TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M men's basketball will travel to St. Petersburg, Florida, this November to compete in the 2026 Showdown in St. Pete, a premier NCAA Division I men's basketball event featuring five programs from across the country.
The four-day event, held Nov. 11-14 at the McArthur Center on the campus of Eckerd College, will feature Florida A&M, George Mason, Bradley, Kansas City and Coppin State. The tournament provides the Rattlers with another opportunity to compete on a national stage while showcasing the program before a nationwide audience.
Florida A&M opens tournament play on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, when the Rattlers face Kansas City at 12 p.m. The game is one of four nationally streamed contests scheduled throughout the event. 2026 SISP Press Release
In addition to the on-court competition, the Showdown in St. Pete will feature several community engagement opportunities throughout the week, including a college and career fair, fan events and Veterans Day celebrations that connect participating institutions with the St. Petersburg community.
Rattler Nation will also can meet head coach Charlie Ward and the 2026-27 Florida A&M men's basketball team during "FAMU Takes Over St. Pete," scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at Tiki Docks St. Pete. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Florida A&M men's basketball program.
The inaugural Showdown in St. Pete drew more than 122,000 viewers and generated 16,746 hours watched across its 2025 broadcasts. Event organizers expanded the field to five Division I programs in 2026, creating additional national exposure for participating universities.
Florida residents can purchase $5 general admission tickets through Oct. 11, with prices increasing to $20 afterward. VIP ticket packages and additional information regarding broadcasts, ticketing and fan experiences will be announced closer to the event. All four games will stream free across multiple digital platforms.
2026 Showdown in St. Pete Schedule
Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Florida A&M vs. Kansas City – 12 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 12
- Kansas City vs. George Mason – 3 p.m.
- Bradley vs. Coppin State – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 14
- Bradley vs. George Mason – 1 p.m.
