Full Breakdown
ACC Women's Basketball Tournament Moves to Duluth, Georgia
3/4/2026, 9:05:51 PM
Overview of the Event
The 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Women's Basketball Tournament will take place at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia, marking a significant shift as it is the first time the tournament is hosted at a neutral site outside of the Carolinas. The tournament is set to begin on March 4, 2026, with the championship game scheduled for March 8, 2026. This decision follows an extensive bidding process that concluded with Duluth being selected over other potential locations.
Decision Process and Venue Details
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips explained that the selection process involved an open-bid system, allowing various locations within the ACC's East Coast footprint to submit proposals. Duluth's Gas South Arena, which has a capacity of 13,000, was chosen for its outstanding proposal. The arena has previously hosted the Southeastern Conference (SEC) women's basketball tournament and is currently home to several sports teams, including the Atlanta Gladiators and Georgia Swarm.
Historically, the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament has been held in Greensboro, North Carolina, almost every year since 2000, with the exception of one year. Last year's tournament at First Horizon Coliseum attracted over 70,000 fans, indicating strong interest in women's basketball within the conference.
Tournament Coverage
The ACC Network (ACCN) will provide extensive coverage of the tournament, featuring over 35 hours of live games and studio programming. The first and second rounds, along with select quarterfinal matchups, will be aired exclusively on ACCN, while the semifinals and championship game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN, respectively. Notable commentators for the tournament include Jenn Hildreth, Courtney Lyle, and Beth Mowins, among others.
Community Engagement Initiatives
As part of the ACC's community outreach, the tournament will host local youth from organizations such as Athletes for Hope and the Boys & Girls Club, offering them opportunities to participate in sports clinics and other activities. This initiative is part of ESPN's "Take Back Sports" program, aimed at promoting youth engagement in sports.
Criticism & Opposition
While the move to Duluth has been generally well-received, some critics question the decision to shift the tournament from its traditional location in Greensboro. Concerns have been raised about accessibility for fans and the potential impact on attendance, given Duluth's distance from major metropolitan areas.
What's Next
The host site for the 2027 ACC Women's Basketball Tournament has yet to be announced, leaving open the possibility for future changes in venue location as the conference continues to evaluate options for its marquee events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We went to an open-bid process, and we allowed everybody within our East Coast footprint to bid,” — Jim Phillips, ACC Commissioner
- “I don’t even know where Duluth is,” — Courtney Banghart, North Carolina Coach
This year's tournament promises to be a landmark event for the ACC, showcasing the growing popularity of women's basketball and the conference's commitment to expanding its reach beyond traditional boundaries.
