Fort Smith will once again take center court as it hosts the 2026 Great American Conference (GAC) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, set for Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Northside Arena. The four-day tournament will feature the top eight men’s and women’s teams from across the conference, delivering high-energy postseason competition and a championship atmosphere in the River Valley. Tickets are now available for purchase at GoFan.
The event further strengthens Fort Smith’s reputation as a destination for sports and athletic events. With easy highway access, ample lodging, and a welcoming community, the city offers visiting teams and fans an experience that extends beyond the court—featuring local dining, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions.
“Hosting the GAC Basketball Championships is about more than competition—it’s about community pride and creating memorable experiences,” said Ashleigh Bachert, executive director of the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“These championships bring energy to our city, support our local economy, and showcase Fort Smith as a great place to visit, work, and live.” Northside Arena, which opened in 2021 and seats approximately 2,300 fans, provides a modern, fan-friendly venue designed to deliver a top-tier championship experience for student-athletes and spectators alike.
Tournament play begins Thursday afternoon with quarterfinal matchups, continues through semifinal games on Friday and Saturday, and concludes with the men’s and women’s championship games on Sunday, March 8. Get your tickets today!
2026 GAC Basketball Championships Schedule
Thursday, March 5
● Men’s Game 1: Noon – Quarterfinal #1: No. 2 vs. No. 7
● Women’s Game 1: 2:15 PM – Quarterfinal #1: No. 2 vs. No. 7
● Men’s Game 2: 5:45 PM – Quarterfinal #2: No. 1 vs. No. 8
● Women’s Game 2: 8:00 PM – Quarterfinal #2: No. 1 vs. No. 8
Friday, March 6
● Men’s Game 3: Noon – Quarterfinal #3: No. 4 vs. No. 5
● Men’s Game 4: 2:15 PM – Quarterfinal #4: No. 3 vs. No. 6
● Women’s Game 3: 5:45 PM – Quarterfinal #3: No. 4 vs. No. 5
● Women’s Game 4: 8:00 PM – Quarterfinal #4: No. 3 vs. No. 6
Saturday, March 7
● Men’s Game 5: Noon – Semifinal #1: Winner G2 vs Winner G3
● Men’s Game 6: 2:15 PM – Semifinal #2: Winner G1 vs Winner G4
● Women’s Game 5: 5:45 PM – Semifinal #1: Winner G2 vs Winner G3
● Women’s Game 6: 8:00 PM – Semifinal #2: Winner G1 vs Winner G4
Sunday, March 8
● Men’s Game 7: 1:00 PM – Final: Winner G5 vs Winner G6
● Women’s Game 7: 3:30 PM – Final: Winner G5 vs Winner G6
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About Discover Fort Smith Discover Fort Smith is the official destination marketing organization for Fort Smith, Arkansas, promoting tourism, events, and the city’s unique culture, history, and outdoor experiences.
Media Contact: Olan James
Discover Fort Smith
Experiences Manager
olan@discoverfortsmith.com
(479)-629-4975
