Upcoming track season at the Sports and Events Center
Press release from Alachua County
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Alachua County is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the Indoor Track Season on the Jimmy Carnes Track at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center, marking a major milestone for sports tourism, economic development, and community impact in our region.
The 2026 Indoor Track Season is expected to welcome an estimated 15,000 athletes over the course of eight weekends of competition, drawing participants, families, coaches, and spectators from across the nation and around the world. This surge of activity showcases the county’s expanding role as a premier destination for high-caliber sporting events.
Alachua County has established a strong record of hosting significant national and international competitions. Between now and 2026, the center will have hosted four national championships and a world championship at the Sports and Events Center. Looking ahead to 2027, an additional national championship and world championship are already confirmed. This continuous pipeline of elite events positions the County as a leader in sports tourism and facility excellence.
“These events bring people together through sport while also strengthening our local economy,” said Sports and Events Manager Stephen Rodriguez. “The custom-built World Athletics-compliant Mondo indoor track at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center enhances our ability to host major competitions, serve athletes at every level, and shine a spotlight on some of the exceptional opportunities in Alachua County.”
The center continues to serve as a catalyst for tourism and economic development. Beyond the immediate impacts of visitor spending, event activity contributes to long-term growth in the hospitality sector, workforce development, and increased visibility for the county.
“The Alachua County Sports and Events Center bolsters the tourism economy, supports local businesses, and reinforces our reputation as a welcoming and competitive destination,” said Jessica Hurov, the tourism and economic development director for Alachua County. “We’re proud of the facility’s success and the partnerships that make it such a valuable community asset, and we look forward to an exciting 2026 and beyond.”
The center demonstrates Alachua County’s ongoing commitment to investing in facilities that enhance the experiences of athletes and visitors while enriching the quality of life for residents.
The 2026 Indoor Track and Field season begins with the Jimmy Carnes Invitational, hosted by the Gainesville Sports Commission. It concludes with the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships, in its second year at the center. Training opportunities will be available during the season and will be announced in January 2026.
- Jan. 15-18, 2026 — Jimmy Carnes Invitational
- Jan. 23-24, 2026 — Sports and Events Center Invitational and Multi-Event
- Jan. 24-25, 2026 — Sunshine Showcase and US Pentathlon Challenge
- Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2026 — The Legends of Alachua County Invitational
- Feb. 6, 2026 — Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Indoor Classic
- Feb. 7, 2026 — Florida High School Indoor Championship
- Feb. 8, 2026 — FLYRA Youth Indoor Championships
- Feb. 20 – 21, 2026 — The Sun Conference / Southern States Conference Combined Indoor Championships
- Feb. 23, 2026 — Peachbelt Conference Championships
- March 3 – March 7, 2026 — NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships
Since coming under County management on Oct 1, 2025, the center has continued to host tournaments, trade shows, and performances, reinforcing its role as a world-class multipurpose destination for the region. Its flexibility allows us to host a wide range of events that draw visitors, support local businesses, and create meaningful economic and community impact year-round.
Learn more about the Sports and Events Center.
“The center demonstrates Alachua County’s ongoing commitment to investing in facilities that enhance the experiences of athletes and visitors while enriching the quality of life for residents”
Really? And just how much this taxpayer funded boondoggle going to cost us to bailout the bankrupt Celebration Pointless. I’m sure it will make as much money as Ironwood golf course…not.
This Center was paid for is operated with Bed Tax paid by visitors to the County. Alachua County is not “bailing out” Celebration Pointe, we have simply decide to terminate our agreement with CP and have hired professionals to run it ourselves. We hope you’ll come enjoy track season in this incredible facility.
And…please keep us posted as to your (our) profit & loss with this boondoggle. If it’s the same as Ironwood, taxpayers are getting hosed…..again.
Not a good comparison Ironwood=Sports Center.
Ironwood is an expensive endeavor that has failed to meet minimal expectations in terms of fees paid to support its maintenance. Is it a City luxury we can’t afford or is a recreational opportunity we should support? valid questions.
The sports center brings in tourism and stimulating the local economy with hotel rooms and restaurants and local sales tax $$$, which provides many jobs. Its value shouldn’t be judged only on facility rental fees, participant and spectator entry fees. To be fair it’s too early to tell how that is working out.
This news is a very positive development.
Are you implying that there is no remaining balance on the loan the county took out to build this facility?
I was under the impression there is a balance between $26M and $30M, excluding debt service fees owed by the county.
There is only enough Bed Tax revenue to cover maintenance and other monthly overhead costs.
Some important facts that were ‘conveniently’ left out by the previous posters. I wonder why? Alachua county is hellbent on getting taxpayers on the hook for their money losing misadventures.
WUFT reported
The facility cost $38 million and was primarily funded by the county’s Tourist Development Tax ($30 million), which is paid by visitors to Alachua County. The remaining $8 million was paid by Viking Inc. ($5.7 million) and the state of Florida ($2.3 million).
“The good news for local residents is that their property and sales tax dollars are not what is building this facility,” said Sexton. “It’s being built by the people that come and enjoy Alachua County.”
The Sports and Events Center is expected to bring in $77 million per year and create over 1,100 jobs. It is expected to generate $12 million in hotel spending and draw business to surrounding restaurants and stores.