Daytona Beach Wins Bid to Host NCA & NDA Collegiate Championship Through 2030

- Ocean Center and Daytona Beach Bandshell to Host Premier Collegiate Cheer and Dance Competition in the World -
- April 8-11, 2026, Competition Marks 30^th Year in Daytona Beach -

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Varsity Spirit – a division of Varsity Brands and a leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps, competitions, and yearbooks – is pleased to announce two of its brands, National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) & National Dance Alliance (NDA) Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship – the premier collegiate cheer and dance competition in the world – will continue to call Daytona Beach home through 2030.

The 2025 championship attracted the nation's top college cheer and dance programs, with more than 470 teams competing in Daytona Beach utilizing 38 hotel partners throughout the area. The 2026 competition, which will be the 30^th year held in Daytona Beach, is already scheduled for April 8-11 at the Daytona Beach Bandshell and the Ocean Center.

"We are thrilled that the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship will continue to call Daytona Beach home through 2030," said Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director for the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. "This event has become a beloved tradition for both the teams and our community, delivering unforgettable moments to the student-athletes such as hoisting the golden trophy in the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond the excitement and spirit, this event provides significant economic impact and positive national exposure that benefits our local businesses and hospitality partners. We're proud to continue this partnership with Varsity and we look forward to hosting this prestigious championship event for the next five years – and hopefully well beyond."

"Daytona has been one of the most iconic and prestigious events on the NCA and NDA calendars for almost three decades and we are thrilled to continue to hold this event alongside such a great city and partner," said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. "We look forward to welcoming thousands of athletes again next April and building even more incredible moments and memories for our athletes in the years ahead."

"Our partnership with NCA and NDA is more than just an annual event; it's part of the legacy of the Ocean Center," said Lynn Flanders, General Manager of the Ocean Center. "For decades, we've watched unforgettable moments unfold on our floors and lifelong memories take place right here on our stage. We're proud to continue that tradition through 2030 and to be the place where athletes, families, and fans come together to celebrate the spirit of competition in a truly one-of-a-kind coastal setting."

"I couldn't be more thrilled and grateful that the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship have chosen to continue calling Daytona Beach home through 2030," said Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry. "This is a tremendous affirmation of the energy and hospitality our city brings to this iconic event year after year. We're honored by their confidence and look forward to welcoming student-athletes, coaches, families and fans from across the country to our world-famous beach for many more unforgettable competitions."

For more information about the event, please visit varsity.com.

About the Daytona Beach Area | #LoveDaytonaBeach
Often called home of the world's most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions. The Daytona Beach area is made up of several cities and towns including Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill and South Daytona. The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions, upscale lodging, a vibrant arts scene and an amazing collection of parks, preserves and outdoor activities are all part of Daytona Beach's year-round appeal. To receive a complimentary Daytona Beach Destination Guide, find a place to stay, or book your next adventure, visit DaytonaBeach.com. #LoveDaytonaBeach.

About Varsity Spirit
Memphis-based Varsity Spirit, the driving force behind cheerleading's dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team and performing arts. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation, as well as educational camps, clinics and competitions, impacting more than a million athletes each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit's employees have been dedicated to celebrating spirit through its brands since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, please visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com.

Media Contact:
Andrew Booth, Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
[email protected] | (386) 255-0415, ext. 125

SOURCE Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau