The Florida High School Athletic Association announced Sept. 17 that the boys and girls state basketball championships will move to the University of North Florida Arena beginning this season, ending a run of over three decades in Lakeland.

The move marks the first time Northeast Florida has hosted the championships since the mid-1970s.

The boys championship has been held in Lakeland since 1996 and more than 40 years in the city overall. The girls tournament has been there since 1994.

“We’re thrilled to begin this new chapter for our basketball state championships at the University of North Florida,” FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon said in a press release. “The UNF Arena is a first-class facility, and Jacksonville offers an exciting opportunity to expand the reach and impact of this event.”

The UNF Arena in Jacksonville, known as CSI Companies Court, seats more than 5,100 fans and has hosted NCAA events, concerts and community programs. The venue provides a modern upgrade from Jenkins Arena at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, where the championships have been held.

For over three decades, the best high school basketball teams across Florida have descended on Lakeland and Jenkins Arena at the RP Funding Center for the sport’s ultimate showcase. The familiar venue has witnessed countless championship moments and has become synonymous with Florida high school basketball.

The decision to relocate comes amid past tensions between the FHSAA and Lakeland officials. In 2014, then-FHSAA Executive Director Roger Dearing told The Ledger the organization felt “like we’re not welcomed” in Lakeland after state Sen. Kelli Stargel spearheaded legislative efforts to limit the FHSAA’s authority.

“I would have to say the reason why we didn’t just go ahead and roll forward is we feel that the legislator here from Lakeland has been unfriendly to the FHSAA for three years now in the Legislature,” Dearing said at the time, referring to Stargel’s push for changes to FHSAA policies.

The FHSAA initially declined to renew Lakeland’s contract and sought bids from other cities, but Orlando, Jacksonville and Palm Beach failed to submit proposals. Lakeland ultimately retained the tournament with a reduced financial guarantee to the FHSAA, according to the Ledger in 2014.

Despite those tensions, several Tampa Bay area programs have captured titles in Lakeland in recent years. Gibbs High School won the Class 4A boys basketball state championship in 2024, defeating Jacksonville Andrew Jackson 49-43 for the school’s first title since 1969. The Gladiators’ victory came after three straight trips to the final four under coach Larry Murphy.

This past season, Gibbs returned to defend its title but lost a heartbreaking 63-62 decision to Fort Lauderdale Stranahan in the Class 4A final, falling just short of back-to-back championships.

Plant High School’s girls basketball team captured the Class 7A state title in 2021, defeating Miami High 52-40 after losing to the same team in the previous year’s title game.

Jesuit High School won the Class 5A boys basketball championship in 2013, finishing 31-1 in what many consider the greatest Tampa Bay area high school basketball team in history. The Tigers went unbeaten against Florida competition and won 30 games by 10 or more points.

The finals this season are scheduled for Feb. 24-27 for rural schools and Classes 1A-3A, and March 5-14 for Classes 4A-7A.

The FHSAA said more information about tickets for future championships will be announced in coming months.