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Emerald Coast Classic 2025: March 15-17 Women's Basketball Showdown in Fort Walton Beach

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 1:48 GMT by Sporting News

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Emerald Coast Classic 2025: A Complete Overview of Schedule, Bracket, Broadcast, and Fan Experience

The Emerald Coast Classic has quickly become one of the most anticipated early‑season showcases for women’s college basketball, and the 2025 edition is no exception. Hosted in the picturesque Gulf‑coast city of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the tournament brings together eight elite programs for a three‑day, single‑elimination battle that fans can watch live on a variety of television and streaming platforms. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know to catch every dunk, steal, and buzzer‑beater.

1. The Tournament at a Glance

• Dates: Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 17, 2025
• Venue: AdventHealth Arena, 4001 Gulf Drive, Fort Walton Beach, FL
• Format: 8‑team single elimination with a full bracket, including a consolation round for teams that fall in the opening matchups.
• Audience: 20,000 seats across three days, with an on‑site “Fan Zone” featuring meet‑and‑greet opportunities, vendor stalls, and interactive basketball experiences.

The Classic’s organizers have built the event around showcasing competitive play while providing a community‑focused atmosphere. According to the article’s sidebar, the tournament also includes a “Women’s Basketball Scholars” panel held on Saturday night, featuring alumni who have leveraged their basketball experience into professional careers in sports medicine, broadcasting, and coaching.

2. The Teams

The 2025 Classic roster reflects a mix of power‑house conferences and emerging programs. Below is the full line‑up, drawn from the tournament’s official announcement:

Note: The article includes hyperlinks to each program’s roster and recent highlights, allowing fans to explore player stats and previous season performances before the tournament begins.

3. The Bracket

The Classic follows a straightforward 8‑team bracket with a consolation bracket for the first‑round losers. A PDF of the official bracket is linked in the article’s sidebar for quick reference. The matchups are as follows:

• Opening Round (Friday, March 15):
  - Game 1: #1 Louisville vs. #8 USC
  - Game 2: #4 Clemson vs. #5 UConn
  - Game 3: #2 Texas A&M vs. #7 North Carolina
  - Game 4: #3 Oregon vs. #6 Indiana

• Semifinals (Saturday, March 16):
  - Game 5: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
  - Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4

• Consolation Semifinals (Saturday, March 16):
  - Game 7: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2
  - Game 8: Loser of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4

• Finals (Sunday, March 17):
  - Championship: Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6
  - Third‑place: Winner of Game 7 vs. Winner of Game 8

The article also notes that the tournament’s final will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network in high definition, with commentary from former WNBA star and current analyst Lisa Salters.

4. How to Watch

The Classic offers a hybrid broadcast model that caters to both traditional TV viewers and the growing streaming audience.

Key Points from the Article:

1. ESPN+ is the exclusive home for the first‑round games. Subscribers can stream in 4K HDR, and the platform offers the option to pause and rewind live action—ideal for fans who want to catch every critical play.
2. CBS Sports Network carries the semifinals and the championship in standard definition. The network’s commentary lineup includes Lisa Salters and former UCLA coach Shannon Morrison, bringing professional insight to each matchup.
3. The Classic’s official website provides a live‑stream link for fans who prefer to watch directly from a computer or mobile device, ensuring that those without a cable subscription still have access to all games.

For those who are new to the tournament, the article links to a “How to Watch Guide” that explains the step‑by‑step process for setting up each streaming service, troubleshooting common playback issues, and accessing closed captions.

5. Ticketing and Fan Experience

While the Classic’s article primarily focuses on schedule and broadcast, it also includes practical details for in‑person fans:

• Ticket Packages: General admission starts at $45, while premium “VIP Lounge” seats cost $120 and include a complimentary bottled water and a signed “Emerald Coast Classic” basketball.
• Family Packs: Special rates for families with children under 12; kids can attend at $20 per ticket.
• Transportation: Shuttles run from the Fort Walton Beach downtown area to the arena every hour during game times.
• Local Partnerships: The Classic partners with the Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau to offer discounted hotel rooms for ticket holders staying at participating hotels.

The article emphasizes the tournament’s commitment to community engagement by detailing the “Emerald Coast Classic Fan Fest,” which features on‑site activities such as a 3‑point contest, a skills clinic for aspiring high school players, and a live music stage featuring local Florida musicians.

6. Historical Context

The 2025 Emerald Coast Classic marks the sixth year of the tournament, which began in 2019 after the original “Emerald Coast Classic” was rebranded to focus exclusively on women's college basketball. According to the article, the tournament has already produced several memorable moments, including a triple‑double performance by UConn’s Nikki McClain in 2023 and a last‑second buzzer‑beater by Texas A&M’s Jasmine Smith in the 2024 final.

The tournament’s founders, John “JJ” Jackson and Katherine “Kate” Rodriguez, highlight that the Classic’s success is built on strong media partnerships and a dedication to highlighting the growth of women’s sports in the Southeast. Their vision is that the Emerald Coast Classic not only entertains but also serves as a platform for aspiring female athletes.

7. Key Takeaways

For fans who can’t be there in person, the broadcast lineup ensures you won’t miss a moment. If you prefer the live‑action thrill, the arena’s capacity and fan‑friendly amenities make it a memorable outing. Either way, the Emerald Coast Classic is set to be a headline‑making event for the 2025 women’s college basketball season.

Stay tuned to the Sporting News article for last‑minute updates on ticket releases, potential schedule changes, and live game recaps. Don’t forget to follow the tournament’s official social media handles for real‑time play‑by‑play commentary and behind‑the‑scenes footage.