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The Greater Orlando Sports Commission, in partnership with Position Sports, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Orlando Venues, Orange County and Visit Orlando, announced a three-year agreement to bring the college basketball Hall of Fame Series to Orlando through 2028, beginning with the inaugural event on December 12, 2026, at Kia Center. The 2026 Hall of Fame Series Orlando will feature a doubleheader with Florida facing Georgia Tech for the first time in nearly four decades and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) taking on VCU for only the second time since 2003. Teams for the 2027 and 2028 events will be announced at a later date.
The Hall of Fame Series is a collection of high-profile non-conference basketball events featuring top collegiate programs competing in premier venues across the United States and internationally. The series, owned and operated by Position Sports, annually showcases marquee men’s and women’s matchups while celebrating the legacy and impact of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on the game. The 2026 doubleheader is expected to receive national television coverage, with a broadcast partner anticipated to be selected from the ESPN family of networks.
Tickets for the 2026 event are on sale now at HOFSERIES.COM. One ticket provides admission to both games.
“Orange County is thrilled to welcome the Hall of Fame Series to Orlando and give fans the chance to see two of our state’s premier college basketball programs right here in Central Florida,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Bringing Florida and Florida Atlantic University to Kia Center provides two great matchups for our community and is a reflection of the world-class venues and infrastructure that allow Orlando to host high-caliber sporting events. We look forward to welcoming Gator and Owl basketball fans from across the country this December and creating another memorable experience for our community.”
"Orlando is known around the world for creating memorable experiences, and sports continue to play an important role in attracting visitors to our destination," said Casandra Matej, President & CEO of Visit Orlando. "Events like the Hall of Fame Series help introduce new visitors to Orlando and give returning guests another reason to come back. We're excited to welcome fans this December and inspire them to experience everything that makes Orlando special, from thrilling attractions and world-class dining to vibrant arts and cultural experiences."
"Kia Center is one of the country's premier stops for milestone sports and entertainment events so we're thrilled to bring the Hall of Fame Series to Orlando," said Orlando Venues Chief Venues Officer Allen Johnson. "Hosting Florida, FAU, Georgia Tech and VCU together in a single day is a huge opportunity for fans to see high-level college basketball in downtown Orlando. We can't wait to team up with our partners and make this a first-class experience for the athletes, coaches and fans."
“On behalf of our Chairman Caesar Lopez and our entire board of directors, we are thrilled to welcome the Hall of Fame Series to Orlando,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “With Florida and FAU competing in a premier doubleheader at Kia Center, this event gives their students, faculty and alumni a unique opportunity to see two of the state’s top programs compete in downtown Orlando. At the same time, bringing a nationally recognized series like this to our community allows us to welcome visitors from across the country. Thank you to our partners at Kia Center and Orlando Venues, Orange County, Visit Orlando, Position Sports and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for their support in bringing this nationally recognized series to Orlando for the first time.”
“Central Florida is home to two incredibly passionate fan bases in Florida and FAU, and this event gives them the chance to see their teams compete against Georgia Tech and VCU in a premier setting without a long trip,” said Melissa Meacham-Grossman, President of Position Sports. “We're proud to bring the Hall of Fame Series to Orlando for the first time and know these fans will show up in a big way."
“We’re excited to return to downtown Orlando where Gator Nation has such a strong presence,” said Todd Golden, Head Coach at Florida. “The Hall of Fame Series has been a key part of our nonconference schedule several times recently and it’s always a first-class experience, so we’re glad for the opportunity to compete in the event right here in Florida. Georgia Tech adds another ACC opponent with great history and tradition to our schedule, and Coach Cross certainly brings a winning track record in his first season leading that program.”
“It’s an incredible honor for Florida Atlantic to be invited to play in the Hall of Fame Series Orlando,” said John Jakus, FAU Head Coach. “VCU is a great program and this is certainly a special matchup of two programs that have experienced historic Final Four seasons. I am excited for the opportunity for our team and our fans, and also personally honored to be playing in this series in the same year one of my mentors and friend, Mark Few, is being enshrined in the Hall of Fame.”
For more Hall of Fame Series information and updates, please visit HOFSERIES.COM or follow @HOFSeries on all social platforms.
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