Florida A&M men’s basketball will head to St. Petersburg in November for the 2026 Showdown in St. Pete, a four-day NCAA Division I event at the McArthur Center on Eckerd College’s campus.
The Rattlers are scheduled to open play against Kansas City at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. The event also includes George Mason, Bradley and Coppin State, with games scheduled through Nov. 14.
Florida residents can buy general-admission tickets for $5 through Oct. 11. Prices will rise to $20 after that date, according to Florida A&M. VIP packages and more details on broadcasts, ticketing and fan experiences are expected closer to the event. All four games will stream free on multiple digital platforms.
The Showdown will also include a college and career fair, fan events and Veterans Day celebrations. Before the tournament, “FAMU Takes Over St. Pete” is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Tiki Docks St. Pete, where fans can meet coach Charlie Ward and the 2026-27 Rattlers. Proceeds will benefit the Florida A&M men’s basketball program.
The inaugural event’s 2025 broadcasts drew more than 122,000 viewers and generated 16,746 hours watched, Florida A&M said. Organizers expanded the 2026 field to five Division I programs.
