North Florida Announced as Hosts for Trio of NCAA Championships
10/2/2024 4:02:00 PM | General, Men's Track, Women's Track, Volleyball
Set to Host 2027 D-I Outdoor Track & Field, 2027 D-II Women’s Volleyball & 2028 D-II Outdoor Track & Field
The announcement reflects the unified partnership between the University of North Florida and the TDC support and funding made possible through the City of Jacksonville's Sports Tourism Initiative that's being led by Visit Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Sports Foundation.
It will be the first time that the city of Jacksonville will host three different championships in a two-year period, and this marks the first time it will host these Division II collegiate tournaments.
"We are honored to be selected to host another three NCAA Championships on the University of North Florida campus," said Director of Athletics, Nick Morrow. "The 2027 NCAA Division I Men's & Women's Outdoor Track & Field First Round will be the ninth time we have hosted that event since 2012, which is more than anyone in the country in that time period. Additionally, the NCAA has entrusted UNF and the City of Jacksonville to host two national championships for the first time that will further highlight our city, our campus and our facilities."
"By hosting NCAA Championships, we bring a great economic impact for the city of Jacksonville and we expose the incredible UNF campus to the entire country," continued Morrow. "Since turning Division I, we have only continued to increase the amount of events and championships we have hosted and we intend to only grow our overall impact from here."
2027 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field East First Round - Hodges Stadium
2028 NCAA Division II Men's & Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships - Hodges Stadium
This marks the ninth time in the past 16 years that UNF will host the East First Round competition, including hosting the event this coming May 2025. It will be the first time in program history that Hodges Stadium will be the final destination for the Division II outdoor season.
Hodges Stadium, which has also served as host for the ASUN Conference Outdoor Track Championships in 15 of the past 16 seasons, previously hosted the NCAA East First Round in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2023. In addition, the stadium has served as the host site to Florida's high school state track & field championships various times.
As home to UNF's track & field and soccer teams, the 9,400-seat Hodges Stadium was opened in January 2004. It was renamed Hodges Stadium after a generous gift of $2 million from George and Kernan Hodges announced in October 2006.
Hodges Stadium is one of the few facilities in the U.S. to receive IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) certification. It is currently certified as a Class II facility, though it is built to Class I standards.
2027 NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Championship - UNF Arena
UNF Arena will host the 2027 NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Championship in conjunction with Edward Waters. It will be the second of three collegiate championship events that the Ospreys will host in a 12-month span.
Built in 1993 with major renovations in the fall of 2022, UNF Arena holds up to 5,800 seats and serves as the home for UNF basketball and volleyball teams. The recent upgrades include the addition of CSI Companies Court and the Bank of England Hospitality Suite, as well as new sound and lighting systems.
The facility also serves as host to special events, such as the Orlando Magic training camp, concerts and graduations and miscellaneous sporting events. It also served as the host training site for the 2004 U.S. men's and women's Olympic teams.
