November 22 and 24, 2026 | Ocean Center | Daytona Beach, Florida
College basketball is returning to the beach this Thanksgiving week as the 2026 Sunshine Slam tips off at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
The seventh annual men’s college basketball event will bring four NCAA Division I programs to Daytona Beach for three exciting matchups. This year’s field features the University of Wyoming, Duquesne University, High Point University and Kent State University.
Fans, families, students and alumni can cheer on their favorite teams while enjoying a Thanksgiving getaway near the Atlantic Ocean.
When Is the 2026 Sunshine Slam?
The 2026 Sunshine Slam will be played Sunday, November 22, and Tuesday, November 24.
Scheduled games:
Sunday, November 22
- Wyoming vs. Duquesne at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 24
- Wyoming vs. Kent State at 5:30 p.m.
- High Point vs. Duquesne at 7:30 p.m.
All times are Eastern and are subject to change. Fans should check the official Sunshine Slam website before attending for current schedules and tournament information.
Where Is the Sunshine Slam Being Played?
The Sunshine Slam will be held at:
Ocean Center
101 N. Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Located near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean, the Ocean Center provides fans with an opportunity to enjoy live college basketball in one of Florida’s most popular beach destinations.
Max Beach Resort is approximately 1.8 miles from the Ocean Center, allowing basketball fans to stay close to the games while enjoying a spacious oceanfront residence.
Which Teams Are Playing in the 2026 Sunshine Slam?
The four teams scheduled to participate are:
Wyoming Cowboys
Representing the Mountain West Conference, the University of Wyoming Cowboys will face Duquesne on Sunday before returning to play Kent State on Tuesday.
Duquesne Dukes
The Duquesne University Dukes of the Atlantic 10 Conference will open against Wyoming and then take on High Point during Tuesday evening’s second game.
High Point Panthers
The High Point University Panthers represent the Big South Conference. They are scheduled to face Duquesne on Tuesday, November 24.
Kent State Golden Flashes
Kent State University represents the Mid-American Conference. The Golden Flashes will meet Wyoming in Tuesday’s opening game.
The Sunshine Slam gives fans an opportunity to watch programs from four different conferences compete in Daytona Beach before conference play gets underway.
A Thanksgiving Week Tradition in Daytona Beach
Scheduled just before Thanksgiving, the Sunshine Slam offers families and alumni an opportunity to combine college basketball with a holiday beach getaway.
Fans traveling from Wyoming, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Ohio can support their teams while experiencing Daytona Beach’s warmer weather, beautiful coastline and popular attractions.
Visitors can spend time by the ocean, explore the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, visit local shops and restaurants or simply relax together before Thanksgiving Day.
Where to Stay Near the Sunshine Slam
Fans searching for hotels near the Sunshine Slam or places to stay near the Ocean Center will find a spacious alternative to a traditional hotel room at Max Beach Resort.
Our condo-style accommodations are especially convenient for families, alumni and groups traveling together. Choose from:
- One-bedroom residences that sleep up to four guests
- Two-bedroom residences that sleep up to six guests
- Three-bedroom residences that sleep up to eight guests
Each residence includes a full kitchen, separate living and sleeping spaces, a private washer and dryer, smart televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi and an expansive private terrace.
More Space for Basketball Fans Traveling Together
A multi-bedroom residence allows families, friends and alumni to stay together while still having room to relax.
Guests can gather in the living area to discuss the games, watch additional college basketball or plan their next day in Daytona Beach. Separate bedrooms provide privacy, while a full kitchen makes it easy to prepare breakfast, snacks or a meal between tournament sessions.
Private washers and dryers are also convenient for families and guests extending their visit through Thanksgiving week.
Relax by the Ocean Between Games
When the final buzzer sounds, return to Max Beach Resort and unwind beside the Atlantic Ocean.
Resort amenities include:
- Direct beach access
- An oceanfront heated pool and jacuzzi
- Venn Bar Beachside Eatery
- An oceanfront lawn
- A state-of-the-art Technogym® fitness center
- Expansive private terraces
- The 12th-floor Beacon Lounge
The Beacon Lounge offers floor-to-ceiling views along with billiards, foosball and tabletop shuffleboard. It is a comfortable place for friends and family members to gather between games.
Dine at Venn Bar During Your Stay
Busy tournament schedules can make convenient dining especially valuable. Venn Bar Beachside Eatery is located at Max Beach Resort and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Guests can enjoy a meal before heading to the Ocean Center or relax with food and drinks after a day of basketball. Each residence also includes a full kitchen for guests who prefer to prepare their own meals.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sunshine Slam
When is the 2026 Sunshine Slam?
The Sunshine Slam will be held Sunday, November 22, and Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
Where is the Sunshine Slam played?
The tournament will be played at the Ocean Center, located at 101 N. Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Which teams are playing in the 2026 Sunshine Slam?
The 2026 field includes Wyoming, Duquesne, High Point and Kent State.
What is the 2026 Sunshine Slam schedule?
Wyoming plays Duquesne at 2:00 p.m. Sunday. On Tuesday, Wyoming faces Kent State at 5:30 p.m., followed by High Point against Duquesne at 7:30 p.m. Times are subject to change.
Are Sunshine Slam tickets available to the public?
Yes. Sunshine Slam tickets are available to the public. Fans should visit the official tournament website or authorized ticket provider for current availability and pricing.
Where can families and groups stay near the Ocean Center?
Max Beach Resort is approximately 1.8 miles from the Ocean Center. Its one-, two- and three-bedroom oceanfront residences sleep up to eight guests and include full kitchens, private washers and dryers, separate living areas and expansive terraces.
Plan Your Sunshine Slam Getaway
The Sunshine Slam brings the excitement of NCAA Division I college basketball to one of Florida’s favorite beach destinations. Whether you are traveling to support your university, reconnect with alumni or enjoy live basketball with your family, the tournament offers a memorable way to begin Thanksgiving week.
Stay close to the Ocean Center while enjoying the space, comfort and convenience of an oceanfront residence at Max Beach Resort.
2026 Sunshine Slam
November 22 and 24, 2026
Ocean Center
101 N. Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach, Florida
