.
The Gators’ upcoming matchup with Miami promises to bring even more excitement, given Florida’s status as the reigning national champion. Fresh off their triumph in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the Gators will enter the new season with momentum, talent, and heightened expectations. Facing a strong Miami team will provide an early test of Florida’s championship pedigree as they look to defend their title.
For Miami, the game offers an opportunity to make a national statement. The Hurricanes have consistently fielded competitive squads in recent seasons and are no strangers to high-pressure matchups. Facing the defending champions in front of a neutral-site crowd will give Miami a chance to showcase its own aspirations for the 2025-26 season.
Jacksonville, situated in Florida’s northeast corner, is the ideal host city for this renewed rivalry. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena has long been a popular venue for basketball and other major sporting events, offering a central location for fans traveling from all corners of the state. Both the Gators and the Hurricanes have sizable fanbases in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas, making this matchup a regional showcase for college basketball enthusiasts.
Tickets for the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown will officially go on sale to the general public starting September 24. However, fans eager to secure their seats early can register for a ticket presale beginning September 23 via the official event website at jaxevents.com. Details regarding game time and broadcast partners are still being finalized and will be announced closer to the date of the event.
The November matchup will not only reignite the long-standing basketball rivalry between Florida and Miami but also serve as one of the marquee early-season games on the college basketball calendar. With championship-caliber talent on the court and a passionate crowd expected in Jacksonville, the game promises to deliver a thrilling night of hoops for fans across the state and beyond.