The Southern Conference (SoCon), City of Asheville, Explore Asheville powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, and the Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Commission announced today a new 10-year agreement extending Asheville’s role as the host city of the Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships through 2035.
The announcement made at Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville reaffirms a long-standing partnership between the four entities and the conference’s commitment to Asheville and Buncombe County. The Asheville community and supporting organizations have collectively shaped the tournament into one of the premier college basketball events in the United States.
A Tradition of Excellence
“This 10-year extension represents one of the most significant and stable championship partnerships in all of collegiate athletics,” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. “Very few conference basketball tournaments can claim the kind of continuity and deep-rooted connection that we’ve built with Asheville over the past quarter-century. This isn’t just about finding a venue – Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville has become synonymous with the Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships, and our student-athletes, coaches, and fans have created memories here that will last a lifetime.”
The extension builds on more than a decade of collaboration that has driven strong attendance, community engagement, significant economic impact, and unforgettable moments.
“We are proud to know that the SoCon recognizes the connection, passion, support and ownership Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville and the community has to bringing championship events to Asheville,” says Asheville Community and Regional Enterntainment Facility Director Chris Corl. “We look forward to another 10 years of the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville serving as the host venue for the Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships.”
Community Support
The Ingles Southern Conference Championships have been held in Asheville from 1984 to 1995 and from 2012 to the present, spanning a combined 26 years.
“The passion of this community and the volunteers, the exceptional management of the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, and the unwavering support from our partners at Explore Asheville and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission made this decision the right one for the SoCon, “says SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. “We’re not just extending a contract; we’re affirming a competitive legacy to create the next decade of championship moments. With basketball, volleyball, and wrestling all calling Asheville home, we couldn’t be more proud or excited about our future here.”
SoCon Championships in Asheville 2025-26
- Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships
- Ingles Southern Conference Volleyball Championships
- Southern Conference Wrestling Championships
You can learn more about ticket purchases and related events, like local Asheville favorite – Downtown Dribble, at Harrah’s Cherokee Center -Asheville and Explore Asheville websites.
About the Southern Conference
The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., includes ten member institutions across six states: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College. Tennessee Tech University will join the SoCon as a full member for the 2026-27 season.