Johnson City, Tenn., Selected as Host Site of 2025 and 2026 Big South Basketball Championships

Freedom Hall Civic Center is First Venue to Hold Tournaments Outside Conference’s Traditional Footprint

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Big South Conference Council of Chief Executive Officers has awarded the 2025 and 2026 Hercules Tires Big South Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships to Johnson City, Tenn., bringing the tournaments to the “Mountain South” and Freedom Hall Civic Center. The facility marks the league’s sixth overall neutral site for its marquee basketball events in the conference’s 40-year history. The agreement includes a mutual option for 2027.

“I’m excited that the Big South Conference basketball championships are moving back to a neutral site,” shared GWU President Dr. William Downs. 

Downs, who also serves as the President of the Big South Conference Council of CEOs, noted that “our head coaches and our student-athletes expressed their clear preference to play somewhere that had a ‘tourney feel,’ which is what we’ll now have for at least the next two years. I’m pleased for them, and I can’t wait for March Madness ’25!”

Gardner-Webb Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jeremy Luther echoed Downs’ enthusiasm. “I am very glad the Big South has decided to return to a traditional neutral site venue for the tournament,” Luther affirmed. “Johnson City has a rich history of basketball in the area, a great arena to watch games, and a good location for fans to come and enjoy the Big South tournament.”

Head Women’s Basketball Coach Scott Merritt applauded Big South and Johnson City leaders. “I can’t wait to take part in this year’s tournament,” Merritt asserted. “The Big South has worked extremely hard to make sure all the student athletes get that real conference tournament experience.  Johnson City is primed and ready to make this year’s event the best yet. ’Sko dawgs!”

Located an average of three hours from the Big South’s nine member institutions, Johnson City becomes the first location outside the conference’s traditional footprint to host the basketball championships, and will continue the league’s staging of the combined tournaments that has occurred since 2022. The 2025 Hercules Tires Big South Basketball Championships are scheduled for Wednesday-Sunday, March 5-9 at 6,500-seat Freedom Hall.

“The Big South Conference looks forward to partnering with Johnson City in hosting a first class and memorable championship experience in the ‘Mountain South’ for our basketball student-athletes,” said Big South Commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery. “Representatives of Johnson City made it clear that attracting a premier sporting event was a priority. The Big South is confident that this partnership will showcase highly competitive basketball programs while creating brand exposure in this thriving region.”

Brenda Whitson, executive director of Visit Johnson City, also applauded the decision. “This is a celebration of teamwork and our relentless pursuit of providing a positive and enriching experience for all of the athletes and fans who will travel to Johnson City for the Big South Basketball Championships,” she stated.

Johnson City’s Mayor Dr. Todd Fowler added, “The Big South’s commitment to their student-athletes was immediately evident and something that was glaringly similar to our devotion to Johnson City and its residents.”

The Big South’s five previous neutral site conference tournaments were held in 1991-92 (men’s—Civic Center of Anderson, S.C.), 1993-94 (men’s—North Charleston Coliseum, S.C.), 1999-00 (men’s and women’s—Asheville Civic Center, N.C.), 2002-03 (men’s and women’s—Roanoke Civic Center, Va.) and 2022-23 (men’s and women’s—Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C.)

The Hercules Tires Big South Basketball Championships will join an array of world class events hosted by Johnson City, which includes 12 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships, the PDGA Pro Masters Disc Golf World Championship, PDGA US Women’s Disc Golf Championship, Bands of America Regional/National Championships, AAU National Invitational Baseball Championships, USSSA Baseball National Championships, Appalachian Athletic Conference Baseball Championships, USA Softball Olympic Team Exhibition Game, and ASA/USA Softball Fastpitch National Championships for 30+ years.

Freedom Hall opened in 1974 and is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024-25. The facility has played host to more than 2,500 events since its opening act featuring Bob Hope 50 years ago.  Freedom Hall has served the Tri-Cities region for all forms of activities, concerts to rodeos, conventions to sports events, both local and professional.

The official 2025 Hercules Tires Big South Championship tournament logo, schedule and ticket packages will be announced as finalized.

About Visit Johnson City

The Johnson City Convention and Visitors Bureau invests in the promotion and development of the community’s distinctive experiences to drive sustainable economic growth and quality of place. Named Top Adventure Town by Blue Ridge Outdoors, Johnson City is the ultimate place for world-class recreation.  In Johnson City, visitors can hike to panoramic mountain views from Buffalo Mountain while being just minutes from the historic downtown district—home to local restaurants, breweries, retail shops, parks, public art, and 360° mountain views.

About Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.