JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a collaborative announcement on Wednesday, the University of North Florida Athletics, the Jacksonville Sports Foundation (JSF) and the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced that starting in 2026, CSI Companies Court at UNF Arena will host the FHSAA Basketball State Championships.
 
The three-year agreement relocates the FHSAA Boys and Girls State Basketball Championships, one of the state's premiere high school sporting events, to Jacksonville for the first time in nearly 50 years. 
 
"Hosting the FHSAA Basketball State Championships on CSI Companies Court at UNF Arena is a tremendous honor and a reflection of our commitment to amplifying the University of North Florida's visibility across the state, while driving a significant economic impact for the City of Jacksonville," Director of Athletics Nick Morrow said. "This event not only showcases our university, but strengthens our connection with the community."
 
"UNF Arena has been consistently elevated as a strategic move to attract external events like the FHSAA Championships. These events validate the investment and ensure the facilities are used to their full potential, benefiting both UNF and the community. Bringing the FHSAA Championships to UNF Arena draws student-athletes, families and fans from across Florida, boosting local tourism and hospitality sections. UNF remains positioned to be a major player in Florida and a hub for hosting major events."
 
In 2024, North Florida Athletics announced renovations and expansions of team locker room spaces for men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball, in addition to full renovations to the athletic training and nutrition areas. Other additions include custom lockers, team lounges and a film room, in addition to a spa room and hot-cold tubs for athletic training.
 
In 2022, North Florida Athletics and CSI Companies partnered for a seven-year agreement that positioned the CSI Companies Court at UNF Arena to host with a new court and facility enhancements. The partnership led to the construction of Texana Bank Suite and Hayt Osprey Outlook, in addition to significant upgrades to the lighting and sound systems that ensures an elevated fan experience.
 
"This agreement is monumental for the University of North Florida and the city of Jacksonville," Deputy Athletic Director of Facilities and Operations Ervin Lewis added. "This is just another example of hard work and persistence by our staff knowing that opportunities to host championships will continue to come our way because our potential as a staff does not have limits. It is our standard to provide memorable experiences, while being able to pivot around the challenges of hosting championships."
 
"We're thrilled to begin this new chapter for our basketball state championships at the University of North Florida," FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon said. "UNF Arena is a first-class facility, and Jacksonville offers an exciting opportunity to expand the reach and impact of this event."
 
The 2026 FHSAA Basketball State Championships are scheduled for Feb. 24-27, 2026, for Rural Classification Championships and March 5-14, 2026, for 1A-7A Classification Championships. More information on the event will be announced at a later date.